What is a Public Limited Company?

A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a type of company that can offer its shares to the general public, typically through a stock exchange. It is governed by the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Key characteristics include:

• Minimum 7 shareholders
• Minimum 3 directors
• No maximum limit on the number of shareholders
• Mandatory compliance with SEBI and listing requirements (if listed)
• Ability to raise funds from the general public through IPO

Key Benefits of Registering a Public Limited Company

1. Access to Capital

A PLC can raise large-scale capital by issuing shares to the public via IPOs or FPOs, which is ideal for expansion and scaling.

2. Limited Liability

Shareholders enjoy limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected against company debts.

3. Perpetual Succession

The company remains in existence even if shareholders or directors change due to death or resignation.

4. Enhanced Credibility

Being a registered and regulated entity, a public limited company enjoys higher trust and credibility among investors, banks, and vendors.

5. Transferability of Shares

Shares can be freely transferred between members, ensuring liquidity and ease of ownership change.

Eligibility Criteria for Public Limited Company Registration

To register a Public Limited Company in India, the following conditions must be met:

Step-by-Step Process of Public Limited Company Registration

Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

The first step is to acquire a DSC for all proposed directors to sign electronic documents.

Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)

DIN is a unique identification number required for each director. It can be obtained via the SPICe+ form during registration.

Step 3: Name Approval

File the Part A of the SPICe+ form to reserve your company’s name. Ensure the name is unique and not identical to any existing company.

Step 4: File Incorporation Documents (SPICe+ Part B)

Submit the incorporation application along with necessary documents, including:

• MOA (Memorandum of Association)
• AOA (Articles of Association)
• PAN and TAN application
• Details of directors and subscribers

Step 5: Obtain Certificate of Incorporation (COI)

Once approved, the MCA will issue a Certificate of Incorporation containing your CIN (Corporate Identification Number), PAN, and TAN.

Step 6: Apply for Business Licenses (if applicable)

Depending on your sector, you may need to apply for GST registration, Import Export Code (IEC), or sector-specific licenses.

Step 7: Open a Company Bank Account

Use the COI, PAN, and other documents to ope

Documents Required for Public Limited Company Registration

For Directors and Shareholders:

• PAN Card (mandatory)
• Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport / Driving License
• Passport (for foreign nationals)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

For Registered Office:

• Proof of address (Electricity bill/Water bill/Property tax receipt – not older than 2 months)
• Rent agreement (if rented)
• NOC from property owner

Timeline & Cost for Registration

Timeline:

The entire process takes approximately 10–15 working days, subject to MCA approvals.

Cost:

The cost varies depending on:

• Number of directors
• Professional fees
• Government charges
• Stamp duty (varies by state)

Annual Compliance Requirements for Public Limited Companies

Registered public limited companies must comply with several statutory requirements:

• Appointment of statutory auditor
• Filing of financial statements (Form AOC-4)
• Annual return filing (Form MGT-7)
• Holding board meetings and annual general meetings (AGMs)
• ROC filings
• Maintenance of statutory registers

Failure to comply can attract hefty penalties and disqualification of directors.