Public Limited Company Registration
D BIZ CONSULTANCY provides complete Public Limited Company registration services. Our expert team ensures a seamless and compliant incorporation process — from company name approval and documentation to ROC filing and post-incorporation compliance management.
What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 that allows the public to subscribe to its shares and invest in its capital. It is considered a separate legal entity distinct from its shareholders, enabling it to own property, enter contracts, and initiate legal proceedings in its own name.
Public Limited Companies are commonly formed by businesses that intend to raise capital from the public, attract institutional investors, and expand operations on a large scale. These companies operate under the regulatory framework of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and, where applicable, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Minimum Requirements at a Glance
Minimum 3 Directors
At least one must be a local resident director
Minimum 7 Shareholders
No maximum limit on the number of members
Minimum Paid-up Capital
Generally ₹5,00,000 for public companies
Limited Liability
Protection for shareholders limited to their shareholding
Perpetual Succession
Company continues regardless of ownership changes
Definition as per the Companies Act, 2013
As per Section 2(71) of the Companies Act, 2013, a Public Limited Company is a company that:
- Does not restrict the transfer of shares, allowing shareholders to freely transfer their shares.
- Requires a minimum of 7 members, with no maximum limit on the number of members.
- May invite the public to subscribe to its shares, debentures, or other securities for raising capital.
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Key Features of a Public Limited Company
D BIZ CONSULTANCY helps entrepreneurs across understand and leverage these key features for scalable business success.
Separate Legal Entity
A Public Limited Company has its own independent legal identity, separate from its shareholders and directors. This allows the company to own property, enter contracts, and undertake legal actions in its own name.
Limited Liability Protection
Shareholders are liable only to the extent of the unpaid value of the shares they hold. This protects the personal assets of shareholders from the company’s debts and financial liabilities.
Ability to Raise Public Capital
Public Limited Companies can raise substantial capital by issuing shares or debentures to the public. This provides businesses with greater opportunities to secure funding for expansion and long-term growth.
Large Shareholder Base
A Public Limited Company must have a minimum of seven shareholders, and there is no upper limit on the number of members. This structure enables businesses to attract a wide pool of investors.
Free Transferability of Shares
Shares of a Public Limited Company can generally be transferred without major restrictions. For listed companies, shares can be traded on recognized stock exchanges, providing liquidity to investors.
Perpetual Succession
The company continues to exist regardless of changes in shareholders, directors, or management. Its existence remains unaffected until it is legally dissolved under the Companies Act.
Benefits of a Public Limited Company
D BIZ CONSULTANCY helps businesses leverage the practical advantages for maximum growth and protection.
Access to Large Capital
Public Limited Companies can raise substantial funds through public investment, issuing shares or debentures to a wide pool of investors.
Increased Credibility
Being a public entity enhances the business's standing and trust among investors, financial institutions, and global partners.
Shareholder Liquidity
The free transferability of shares provides liquidity, allowing shareholders to buy and sell their interests with relative ease.
Expansion Opportunities
Access to public funding and a robust structure enables businesses to scale operations and explore large-scale expansion opportunities.
Corporate Governance
Operates under a formal board and strict regulatory framework, ensuring professional management and transparency.
Government Incentives
Public Limited Companies are often eligible for various government incentives, subsidies, and support schemes for large enterprises.
Documents Required
D BIZ CONSULTANCY assists clients with collecting and preparing all required documentation.
Common Rejection Prevention Tips
- • Address proofs must match spelling across PAN / Aadhaar / Passport and the SPICe+ application.
- • Registered office proofs must be consistent (owner name on utility bill, rent agreement, and NOC).
- • Utility bills and bank statements should be dated within the last 2 months.
For Domestic Nationals
Identity Proof
PAN Card (Mandatory), Passport, Aadhar Card, Voter ID
Address Proof
Utility Bills, Bank Statements (dated within last 2 months)
Photographs
Recent passport-sized photographs
For Foreign Nationals / NRIs
Identity Proof
Passport (Mandatory)
Address Proof
Driver's License, Bank Statement, or Residence Card
Notarisation / Apostille
May be required depending on director/shareholder status and current MCA practice
Photographs
Recent passport-sized photographs
For Company Registration
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)
Declaration and Consent Forms
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Director Identification Number (DIN)
For Registered Office
Rent Agreement + NOC
For a rented office/residential address, with NOC from the owner
Property Documents
For owned property, proof of ownership
Utility Bills
Recent electricity or water bill of the premises (owner name must match)
Step-by-Step Public Limited Company Registration Process
Registering a Public Limited Company in India involves several legal and procedural steps under the Companies Act, 2013 and regulations issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
The first step is obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all proposed directors. A DSC is required to digitally sign electronic documents submitted to the MCA portal.
- Required for all directors and authorized signatories.
- Ensures security and authenticity for all online filings.
Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique identification number allotted to individuals who wish to become directors of a company.
- Mandatory for all directors under the Companies Act, 2013.
- One-time allocation that remains valid for a lifetime.
Company Name Reservation
Reserving the proposed company name through the MCA portal is critical for establishing your corporate brand identity.
- Ensures name uniqueness and prevents trademark conflicts.
- Must follow specific naming guidelines provided by the ROC.
Drafting MOA and AOA
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) define the company's constitution and internal regulations.
- MOA: Specifies business objectives and capital structure.
- AOA: Outlines internal rules and director responsibilities.
Filing Incorporation Documents
Filing the formal incorporation documents with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) is the definitive step toward legal formation.
- Submission of SPICe+ forms and required identity proofs.
- Payment of statutory fees and stamp duties as per state norms.
Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
Upon successful review, the ROC issues the Certificate of Incorporation, officially bringing your company into legal existence.
- Includes the Company Identification Number (CIN).
- Provides permanent proof of the company's registration date.
PAN and TAN Allocation
Tax registration is integrated into the incorporation process, providing your company with PAN and TAN automatically.
- PAN is essential for all financial transactions and tax filings.
- TAN is required for tax deduction and collection at source.
Company Bank Account Opening
A dedicated current account is necessary to manage your public company's capital and daily business operations.
- Requires COI, PAN, MOA, and Board resolutions for opening.
- Facilitates the deposit of share capital and business transactions.
Commencement of Business
The final step is completing the commencement of business formalities as required by the Companies Act.
- Depositing share capital and filing the declaration (Form INC-20A).
- Mandatory requirement before starting operational activities.
Timelines
Public Limited Compliance Deadlines
Financials (AOC-4)
30 Days from AGM
Mandatory filing of audited financial statements including balance sheet and P&L.
Annual Return (MGT-7)
60 Days from AGM
Statutory return providing details of shareholders, directors, and shareholding patterns.
Auditor Appointment
Within 15 Days of BM
Filing Form ADT-1 after the first Board Meeting following the AGM appointment.
Director KYC (DIR-3)
By 30th September
Annual KYC verification for all directors holding a DIN as per MCA regulations.
Legal Risks
Penalties & Legal Risks
A penalty of ₹100 per day is levied for each day of delay in filing mandatory MCA forms.
Failure to file annual returns for 3 consecutive years leads to disqualification of directors.
Listed public companies face heavy fines and potential suspension for non-compliance with SEBI norms.
Prolonged non-compliance may lead the ROC to strike off the company name from the register.
Our Commitment
With strong experience in corporate governance and large-scale business compliance, DBIZ CONSULTANCY is a trusted partner for Public Limited Companies. We handle the entire incorporation and statutory process—so you can focus on building market leadership with confidence.
FAQs on Public Limited Company Registration
Last updated: Feb 2026
Whether you're curious about the SPICe+ process, post-incorporation compliance, institutional investor interest, or stock exchange listing requirements — we've covered the most-searched questions with accurate, statute-aligned answers.