How to Do Public Limited Company Registration
What Is a Public Limited Company in India?
A Public Limited Company is a business entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013, which allows the company to:
- Offer shares to the general public
- Raise capital through IPOs and stock exchanges
- Enjoy limited liability
- Operate as a separate legal entity
In simple terms:
👉 Private Limited Company = control-focused
👉 Public Limited Company = growth-focused
[rtoc_mokuji]Before knowing how to do Public Limited Company Registration in India, its necessary to understand that choosing Public Limited Company setup is ideal for businesses that want scale, credibility, and access to large capital.
Why Choose Public Limited Company Registration in India?
Before jumping into the process, let’s be brutally honest—Public Limited Company registration is not for everyone. It is best suited for businesses that:
- Need large capital investment
- Plan to raise funds from public or institutional investors
- Want to list on stock exchanges
- Require high market credibility
- Are comfortable with strict legal and regulatory compliance
If your goal is “small team, minimal compliance,” this isn’t it. But if your vision is enterprise-level growth, this structure still rules. To know more about how to do public limited company registration, write us an email at [email protected] or schedule a Meeting with Bizsetups expert.
Key Features of a Public Limited Company
- Separate Legal Entity
The company has its own legal identity, independent of shareholders and directors.
- Limited Liability
Shareholders are liable only to the extent of their shareholding.
- Free Transferability of Shares
Shares can be freely transferred, making it easier to bring in investors.
- Ability to Raise Public Funds
Only a Public Limited Company can raise funds through IPO, FPO, debentures, and bonds.
- High Transparency and Trust
Yes, compliance is heavy—but that’s why banks, SEBI, RBI, FIIs, and PE funds trust PLCs more.
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Minimum Requirements for Public Limited Company Registration in India
To start Public Limited Company Registration in India, the following conditions must be met:
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Directors | 3 |
| Minimum Shareholders | 7 |
| Maximum Shareholders | Unlimited |
| Resident Director | At least 1 |
| Company Name | Must end with “Limited” |
| Paid-up Capital | No minimum prescribed |
⚠️ Practical reality: while there’s no minimum capital, Public Limited Companies usually start with higher capital to meet operational and compliance expectations.
👉 “How to Do Public Limited Company Registration in India”
Eligibility Criteria for Public Limited Company Registration in India
To proceed with Public Limited Company Registration in India, the promoters must satisfy basic eligibility requirements prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013. These conditions ensure that the company is capable of handling public funds and statutory responsibilities.
A Public Limited Company must have a minimum number of directors and shareholders, a registered office address in India, and a lawful business objective. Non-compliance at this stage can lead to rejection during incorporation.
Minimum Directors and Shareholders Requirement
For registering a Public Limited Company in India, the law mandates:
- Minimum 3 directors
- Minimum 7 shareholders
- At least one resident director staying in India for 182 days or more
There is no maximum limit on shareholders, which makes this structure ideal for companies planning public investment or listing.
Who Can Become a Director or Shareholder?
Any individual or body corporate can become a director or shareholder, subject to:
- Valid PAN and KYC
- No disqualification under Companies Act
- Compliance with FEMA norms (for foreign nationals)
This flexibility is a major advantage of Public Limited Company Registration in India.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Public Limited Company in India
The Public Limited Company registration process in India follows a structured MCA-driven workflow. Each step is interlinked, and skipping or misfiling even one can delay approval.
Professional handling ensures speed, accuracy, and future compliance readiness.
Step 1 – Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
A Digital Signature Certificate is mandatory for all proposed directors to sign electronic forms on the MCA portal. Without DSC, incorporation cannot begin.
DSC issuance requires identity proof, address proof, and mobile/email verification.
Importance of DSC in Public Limited Company Registration
DSC ensures:
- Legal authenticity of filings
- Secure submission of SPICe+ forms
- Protection against identity misuse
Every filing during and after Public Limited Company Registration in India requires DSC.
Step 2 – Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
DIN is a unique identification number allotted to each director. It is generated through the SPICe+ incorporation form and remains valid for a lifetime.
No individual can act as a director in a Public Limited Company without DIN.
DIN Compliance You Must Know
- One DIN per individual
- Mandatory KYC every year
- Non-compliance may lead to DIN deactivation
Name Approval for Public Limited Company
Selecting and approving the company name is a critical branding and legal step in Public Limited Company Registration in India.
The name must:
- Be unique
- End with “Limited”
- Not violate trademarks
- Match business objectives
SPICe+ Part A Name Approval Process
Name approval is done through SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal. Up to two names can be proposed with a detailed justification of business activity.
Incorrect object description is one of the most common causes of rejection.
Tips to Avoid Name Rejection
- Avoid generic words
- Check trademark availability
- Align name with MOA objects
- Use professional drafting
Drafting MOA and AOA for Public Limited Company
MOA and AOA are constitutional documents of the company. They define the scope, authority, and internal governance of the company.
Poor drafting today can block funding, FDI, or IPO tomorrow.
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
MOA defines:
- Main objects of business
- Ancillary activities
- Authorized share capital
For Public Limited Company Registration in India, MOA must be drafted with future scalability in mind.
Why Object Clause Drafting Is Critical
Banks, investors, and regulators examine MOA closely. Any activity outside MOA scope is legally invalid.
Filing SPICe+ Form for Incorporation
SPICe+ Part B is the final and most important step in Public Limited Company Registration in India.
It covers:
- Incorporation
- PAN & TAN
- GST (optional)
- EPFO & ESIC
- Bank account opening
Certificate of Incorporation Issuance
Once SPICe+ is approved, the Registrar of Companies issues the Certificate of Incorporation along with CIN.
At this point, the company legally comes into existence.
What Happens After Incorporation?
After registration, the company must:
- Appoint auditor
- Open bank account
- File INC-20A
- Start post-incorporation compliance
Post-Registration Compliance for Public Limited Company
Public Limited Company Registration in India does not end with incorporation. Continuous compliance is mandatory to avoid penalties and director disqualification.
Mandatory Annual Compliances
These include:
- AGM
- AOC-4 & MGT-7 filing
- Statutory audit
- Income tax return
- GST returns (if applicable)
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Heavy penalties
- Director DIN deactivation
- Company strike-off
- Disqualification for future companies
- No shortcuts here.
Why Choose Professional Support for Public Limited Company Registration in India
Public Limited Companies operate under higher scrutiny. DIY filing may work for small entities, but not here.
Professional support ensures:
- Zero rejections
- Future-ready structuring
- Smooth audits
- Investor confidence
Step-by-Step Process: How to Do Public Limited Company Registration in India
This is the core section—bookmark it.
👉 “How to Do Public Limited Company Registration in India”
Eligibility Criteria for Public Limited Company Registration in India
To proceed with Public Limited Company Registration in India, the promoters must satisfy basic eligibility requirements prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013. These conditions ensure that the company is capable of handling public funds and statutory responsibilities.
A Public Limited Company must have a minimum number of directors and shareholders, a registered office address in India, and a lawful business objective. Non-compliance at this stage can lead to rejection during incorporation.
Minimum Directors and Shareholders Requirement
For registering a Public Limited Company in India, the law mandates:
- Minimum 3 directors
- Minimum 7 shareholders
- At least one resident director staying in India for 182 days or more
There is no maximum limit on shareholders, which makes this structure ideal for companies planning public investment or listing.
Who Can Become a Director or Shareholder?
Any individual or body corporate can become a director or shareholder, subject to:
- Valid PAN and KYC
- No disqualification under Companies Act
- Compliance with FEMA norms (for foreign nationals)
This flexibility is a major advantage of Public Limited Company Registration in India.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Public Limited Company in India
The Public Limited Company registration process in India follows a structured MCA-driven workflow. Each step is interlinked, and skipping or misfiling even one can delay approval.
Professional handling ensures speed, accuracy, and future compliance readiness.
Step 1 – Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
A Digital Signature Certificate is mandatory for all proposed directors to sign electronic forms on the MCA portal. Without DSC, incorporation cannot begin.
DSC issuance requires identity proof, address proof, and mobile/email verification.
Importance of DSC in Public Limited Company Registration
DSC ensures:
- Legal authenticity of filings
- Secure submission of SPICe+ forms
- Protection against identity misuse
Every filing during and after Public Limited Company Registration in India requires DSC.
Step 2 – Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
DIN is a unique identification number allotted to each director. It is generated through the SPICe+ incorporation form and remains valid for a lifetime.
No individual can act as a director in a Public Limited Company without DIN.
DIN Compliance You Must Know
- One DIN per individual
- Mandatory KYC every year
- Non-compliance may lead to DIN deactivation
Name Approval for Public Limited Company
Selecting and approving the company name is a critical branding and legal step in Public Limited Company Registration in India.
The name must:
- Be unique
- End with “Limited”
- Not violate trademarks
- Match business objectives
SPICe+ Part A Name Approval Process
Name approval is done through SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal. Up to two names can be proposed with a detailed justification of business activity.
Incorrect object description is one of the most common causes of rejection.
Tips to Avoid Name Rejection
- Avoid generic words
- Check trademark availability
- Align name with MOA objects
- Use professional drafting
Drafting MOA and AOA for Public Limited Company
MOA and AOA are constitutional documents of the company. They define the scope, authority, and internal governance of the company.
Poor drafting today can block funding, FDI, or IPO tomorrow.
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
MOA defines:
- Main objects of business
- Ancillary activities
- Authorized share capital
For Public Limited Company Registration in India, MOA must be drafted with future scalability in mind.
Why Object Clause Drafting Is Critical
Banks, investors, and regulators examine MOA closely. Any activity outside MOA scope is legally invalid.
Filing SPICe+ Form for Incorporation
SPICe+ Part B is the final and most important step in Public Limited Company Registration in India.
It covers:
- Incorporation
- PAN & TAN
- GST (optional)
- EPFO & ESIC
- Bank account opening
Certificate of Incorporation Issuance
Once SPICe+ is approved, the Registrar of Companies issues the Certificate of Incorporation along with CIN.
At this point, the company legally comes into existence.
What Happens After Incorporation?
After registration, the company must:
- Appoint auditor
- Open bank account
- File INC-20A
- Start post-incorporation compliance
Post-Registration Compliance for Public Limited Company
Public Limited Company Registration in India does not end with incorporation. Continuous compliance is mandatory to avoid penalties and director disqualification.
Mandatory Annual Compliances
These include:
- AGM
- AOC-4 & MGT-7 filing
- Statutory audit
- Income tax return
- GST returns (if applicable)
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Heavy penalties
- Director DIN deactivation
- Company strike-off
- Disqualification for future companies
- No shortcuts here.
Why Choose Professional Support for Public Limited Company Registration in India
Public Limited Companies operate under higher scrutiny. DIY filing may work for small entities, but not here.
Professional support ensures:
- Zero rejections
- Future-ready structuring
- Smooth audits
- Investor confidence
Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Every proposed director must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate for signing MCA forms electronically.
- Class 3 DSC required
- Issued by government-authorized certifying agencies
Without DSC, Public Limited Company registration in India cannot proceed.
Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
DIN is mandatory for all directors.
- DIN can be applied through the SPICe+ incorporation form
- One DIN per director, valid for lifetime
Step 3: Name Approval Through SPICe+ Part A
Choosing the right name is critical for SEO, branding, and legal approval.
Rules:
- Must be unique
- Should reflect business activity
- Must not violate trademarks
- Must end with “Limited”
Name approval is done via SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal.
Step 4: Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA)
MOA defines:
- Main business activities
- Objects of the company
- Authorized capital
For Public Limited Company Registration in India, MOA drafting must be future-ready—especially if IPO or foreign investment is planned.
Step 5: Draft Articles of Association (AOA)
AOA governs:
- Internal management rules
- Rights of shareholders
- Appointment of directors
- Share transfer provisions
Poorly drafted AOA can create problems during funding, audits, and listing.
Step 6: File SPICe+ Part B (Incorporation Form)
SPICe+ Part B includes:
- Company incorporation
- PAN & TAN allotment
- GST registration (optional)
- EPFO & ESIC registration
- Bank account opening
This is the most critical information on how to do Public Limited Company registration.
Step 7: Certificate of Incorporation Issued by MCA
Once approved, the Registrar of Companies (ROC) issues:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Corporate Identification Number (CIN)
🎉 Your Public Limited Company is now legally registered in India.
Documents Required for Public Limited Company Registration in India
Documents of Directors & Shareholders
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID
- Address Proof (Bank Statement / Utility Bill)
- Passport-size photograph
Registered Office Documents
- Rent Agreement / Ownership Proof
- Utility Bill (not older than 2 months)
- NOC from property owner
Post-Incorporation Compliance (Very Important)
This is where many companies fail.
Mandatory Compliances After Registration
- Appointment of Auditor (ADT-1) – within 30 days
- Commencement of Business (INC-20A)
- First Board Meeting
- Statutory Registers Maintenance
- Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- Annual ROC Filings:
- AOC-4
- MGT-7 / MGT-7A
- Income Tax Return
- Statutory Audit
- GST Returns (if applicable)
⚠️ Non-compliance = penalties + director disqualification + strike-off risk.
Taxation of Public Limited Company in India
Corporate Income Tax
- 22% under Section 115BAA (new regime)
- Plus surcharge & cess
Dividend Tax
- Taxable in the hands of shareholders
GST
- Applicable based on turnover or nature of business
Public Limited Company Registration in India comes with serious tax planning needs, not DIY filing.
Cost of Public Limited Company Registration in India
| Component | Approx Cost (₹) |
| Government Fees | 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Professional Fees | Depends on complexity |
| Compliance Cost | Ongoing |
Public Limited Companies are expensive by design—because they’re built for scale.
Advantages of Public Limited Company Registration in India
- Ability to raise funds from the public
- Higher brand value and trust
- Easier investor exit
- Unlimited growth potential
- Strong legal framework
Disadvantages You Must Know
- Heavy compliance burden
- Higher cost of operation
- Loss of promoter control after listing
- Mandatory audits and disclosures
No sugarcoating—this structure demands discipline.
Who Should Opt for Public Limited Company Registration in India?
You should consider this if:
- You plan to raise large capital
- You aim for IPO or public issue
- You want enterprise-level credibility
- You are compliance-ready
If not—Private Limited is better. Contact us Today to know how to do public limited company registration in India.
Public Limited Company Registration involves incorporating a company under the Companies Act, 2013 with a minimum of 3 directors and 7 shareholders, allowing it to raise funds from the public, offer shares, and operate with limited liability under strict regulatory compliance.
FAQs on How to do Public Limited Company Registration
FAQ 1: What is the minimum number of directors required?
Minimum 3 directors are required for Public Limited Company registration in India.
FAQ 2: Is minimum capital required?
No minimum paid-up capital is prescribed, but higher capital is recommended.
FAQ 3: Can a Public Limited Company be listed?
Yes, subject to SEBI and stock exchange regulations.
FAQ 4: Is GST mandatory after registration?
Only if turnover exceeds the threshold or business falls under mandatory GST categories.
FAQ 5: How long does registration take?
Typically 15–25 working days, depending on approvals.
FAQ 6: Can foreigners be shareholders?
Yes, subject to FDI and RBI compliance.
FAQ 7: Can a Private Limited Company convert into Public Limited?
Yes, by altering MOA, AOA, and obtaining shareholder approval.
Final Words
Public Limited Company Registration is not just a legal process—it’s a strategic decision. This structure is built for businesses that want to last decades, raise public money, and play by the rulebook.
Old-school compliance. New-age ambition. That’s how real companies are built.
