Forums
Back
Corporate & Other Laws
What is the significance of Resident word Here as they have given that whether resident or Otherwise, so whatever is the meaning of resident So why it is given here ?
Answers (3)
Under Section 2(62) of the Companies Act, 2013, an OPC is a company that has only one person as a member. Originally, only a resident Indian citizen could incorporate an OPC. But in 2021, the law was amended to make it more flexible. Before the Amendment: Only a natural person who is a resident in India could incorporate an OPC. "Resident in India" was defined as someone who stayed in India for at least 182 days in the previous financial year. So, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) were not allowed to form an OPC earlier. After the Amendment (effective from 1 Feb 2021): Now, the law says: "A natural person who is an Indian citizen whether resident in India or otherwise can incorporate an OPC." Meaning of “Resident or Otherwise”: - Resident → Lives in India for ≥ 182 days in the previous financial year. - Otherwise → May be a Non-Resident Indian (NRI). So now, even NRIs can form an OPC. Why is "resident or otherwise" significant? - It expands eligibility. - Encourages NRIs and global Indian entrepreneurs to set up businesses in India as OPCs. - Supports the ease of doing business. Summary: The phrase "whether resident in India or otherwise" is used to explicitly allow NRIs (non-residents) to form an OPC, which was not allowed earlier. It's a significant change aimed at attracting investment and promoting entrepreneurship among Indians living abroad. For exploring India’s vast market and navigating compliances, it’s always advisable to consult a trusted OPC Registration service providing company (e.g. Setindiabiz) in India.