Public Limited Company Registration
Once you choose Public Limited Company Registration, your business gains a strong platform to scale nationally and globally. A PLC can issue shares, attract institutional investors, and collaborate with major industry players which helps the company grow faster than other business structures. With increased transparency, structured governance, and regulatory compliance, your business earns higher trust from customers, lenders and government authorities.
The registration process enables you to build a professional brand image that opens doors to large projects, public tenders and international opportunities. As the company expands, you can increase the number of shareholders without any limit which gives you immense flexibility to raise funds whenever needed.
Whether you are planning to diversify into new sectors, enter new markets or prepare for future listing on the stock exchange, setting up a Public Limited Company is a powerful step. If big ambitions are driving your business vision, PLC registration is the gateway to long-term growth and limitless possibilities.
Key Benefits of Public Limited Company Registration
Access to Public Capital
Public Limited Companies can raise funds from the public through share issuance, making large-scale expansion and long-term growth easier.
Enhanced Business Credibility
Registration as a Public Limited Company boosts brand reputation and investor confidence due to higher compliance and regulatory standards.
Limited Liability Protection
Shareholders are liable only to the extent of their shareholding, safeguarding personal assets from business risks and losses.
Easy Transfer of Shares
Shares in a Public Limited Company are easily transferable, offering better liquidity and exit opportunities for investors.
Opportunity for Stock Exchange Listing
A Public Limited Company can list its shares on recognized stock exchanges, enabling wider market reach and improved valuation.
Strong Corporate Governance
Public Limited Companies follow stringent compliance, board governance, and reporting norms, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Wider Market Recognition
The “Limited” tag enhances trust among stakeholders, suppliers, government bodies, financial institutions and global business partners.
Minimum Requirements for Public Limited Company Registration
Minimum 3 Directors
A Public Limited Company must have at least three directors, promoting balanced decision-making and effective corporate governance.
Minimum 7 Shareholders
At least seven shareholders are required at the time of incorporation, allowing wider participation and equity distribution.
One Resident Director
At least one director must be a resident of India, ensuring local representation and compliance with statutory norms.
Unique Company Name
The proposed company name must be distinct, compliant with MCA naming guidelines and must end with the word “Limited”.
Registered Office in India
A valid registered office address in India is required for official communication, statutory records and government correspondence.
Minimum Paid-Up Capital
Although no fixed capital limit applies today, companies generally maintain adequate paid-up capital to support operational and compliance needs.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
All proposed directors and shareholders must obtain a Class 3 DSC to electronically sign documents submitted to the MCA.
Director Identification Number (DIN)
Each director must obtain a DIN, a unique identification number issued by the government.
Steps for Public Limited Company Registration
Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
Get Class-III DSC for all proposed directors and members to digitally sign incorporation documents.
Apply for Name Reservation (SPICe+ Part A)
Submit 1–2 preferred company names to MCA for approval, ensuring compliance with naming guidelines and ending with “Limited”. Name can be directly applied in form Spice+ Part B also.
Draft Documents and complete SPICe+ Part B
Once, name is approved, draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association with provisions suitable for a Public Limited Company structure and fill SPICe+ Part B, a form for:-
- Company incorporation
- PAN & TAN application
- ESIC, EPFO, Professional Tax (in some states)
- GST (optional)
- Bank account (via AGILE-PRO)
- DIN Application: - DIN is a unique identification number mandatory for every director. It can be applied while filing the SPICe+ form.
Upload required documents, director details, registered office proof and declarations on the MCA portal along with linked AGILE-PRO, e-MOA & e-AOA and INC-9. Pay the requisite fees consisting of stamp duty (as per applicable Indian State law) and registration fees based on authorised capital.
Verification by ROC and Issuance of Incorporation Certificate
The ROC Verifies the details and once satisfied with all the details, MCA issues the COI along with the Company Identification Number (CIN), PAN and TAN.
Open Company Bank Account
Open a company bank account in the business name.
Documents Required for Public Limited Company Registratio
| Document Category | Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Proof of Directors & Shareholders | PAN Card (Mandatory), Passport, Driving Licence or Voter ID | PAN is required for all Indian directors/shareholders for identity verification and MCA filing. |
| Address Proof of Directors & Shareholders | Aadhaar, Voter Card, Passport and Latest Copy of bank statement or utility bill | These documents submitted to establish the current residential address of the members. |
| Photograph | Passport-size Photograph | A recent clear photograph is required for each director and shareholder for KYC and incorporation records. |
| Foreign Nationals (If Any) | Passport & Overseas Address Proof | Foreign directors/shareholders must submit a valid passport and proof of overseas residence, duly notarized/apostilled. |
| Registered Office Proof | Electricity Bill / Gas Bill / Telephone Bill (not older than 2 months) | Latest utility bill must be submitted to verify the proposed registered office address in India. |
| NOC from Property Owner | No-Objection Certificate | If the office premises is rented/owned by someone else, an NOC is required from the property owner permitting office use. |
| Address Ownership/Rent Proof | Rent Agreement / Sale Deed / Lease Deed | Documentary proof of legal possession or rental rights of the registered office premises must be provided. |
| Director Identification Proof | DIN (if available) | Directors must have a Director Identification Number; it can also be applied during incorporation. |
| Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) | Class-III DSC of Directors | A valid DSC is required for digitally signing incorporation forms and MCA filings. |
| Resolution/Consent from existing entity | Board Resolution/Consent Letter | If a body corporate is acting as a shareholder. |
| Proof of business address for communication | Latest Utility bill | If different from the registered office. |
Post-Incorporation Compliances for a Public Limited Company
Conduct First Board Meeting
A Public Limited Company must hold its first Board Meeting within 30 days of incorporation to discuss initial business matters and compliance planning.
Appointment of First Auditor
The Board must appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation to ensure proper financial reporting and legal compliance.
Issuance of Share Certificates
Share certificates must be issued to shareholders within 60 days of allotment as proof of ownership of company shares.
Opening of Bank Account
A company bank account must be opened in the name of the Public Limited Company to manage all business transactions and capital infusion.
Maintenance of Statutory Registers
Mandatory statutory registers such as Register of Members, Directors, Charges and Share Transfers must be maintained and updated as per the Companies Act, 2013.
Filing of Commencement of Business (INC-20A)
Form INC-20A must be filed with the ROC within 180 days of incorporation to confirm receipt of share subscription money.
Board Meetings and Annual Meetings
At least four Board Meetings and one Annual General Meeting (AGM) must be conducted each financial year to ensure proper governance and legal compliance.
Annual Filings with ROC
Public Limited Companies must file annual returns and financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) within the prescribed timelines.
Appointment of Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) (If Applicable)
Companies meeting prescribed thresholds must appoint KMP such as CEO, CFO and Company Secretary to strengthen corporate governance.
Regular Tax & Regulatory Compliances
Companies must comply with GST, TDS, Income Tax, PF, ESIC and other regulatory requirements based on their business operations.
Director KYC
Directors must annually update their KYC with the MCA.
Books of Accounts
Maintain accurate books per Accounting Standards and Companies Act, 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Public Limited Company Registration
What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company is a business entity that can raise capital from the public and offers limited liability to its shareholders.
How many members are required to start a Public Limited Company?
A minimum of 7 shareholders and 3 directors are required to register a Public Limited Company in India.
Can a Public Limited Company be registered online?
Yes, the entire incorporation process is online and filed through the MCA portal using SPICe+ forms
Can foreign nationals become directors or shareholders in a Public Limited Company?
Yes, foreign nationals can be directors or shareholders, subject to compliance with FEMA and DSC/KYC requirements.
Can a Public Limited Company start operations immediately after incorporation?
Yes, operations can begin after incorporation, but filing the Commencement of Business (Form INC-20A) is mandatory.
What is the minimum capital requirement for Public Limited Company registration?
There is no fixed minimum capital requirement; companies can register with any amount of paid-up capital.
How long does it take to register a Public Limited Company?
Generally, incorporation takes 10–15 working days, depending on name approval and documentation.
Can a Public Limited Company raise funds from the public?
Yes, it can issue shares to the public and may also get listed on stock exchanges to raise capital.
Is it compulsory for a Public Limited Company to list on the stock exchange?
No, listing is optional; companies may remain unlisted and still operate as Public Limited Companies.
Can a Public Limited Company have corporate entities as shareholders?
Yes, both individuals and corporate bodies can hold shares in a Public Limited Company.