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Public Limited Company Registration Online – Incorporate Public Company

Raise capital from the public, build premium market credibility, and operate with robust corporate governance under the Companies Act, 2013 with Professionals Law's expert assistance.

Starting from 14,999

Introduction & Compliance

A Public Limited Company is a corporate business structure formed under the Companies Act, 2013 that allows shares to be offered and traded freely among the general public. It can choose to be listed on standard stock exchanges to scale operations globally.

It requires a minimum of seven shareholders and three directors, and it operates under strict guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) if listed.

Compliance for a public company includes mandatory audits, annual filings, statutory board meetings, maintenance of minute books, and high transparency standards to safeguard shareholder interest.

Why It Is Needed

Registering a Public Limited Company is the primary choice for businesses expecting rapid expansion, high capital requirements, and large-scale public investment.

It provides unmatched institutional credibility, helping businesses attract premium global partners, obtain massive bank loans, and participate in large-scale government tenders.

Benefits & Advantages

Raise Capital from the Public

Public companies are authorized to invite the public to subscribe to their shares, allowing them to raise substantial capital via IPOs, equity, or debentures.

Limited Liability Protection

The personal assets of the shareholders are completely protected, as their liability is strictly limited to the unpaid value of their subscribed shares.

Unmatched Stature & Credibility

Operating as a 'Limited' company builds high trust and confidence among investors, financial institutions, suppliers, and prospective customers.

Perpetual Succession

The company has a separate legal entity status. It continues to exist as a going concern, unaffected by changes in ownership, transfers of shares, or death of directors.

Easy Transferability of Shares

Shares in a public company are freely transferable, offering high liquidity to investors and simple equity transition routes.

Growth & Listing Opportunities

Public limited companies can easily list on major stock exchanges like BSE or NSE, providing options for employee stock options (ESOPs) and massive market recognition.

Separate Legal Stature

The company can sue, be sued, hold assets, purchase property, and sign commercial contracts under its own name, completely separate from its members.

Eligibility Criteria

Basic Requirements

  • Minimum of 7 shareholders (no maximum limit for public companies)
  • Minimum of 3 directors (at least one must be a resident of India)
  • A registered office address in India
  • Unique company name approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) for all proposed directors
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Documents Required

For Directors/Shareholders

Email ID and active Mobile Number
Recent Passport-size photographs
PAN Card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
Passport (mandatory for foreign nationals)
Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Driving License
Proof of address (bank statement, electricity, or telephone bill not older than 2 months)

For Registered Office

Rent agreement (if the office property is rented)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner
Recent Utility bill (electricity, water, or gas bill not older than 2 months)

Steps for Getting Registration

1

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Obtain Class 3 DSCs for all proposed directors and subscribers to sign files electronically.

2

Director Identification Number (DIN)

Apply for DIN assigned by the MCA during the SPICe+ incorporation process.

3

Name Approval

Reserve a unique name via the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal.

4

SPICe+ Incorporation Filing

Prepare and upload the SPICe+ Part A and B forms, along with e-MOA (Memorandum of Association) and e-AOA (Articles of Association).

5

Certificate of Incorporation

Upon verification, MCA issues the Certificate of Incorporation (COI) along with PAN, TAN, and DIN approvals.

FAQ

Can a public limited company be registered with only 2 members?
No, a minimum of 7 shareholders/members is legally required to incorporate a Public Limited Company.
Is it mandatory to list a public company on the stock exchange?
No, listing is optional. An unlisted public limited company can operate privately while enjoying the benefits of public company status.
What is the minimum capital required for public company registration?
There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement under the Companies Act, but ₹5 Lakhs is recommended for initial business operations.
Do NRIs or foreign entities require special permissions to hold shares?
Yes, NRIs and foreign entities can hold shares in a public company subject to FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations and FDI policies.
Is a statutory audit compulsory every year?
Yes, every public company must appoint a chartered accountant as a statutory auditor and complete a yearly financial audit, regardless of turnover.
Can a private limited company be converted into a public company?
Yes, a private limited company can be converted into a public company by amending its AoA/MoA and filing the necessary forms with the MCA.
How many directors are required for a public limited company?
A minimum of 3 directors is required, and at least one director must be a resident of India.
What are the primary post-incorporation compliances?
Primary compliance includes filing INC-20A (Commencement of Business), holding the first Board Meeting within 30 days, appointing auditors, and filing annual returns (MGT-7 & AOC-4).
What is the difference between a public company and a private company?
A public company requires at least 7 members and 3 directors, and can invite public funding. A private company requires 2 members, 2 directors, and restricts share transfer.

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