Publishing Date: 25 Oct, 2024
A private Limited Company and OPC are two different types of business structure. Pvt Ltd Companies are suitable for large businesses and managed by multiple shareholders where OPC are more suitable for small businesses and managed by a single person. Both structures have different purposes and advantages which distinguish them from each other. Get the complete difference between OPC and Private Limited Company through this detailed blog.
A Company is a legal entity formed by one or more individuals to engage in and operate a business. A company is majorly divided into two parts such as a Private Limited Company and a Public Limited Company.
A private limited company is a business company established by private stakeholders. A private limited Company Registration comes under Companies Act, 2013 and the objective of the company is defined under memorandum of association. In India, a private limited company is the most popular type of business structure due to its various advantages, including limited liability protection, ease of formation and maintenance, and separate legal entity status.
An OPC or One Person Company Registration is regulated under the Companies Act, 2013. It is a single owner company, incorporated with a Private Limited structure. It does not allow the sharing of ownership between multiple individuals or corporate entities. When compared to other sole owner structures like a Proprietorship firm, an OPC offers limited or restricted liability to its shareholder.
There are certain differences between a company and OPC on various basis. There detailed difference is given in the following table:
|
Basis |
Company |
OPC |
|
Governing Law |
Companies are governed by the Companies Act, 2013 |
OPCs are governed by the Companies Act, 2013 under specific provision for One person Companies (section2(62)) |
|
Suffix |
A private limited companies must have “Private Limited” or “Pvt Ltd” at the end of the companies name |
OPCs must have the suffix “OPC pvt Ltd” at the end of their name |
|
Ownership |
Minimum 2 shareholders and 2 directors are required |
Owned by one single person and one nominee is required |
|
Minimum Capital |
There is no minimum capital required |
No minimum paid up capital is required but if the paid-up capital exceed ₹50 lakh, then it must be completed into a pvt ltd company |
|
Foreign Ownership |
Foreign Nationals and NRIs are allowed to invest in Private limited company |
Only Indian Citizens are allowed and no foreign ownership is allowed |
Shareholders |
A Single person can not be a 100% shareholder but shareholding can be divided among two shareholders minimum. |
No multiple shareholders allowed. 100% shares are held by a single individual |
|
Credibility |
Higher credibility as compared to OPC |
OPC has less credibility in the market due to small size and single owner structure. |
|
FDI |
Companies are eligible for Foreign Direct Investment |
OPC are not eligible for foreign direct investment |
|
Suitability |
Companies are suitable for larger size business, start-ups and ventures |
OPC are ideal structure for small businesses or sole entrepreneurs |
|
Tax on Profit |
25% to 30% depending on Income |
30% Tax on Profit applicable for OPC |
Converting a One Person Company (OPC) into a Private Limited Company is a strategic move for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their business operations, attract investment, or bring in partners. One can convert OPC into Pvt Ltd Company by following a formal procedure. However, an OPC can be converted into a Pvt Ltd Company automatically if its paid up capital exceeds ₹50 lakh or its annual turnover surpasses ₹2 crore during any financial year.
One person company or OPC are usually considered best for single operators while Private Limited companies are suitable for large business or start-ups. However, both these structures have unique advantages. Similarly they can be distinguished from each other on different bases such as taxation, credibility, FDI, shareholders, ownership, governing law, etc. Understanding the differences between OPC vs Pvt Ltd company
1) Is pvt ltd company better than OPC?
Both business structures have their own benefits, where Pvt Ltd Company is used for large goals, OPC can be more suitable for small businesses.
2) What is the difference between Pvt Ltd Company and OPC on the basis of Compliances?
In pvt ltd companies, there are multiple compliances, especially for large companies whereas there are limited compliances for OPC compared to Pvt Ltd Companies.
3) Is Audit mandatory for Pvt Ltd Company and OPC?
Yes, it is mandatory for both Pvt Ltd Company and OPC to conduct a statutory audit of their financial statement every year by a qualified chartered accountant.
4) What is the minimum number of directors required in OPC and Company?
There should be a minimum 2 directors required in Private Limited Company and minimum one director for OPC.
Difference Among Society, Trust and Section 8 Company
28 Jun, 2025
Difference between Notary and Apostille
28 Jun, 2025
Top 14 Tools & Website to Grow a Brand
19 May, 2025
How to find Virtual Office for Company Registration in India?
03 May, 2025
Is Virtual Office Legal in India?
03 May, 2025
Share article via: