📌 What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a type of company regulated by the Companies Act, 2013 that offers its shares to the public. Unlike a Private Limited Company, a PLC can raise capital from an unlimited number of shareholders and can also be listed on stock exchanges. This structure is best suited for medium and large businesses that require significant investment.
Every Public Limited Company is governed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), and in case of a listed company, additional compliance with SEBI Regulations and stock exchanges is required.
🎯 Benefits of Public Limited Company Registration
- Unlimited capital raising – by issuing shares to the public.
- Higher credibility – recognized as a transparent structure with stricter compliance.
- Separate legal identity – company can own property, sue, and be sued.
- Limited liability protection – shareholders’ liability is limited to their shareholding.
- Perpetual succession – the company continues irrespective of changes in ownership.
- Potential for listing – eligible to be listed on NSE/BSE and raise funds through IPOs.
👥 Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 3 directors (at least 1 resident in India).
- Minimum 7 shareholders, with no maximum limit.
- Minimum authorised share capital requirement (generally ₹5 lakh, though practically higher for credibility).
- Compliance with SEBI norms for listed companies.
📑 Documents Required
- For Directors & Shareholders:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card / Passport / Voter ID / Driving License
- Passport-size photographs
- Address proof (latest utility bill or bank statement, not older than 2 months)
- For Registered Office:
- Proof of ownership (property tax receipt / registry papers) or Rent Agreement + NOC from owner
- Utility bill of the premises (electricity / water / gas)
- Other Documents:
- Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for directors
- MOA (Memorandum of Association) and AOA (Articles of Association) with business objects
⚙️ Process & Timeline (Updated SPICe+ System)
- Obtain DSCs for proposed directors (1–2 working days).
- Name Reservation via Part A of SPICe+ (INC-32).
- Filing of SPICe+ (INC-32) with MCA (Part B covers):
- Incorporation of Company
- DIN (Director Identification Number) for new directors
- PAN & TAN issuance
- ESIC & EPF registration
- Professional Tax registration (if applicable state-wise)
- Bank Account Opening via AGILE-PRO-S form
- Approval by Registrar of Companies (ROC) and issue of Certificate of Incorporation (COI) with Corporate Identification Number (CIN).
⏳ Typical Timeline: 10–15 working days (depending on MCA workload & document readiness).
Service FAQs
A Private Limited Company cannot invite the public to subscribe to its shares and has a shareholder cap of 200. A Public Limited Company can raise funds from the public with no upper limit on shareholders.
At least 3 directors are required, out of which one must be a resident of India.
No, after incorporation it is an unlisted public company. To be listed, it must comply with SEBI and stock exchange requirements, including filing a prospectus.
Legally, the Companies Act does not prescribe a fixed minimum now, but practically, higher capital (₹10 lakh or more) is advisable for credibility.
Yes, they can invest or serve as directors, but at least one director must be a resident Indian. FDI rules under FEMA will also apply.
- Filing of annual return (MGT-7) and financial statements (AOC-4)
- Statutory audits
- Holding at least 4 board meetings annually
- ROC filings for resolutions, share allotments, etc.
- SEBI filings for listed companies
On average 10–15 working days, depending on MCA approval.
