Public Limited Company Registration - raise capital from the public
A Public Limited Company is the structure of choice for large businesses that want to raise capital from the public — a separate legal entity with limited liability that can issue shares to the public and list on a stock exchange. We handle your incorporation end-to-end, from DSC and name approval to the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN & TAN.
- 3 Director Identification Numbers (DIN)
- Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for subscribers
- Company name approval & MOA/AOA drafting
- Certificate of Incorporation with company PAN & TAN
- EPF & ESI registration included
Our expert will connect with you for a detailed consultation.
What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a business structure designed for large enterprises that want to raise capital from the general public. Registered under the Companies Act, 2013 and governed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), it is a separate legal entity from its owners with limited liability protection.
It requires a minimum of 3 directors and 7 shareholders, with no upper limit on the number of shareholders, and at least one director must be a resident of India. Because it can issue shares to the public and list on a stock exchange, it is the preferred vehicle for businesses planning an IPO or large-scale fundraising.
At LegalFidelity, a dedicated expert handles the entire incorporation — DSC and DIN for the directors, company name approval, drafting the MOA and AOA, and filing SPICe+ with the ROC — and delivers your Certificate of Incorporation along with the company PAN and TAN.
Benefits of a public limited company
Limited liability
Shareholders' personal assets are protected — liability is limited to the value of their shares.
Raise capital from the public
Issue shares to the public and, when ready, list on a stock exchange to raise large-scale capital.
Separate legal entity
The company can own assets, sign contracts and sue or be sued in its own name.
Credibility & trust
A listed, MCA-registered public company commands maximum trust from banks, investors and institutions.
Perpetual succession
The company continues to exist regardless of changes in ownership or directors.
Easy transfer of shares
Shares are freely transferable, making it easy for investors to enter and exit.
Who should register a public limited company?
Documents required
Directors & shareholders (KYC)
- PAN card of every director and shareholder
- Aadhaar card of every director and shareholder
- Identity proof (Passport / Voter ID / Driving License)
- Passport-size photograph of each director
Registered office proof
- Latest utility bill (electricity / water / gas)
- Rent agreement (if the premises are rented)
- NOC from the property owner
Company details
- Two or three proposed company names
- Nature of the proposed business activity
- Authorised and paid-up capital details
How company registration works
Fill the form
Fill the form above to get started and share your basic details.
Talk to an expert
Our incorporation expert calls you for a detailed consultation and collects your documents.
Get incorporated
We file SPICe+ with the ROC and deliver your Certificate of Incorporation, PAN and TAN.
Ready to get your Public Limited Company Registration?
Talk to a Business Registration expert for free. Fixed quote upfront, no hidden costs.
Public Limited vs Private Limited vs LLP
Not sure which structure fits? Here's how a public limited company compares to the popular alternatives.
| Public Limited | Private Limited | LLP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Members required | 7 to unlimited | 2 to 200 | 2 or more |
| Minimum directors | 3 | 2 | 2 partners |
| Separate legal entity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Raise capital from public | Yes | No | No |
| List on stock exchange | Yes | No | No |
| Compliance burden | Very high | High | Moderate |
| Best for | Large businesses & IPOs | Startups raising funds | Professional firms |
Compliance you can't skip
A public limited company carries the most stringent annual filing and disclosure requirements. Missing them is expensive and can put your directors and the company itself at risk.
Late filing of annual returns (AOC-4 & MGT-7) attracts ₹100 per day per form, with no upper limit.
Failing to appoint the first auditor within 30 days of incorporation can attract penalties running into lakhs.
Not holding the Annual General Meeting or board meetings on time invites fines on the company and every officer in default.
Continued non-compliance can strike the company off and disqualify its directors for up to 5 years.
Frequently asked questions
These are the following steps to register a public limited company in India:
- Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the directors and subscribers of the company.
- Make an application for a Director Identification Number (DIN) through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal for each director.
- Fill the SPICe+ Part A form to reserve a name for your company — it must be unique and not similar to any existing company or registered trademark.
- Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA). These key documents define the scope, rules and regulations of the company.
- Submit the incorporation forms SPICe+ Part B along with the required documents.
- Pay the registration fees, which depend on the authorized capital of the company, and wait for approval.
- Once approved, you'll receive a Certificate of Incorporation from the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
No, a Public Limited Company requires at least 3 directors and 7 shareholders. If you are a single entrepreneur, you can opt for a One Person Company (OPC) or a Private Limited Company instead.
- PAN & Aadhaar card of directors and shareholders
- Identity proof of directors (Passport/Voter ID/Driving License)
- Address proof of directors (Bank statement/Rent agreement/Utility bill)
- Registered office address proof
- Passport-size photos of all directors
- Auditor appointment
- Audit of accounts
- Annual Return Filing (MGT-7)
- Filing of Financial Statements (AOC-4)
- Holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and board meetings
- Preparation of the Directors' Report
- A Public Limited Company needs at least 3 directors and 7 shareholders, can raise capital from the public and can list on a stock exchange.
- A Private Limited Company needs at least 2 directors and 2 shareholders, cannot invite the public to subscribe to shares, and is preferred by startups.
A verified network of CAs, CS and lawyers
Every filing is prepared and reviewed by a qualified professional — never a bot, never an intern.
Chartered Accountants
GST, ITR, audits, bookkeeping and tax planning — handled by practising CAs with startup experience.
Company Secretaries
Incorporations, ROC filings, board resolutions and secretarial compliance, done right the first time.
Lawyers & IP Attorneys
Trademarks, agreements, licences and legal notices — drafted and filed by experienced advocates.
What Our Clients Say
LegalFidelity made starting my business incredibly simple. Their step-by-step guidance and expert support were invaluable — from name approval to my first GST return, one team handled everything.
The most reliable legal service platform. They handled all our compliance needs efficiently and professionally.
Their expertise in business registration and compliance saved us countless hours. Highly recommended!
Talk to a Startup Expert. Free. Today.
Tell us what you're building. We'll tell you exactly what you need, what it costs, and how long it takes — before you pay a rupee.
Get your free expert call
Our Startup Expert will connect with you for a detailed consultation.