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Public Limited Company Registration in India

Register your Public Limited Company in India with Corpmate. Expert assistance for online incorporation, DSC, DIN, PAN, GST & MCA compliance.
  • Included Services:
  • DSC for all proposed directors
  • Director Identification Numbers (DIN)
  • Company Name Reservation
  • MOA & AOA Drafting
  • SPICe+ Incorporation Filing
Register Your Public Limited Company Today!

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About Public Limited Company

A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a corporate structure incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, governed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), and regulated with a higher degree of transparency than other business forms.

The defining feature of a Public Limited Company is its ability to offer shares to the general public — through stock exchanges or public offerings — making it the preferred structure for large enterprises and businesses planning significant capital expansion. Its name must always end with “Limited” (not “Private Limited”), which distinguishes it immediately from a Pvt. Ltd.

A Public Limited Company is a separate legal entity — entirely distinct from its directors and shareholders. It can own property, sue or be sued, enter into contracts, and borrow funds, all in its own name. Unlike a Private Limited Company, there is no cap on the number of shareholders, and shares can be freely transferred without restriction.

This structure is best suited for established businesses with large-scale ambitions — companies that want to list on stock exchanges like the BSE or NSE, raise funds from the public or institutional investors, or build a formal, transparent corporate identity that instils confidence at the highest levels.

A Public Limited Company is the right structure if:

  • You are planning to list your company on the BSE, NSE, or SME exchange
  • Your business requires large-scale public funding or institutional investment
  • You want to offer shares to employees, the public, or strategic partners without restrictions
  • Your company is in a growth stage requiring significant capital beyond what private equity can provide
  • You are establishing a large manufacturing, infrastructure, or enterprise-scale business
  • You need the highest level of corporate credibility for deals with governments, multinationals, or large corporates
  • You are converting an existing Private Limited Company into a Public Limited Company after meeting growth milestones

The entire process is handled online, so there’s no need for any physical submission or government office visits.

For each director and shareholder, you’ll need the following:

  • PAN Card – Mandatory identity proof
  • Aadhaar Card – Identity and address verification
  • Passport-size Photograph – Required for Director KYC
  • Mobile Number & Email (linked to Aadhaar) – Needed for DSC issuance and OTP verification
  • Address Proof (any one):
    • Voter ID
    • Driving Licence
    • Passport

For the registered office address, you will need:

  • Latest Electricity / Water / Gas Bill – Not older than 2 months
  • If rented premises:
    • Rent Agreement
    • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner
  • If owned:
    • Property / Title documents (Sale deed or ownership proof)

The registered office must be a physical address in India. It does not need to be a commercial space—a home address is also accepted.

To register a Public Limited Company in India, certain minimum requirements must be fulfilled as per the Companies Act.

  • Minimum Directors: 3 (at least one must be an Indian resident)
  • Maximum Directors: 15 (can be increased with shareholders’ approval)
  • Minimum Shareholders: 7
  • Maximum Shareholders: Unlimited

In terms of capital and compliance:

  • Minimum Paid-up Capital: ₹5 lakh (as per Companies Act)
  • Authorised Capital: No upper limit
  • Company Secretary: Mandatory (required post-incorporation)

For office and statutory requirements:

  • Registered Office: A physical address in India
  • DSC (Digital Signature Certificate): Required for all proposed directors
  • DIN (Director Identification Number): Required for all proposed directors

These requirements form the foundation for incorporating and operating a Public Limited Company in a compliant and structured manner.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the estimated timeline for registering a Public Limited Company:

  • DSC Issuance: 1–2 working days
  • Name Reservation: 1–3 working days
  • MOA & AOA Drafting: 2–3 working days
  • SPICe+ Filing & MCA Processing: 5–7 working days
  • Certificate of Incorporation: Overall timeline of 10–15 working days

The actual timeline may vary depending on MCA processing volumes and how quickly documents are provided from your end. Our team ensures zero delays from Corpmate’s side, keeping the process smooth and efficient.

A Public Limited Company carries more rigorous compliance requirements than a Private Limited Company. Staying compliant is critical to avoid penalties, legal action, or disqualification of directors.

Mandatory annual compliances include:

  • Statutory Audit — Mandatory audit by a qualified Chartered Accountant every financial year
  • Annual Return Filing (MGT-7) — Filed with the RoC, disclosing shareholding patterns and director details
  • Financial Statement Filing (AOC-4) — Balance sheet, profit & loss account, and Directors' Report submitted to the MCA
  • AGM (Annual General Meeting) — Must be held within 6 months of the end of the financial year
  • Board Meetings — Minimum 4 board meetings per year with prescribed intervals
  • Income Tax Return — Filed annually, subject to audit deadlines
  • Director KYC (DIR-3 KYC) — All directors must complete KYC annually
  • Company Secretary Compliance — Secretarial audit is mandatory for certain categories of public companies
  • SEBI Compliance — If listed, extensive ongoing disclosure and reporting obligations apply
  • GST Returns — Monthly or quarterly returns based on turnover and registration type

Public Limited vs Private Limited Company

FeaturePublic Limited CompanyPrivate Limited Company
Minimum Directors32
Minimum Shareholders72
Maximum ShareholdersUnlimited200
Share TransferFreely transferableRestricted
Public Share Offering✅ Allowed (IPO/FPO)❌ Not allowed
Stock Exchange Listing✅ Eligible❌ Not eligible
Minimum Paid-up Capital₹5 LakhNo minimum
Company SecretaryMandatoryNot mandatory (below threshold)
Regulatory OversightHigher (SEBI + MCA)Moderate (MCA)
Compliance BurdenHigherModerate
Ideal ForLarge-scale businesses, IPO-boundStartups, growing businesses

Key Benefits of a Public Limited Company

A Public Limited Company isn’t just a legal formality — it’s a statement of scale, trust, and long-term vision.

Unlimited Capital Raising

Raise funds from the public through IPOs or FPOs, accessing a much larger investor base.

Stock Exchange Listing

Eligible to list on exchanges like Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange, boosting visibility and credibility.

No Restriction on Share Transfers

No restrictions on share transfers, offering high liquidity and flexibility to shareholders.

Separate Legal Identity

The company operates independently of its owners, ensuring continuity despite changes in management or ownership.

Professional Management Structure

Structured governance with a board of directors and mandatory compliance builds strong organisational discipline.

Better Access to Funding

Easier access to loans and institutional finance due to higher transparency and regulatory oversight.

CORPMATE 4-Step Public Limited Company Incorporation Process

01

Consultation, Planning & Setup

We assess your business scale, funding goals, and suitability for a Public Limited structure, while handling DSC (1–2 days) and DIN for directors.

  • Structure assessment & expert guidance
  • DSC issuance for all directors
  • DIN application for new directors

02

Name Approval & Documentation

We help reserve a compliant company name (ending with “Limited”) and prepare all key incorporation documents.

  • Name reservation with MCA
  • Drafting of MOA
  • Drafting of AOA

03

Filing & Government Processing

Complete filing through SPICe+ with end-to-end handling of approvals and queries.

  • SPICe+ filing with all documents
  • PAN, TAN, EPFO & ESIC included
  • RoC query handling & tracking

04

Incorporation & Post-Setup Compliance

Get your company officially registered along with full post-incorporation support.

  • Certificate of Incorporation (CIN, PAN, TAN)
  • First board meeting compliance
  • Statutory registers & CS support
  • GST registration & compliance setup

Join 10,000+ businesses who trust CORPMATE for Public Limited Company Registration​

  • Fast & hassle-free process
  • Transparent pricing
  • Dedicated assistance
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FAQs - Answered by Experts

A Public Limited Company is a business entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013 that can offer its shares to the public to raise capital, subject to regulatory approvals. It has a separate legal identity, provides limited liability to its shareholders, and requires a minimum of three directors and seven shareholders. Public Limited Companies are commonly established by larger businesses planning significant expansion or public investment.

To register a Public Limited Company in India, you must obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) and Director Identification Numbers (DINs) for the proposed directors, reserve a unique company name, and file the incorporation application with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). After verification, the Registrar of Companies (ROC) issues the Certificate of Incorporation, along with the Corporate Identification Number (CIN), PAN, and TAN, making the company legally registered.

A Public Limited Company is owned by its shareholders, who hold shares in the company. Ownership may include individual investors, institutional investors, promoters, and other entities, depending on the shareholding pattern. While shareholders own the company, its day-to-day operations and strategic decisions are managed by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013 and applicable corporate governance requirements.

A Public Limited Company in India must have a minimum of three directors at the time of incorporation, as required under the Companies Act, 2013. At least one of the directors must be an Indian resident who has stayed in India for the prescribed period during the previous financial year. The company must also have a minimum of seven shareholders to be eligible for registration.

To register a Public Limited Company in India, you must have a minimum of three directors, seven shareholders, and one Indian resident director, along with a registered office address in India. The company must obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs), Director Identification Numbers (DINs), a unique company name approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), and submit the required incorporation documents in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013.

 
 

A Public Limited Company offers several advantages, including the ability to raise capital from the public through the issuance of shares, limited liability protection for shareholders, and a separate legal identity. It also enhances business credibility, supports large-scale expansion, and provides greater opportunities to attract investors and access financial markets. These benefits make it a suitable business structure for companies with long-term growth and funding objectives.

Yes, a Public Limited Company can be listed on a recognized stock exchange in India, provided it complies with the eligibility criteria and regulatory requirements prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the stock exchange. Listing enables the company to raise capital from the public by issuing shares and provides shareholders with the opportunity to trade their shares in the open market.

To register a Public Limited Company in India, you generally need identity proof and address proof of all directors and shareholders, PAN card, Aadhaar card or passport, passport-size photographs, proof of the registered office address, a recent utility bill, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner if applicable. Additional documents, such as foreign identity and address proof, may be required for foreign directors or shareholders, depending on the company's ownership structure.

A Private Limited Company restricts the transfer of shares and cannot offer its shares to the public, making it suitable for startups and privately owned businesses. A Public Limited Company can offer shares to the public and, if eligible, list them on a recognized stock exchange to raise capital. Public Limited Companies have stricter regulatory and compliance requirements and are generally preferred by larger businesses seeking public investment.

Yes, a Private Limited Company can be converted into a Public Limited Company by complying with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. The conversion process generally involves passing the required resolutions, altering the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, increasing the minimum number of directors and shareholders if necessary, and filing the prescribed forms with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Once approved, the Registrar of Companies (ROC) issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the company's new status.

Yes, a foreign national can be appointed as a director of an Indian Public Limited Company, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and other applicable laws. The company must have at least one director who is an Indian resident, and the foreign director must obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN), a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), and comply with all applicable regulatory and documentation requirements.