Business & Compliance
One Person Company Example (OPC) In India
2.1. Example 1: Freelancer or Consultant
2.2. Example 2: Software Developer
2.3. Example 3: Content Creator and Media Production
2.4. Example 4: Coaching or Online Tutoring Business
2.5. Example 5: E-commerce Brand (Single Promoter)
2.6. Example 6: Boutique Agency (Design, Branding, or Video)
2.7. Example 7: Cloud Kitchen or Home Bakery Brand
2.9. Example 9: Mental Health and Wellness
2.10. Example 10: Travel and Tourism
3. ConclusionAre you a solo entrepreneur or freelancer looking to formalize your business? You likely want the benefits of a corporate identity and limited liability protection. However, the traditional requirement of having a co-founder for a Private Limited Company often stands in your way. You might feel stuck between remaining a Sole Proprietorship with unlimited risk or scrambling to find a second director just to meet compliance norms. This is exactly where the One Person Company (OPC) structure comes in. It offers the best of both worlds by allowing a single individual to operate as a separate legal entity. To help you understand how this works in the real world, we have compiled a detailed list. In this guide, we will walk you through a specific one-person company example for various industries. We will explore 10 practical scenarios in India to help you decide if this business structure aligns with your entrepreneurial goals.
What is a One Person Company (OPC)?
Understanding the legal structure of your business is crucial before you dive into registration. A One Person Company (OPC) is exactly what it sounds like. It is a unique business entity that allows a single individual to own and manage a company.
Legal Definition
In simple terms, an OPC is defined under Section 2(62) of the Companies Act, 2013, as a company that has only one person as a member. Unlike traditional structures that require at least two people, this provision empowers solo entrepreneurs. According to Section 3(1)(c) of the Act, an OPC is formed as a private limited company. This means that while it is run by one individual, it must still adhere to many of the regulations applicable to private companies, ensuring it maintains a legitimate corporate standing.
Why People Choose OPC?
Entrepreneurs often choose this structure because it bridges the gap between a sole proprietorship and a full-fledged private limited company. Here are the primary benefits explained in plain English:
- Limited Liability: This is the most significant advantage. In a sole proprietorship, your personal savings and assets are at risk if the business fails. In an OPC, your liability is limited to the unpaid share capital. Your personal car, house, or savings remain safe even if the company faces financial trouble.
- Separate Legal Identity: An OPC is a distinct legal entity separate from its owner. The company can own property, incur debts, and sue or be sued in its own name. This gives your business a professional image and credibility that a proprietorship lacks.
- Complete Control: You retain full control over the business operations. You do not have to worry about disagreements with co-founders or diluted decision-making power. You get the structure of a corporation while maintaining the agility of a solo founder.
10 Practical One Person Company Examples (by business type)
To help you visualize how this structure works in the real world, we have categorized ten common scenarios where entrepreneurs choose the OPC route. These examples demonstrate who typically opts for this model and why it is the right strategic fit.
Example 1: Freelancer or Consultant
This category often includes professionals like marketing strategists, HR consultants, legal advisors, or Chartered Accountants who want to formalize their practice.
- Who it is for: A solo professional offering specialized services to corporate clients who prefer operating as a company rather than an individual.
- Why OPC fits: Large corporate clients often prefer signing contracts with a private limited company rather than a sole proprietor for compliance and credibility reasons. The OPC structure provides a corporate identity without needing a partner.
- Sample Name: Apex Marketing Solutions OPC Pvt. Ltd.
Example 2: Software Developer
Independent developers and tech architects often build products or offer high-end coding services alone before scaling up.
- Who it is for: A single software engineer or app developer creating proprietary software or working on high-value international contracts.
- Why OPC fits: It helps in protecting Intellectual Property (IP) under the company’s name rather than the individual’s name. It also separates personal assets from the liability of software bugs or data breaches that could lead to lawsuits.
- Sample Name: Aarnaa Software OPC Pvt. Ltd.
Example 3: Content Creator and Media Production
With the creator economy booming, many YouTubers, influencers, and video editors are moving beyond personal savings accounts to corporate current accounts.
- Who it is for: A solo content creator, photographer, or video editor managing significant revenue, brand deals, and expensive equipment.
- Why OPC fits: It allows the creator to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on expensive camera gear and studio rentals. It also simplifies managing sponsorship contracts under a professional banner.
- Sample Name: MAAC Studios OPC Pvt. Ltd.
Example 4: Coaching or Online Tutoring Business
Education entrepreneurs often start small, conducting workshops or online classes by themselves.
- Who it is for: An individual tutor, life coach, or corporate trainer running an academy or consulting firm.
- Why OPC fits: It builds trust with students and parents. Furthermore, if the business involves liability risks (like physical training or specific advice), the limited liability clause protects the founder's personal wealth.
- Sample Name: Archita Solutions OPC Pvt. Ltd.
Example 5: E-commerce Brand (Single Promoter)
Many sellers on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart start as solo operations but need a robust legal framework to register as vendors.
- Who it is for: An individual selling niche products, distinct apparel, or handmade goods online who wants to establish a brand.
- Why OPC fits: Online marketplaces and payment gateways approve corporate entities faster. It also prepares the business for future investment, which is harder to secure as a proprietorship.
- Sample Name: QuickKart Retail OPC Pvt. Ltd. (Note: While major players like Flipkart are Private Limited companies with multiple shareholders, a solo founder starting a similar e-commerce venture would register as an OPC).
Example 6: Boutique Agency (Design, Branding, or Video)
Creative professionals often scale from freelancing to running a full-service boutique agency. This shift usually happens when they start hiring contractors or handling high-value retainers.
- Who it is for: A creative director or senior graphic designer managing branding projects for tech startups, often billing amounts that exceed ₹20 lakhs annually, necessitating GST registration.
- Why OPC fits: High-ticket clients require formal tax invoices and valid GST filing, which is streamlined under a corporate structure. It also allows the agency to bid for government tenders or larger corporate contracts where a proprietorship might be disqualified.
- Sample Name: PixelPerfect Design OPC Pvt. Ltd.
Example 7: Cloud Kitchen or Home Bakery Brand
The food industry has high liability risks, making the protection of personal assets essential for solo chefs and bakers.
- Who it is for: A chef running a delivery-only kitchen listed on platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, processing hundreds of orders a month.
- Why OPC fits: Obtaining a central FSSAI license is often smoother for a registered company. More importantly, if a customer faces a health issue or food poisoning, the liability rests with the company, protecting the chef’s personal home and savings from legal claims.
- Sample Name: UrbanCrust Kitchens OPC Pvt. Ltd.
Example 8: Exporter
International trade relies heavily on trust and formal accreditation. Foreign buyers are often hesitant to send money to a personal savings account.
- Who it is for: A solo merchant exporter sourcing handicrafts or textiles from local artisans and shipping them to buyers in Europe or the US.
- Why OPC fits: An OPC gives the impression of a structured organization rather than a lone trader. It is easier to obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) and open a corporate bank account that can handle multi-currency transactions without triggering compliance flags.
- Sample Name: Yojak Solutions OPC Pvt. Ltd.
Example 9: Mental Health and Wellness
With the rising demand for mental health services, many psychologists and therapists are establishing their own private practices.
- Who it is for: A licensed clinical psychologist or wellness coach offering therapy sessions and selling digital wellness courses.
- Why OPC fits: This structure adds a layer of professionalism and trust, which is critical in healthcare. It also separates the liability of the practice from the individual, which is vital when dealing with sensitive patient data and professional advice.
- Sample Name: MindSync OPC Pvt. Ltd.
Example 10: Travel and Tourism
The travel industry involves handling large sums of money for bookings and adhering to strict regulations.
- Who it is for: An independent travel agent or tour operator creating customized holiday packages, similar to how giants like MakeMyTrip started, but on a niche scale.
- Why OPC fits: Handling client funds for flight and hotel bookings creates financial risk. An OPC structure provides a secure current account for these transactions. It also builds the credibility needed to partner with international hotel chains that may not engage with unregistered agents.
- Sample Name: Voyage Planner OPC Pvt. Ltd. (Note: While MakeMyTrip is a publicly listed industry giant, a solo founder entering this space would ideally start as an OPC).
Conclusion
Choosing the right business structure is one of the first major decisions you will make as an entrepreneur. As we have seen, you do not need a co-founder to enjoy the benefits of a corporate identity. Whether you are a software developer, a creative freelancer, or a cloud kitchen operator, the OPC model offers a secure and professional path forward. We hope that every one-person company example shared in this guide has helped you visualize how this structure can work for your specific industry. By opting for an OPC, you secure limited liability, gain a separate legal identity, and position your business for future growth, all while retaining 100% control. If you are ready to move from a personal savings account to a corporate current account, the One Person Company is likely your best next step. It allows you to focus on what matters most building your business without the stress of finding a partner just to meet compliance norms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between a Sole Proprietorship and a one-person company?
The main difference lies in liability and legal status. A Sole Proprietorship and its owner are considered the same entity, meaning your personal assets are at risk if the business incurs debt. In contrast, an OPC is a separate legal entity with limited liability. If an OPC faces financial trouble, your personal house or car remains safe, and your liability is limited only to the unpaid share capital.
Q2. Can a One Person Company be converted into a Private Limited Company?
Yes, you can convert an OPC into a Private Limited Company. Previously, there were strict mandatory conversion rules if your turnover exceeded ₹2 crores, but the government removed these in 2021. Now, you can voluntarily convert your OPC into a Private Limited Company at any time by increasing the number of directors to two and members to two.
Q3. Is there a minimum capital requirement to start an OPC?
No, there is no minimum paid-up capital requirement to register an OPC in India anymore. You can legally start with a nominal amount. However, practically speaking, you will need to deposit enough money into the bank account to cover initial business expenses and compliance costs.
Q4. What happens to the One Person Company if the owner dies?
This is where the mandatory "Nominee" rule comes in. When you register an OPC, you must appoint a nominee who is an Indian citizen. If the sole member passes away or becomes incapacitated, the nominee automatically becomes the new member of the company, ensuring that the business continues to exist without legal disputes.
Q5. Can a salaried employee register a One Person Company?
Yes, a salaried person can legally become the director and shareholder of an OPC. The Companies Act does not restrict employed individuals from starting a company. However, you must check your employment contract with your current employer, as many companies have "moonlighting" or non-compete clauses that might prevent you from running a business while employed.