Practice Areas · StartUp · Business Formation · Incorporation · Public limited company
Public Limited Company Registration
The structure for large businesses that want to raise capital from the public — and, in time, to list.
What a public limited company is
A public limited company can offer its shares to the public and have an unlimited number of shareholders. It is a separate legal entity with limited liability, suited to large businesses that intend to raise capital from the public or list on a stock exchange.
It is formed by at least seven shareholders and three directors, with at least one director resident in India. Its shares are freely transferable, unlike those of a private company.
A public limited company carries the strongest standing with investors, lenders, and regulators — and, in return, is subject to the most stringent compliance under the Companies Act, 2013.
Why businesses choose it
Raise capital from the public
Can issue shares and debentures to the public and, in time, list on a stock exchange.
Limited liability
Shareholders' liability is limited to their shareholding.
Freely transferable shares
Shares can be transferred without the restrictions a private company imposes.
No cap on members
Can have an unlimited number of shareholders.
Maximum credibility
The most recognised corporate form with investors, banks, and regulators.
Perpetual succession
Existence is unaffected by changes among shareholders.
What incorporation requires
Directors & shareholders
- Minimum 7 shareholders, with no maximum
- Minimum 3 directors, with at least one resident in India
- Each director needs a DIN and a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Name, office & capital
- A unique name approved by the MCA, ending with “Limited”
- A registered office address in India, with valid proof
- No minimum paid-up capital is prescribed
Documents you'll need
- PAN and Aadhaar of every director and shareholder
- Identity proof — passport, voter ID, or driving licence
- Address proof — recent bank statement or utility bill (not older than two months)
- Passport-size photographs
- Passport — mandatory for foreign nationals and NRIs (apostilled/notarised where required)
- Registered office proof — rent agreement and NOC, or ownership proof, with a recent utility bill
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the proposed directors
How incorporation works (SPICe+)
- 01
Obtain Digital Signature Certificates
DSCs are issued for the proposed directors to sign the incorporation forms.
- 02
Reserve the company name
Apply for name approval through SPICe+ Part A.
- 03
File SPICe+ Part B
The integrated form covers the MOA and AOA, DIN allotment, PAN, TAN, and EPFO/ESIC and (optionally) GST and a bank account.
- 04
Certificate of Incorporation
On approval, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation with the CIN, plus PAN and TAN.
- 05
Post-incorporation set-up
File INC-20A, set up statutory registers and the compliance calendar; listing on a stock exchange is a separate SEBI/exchange process.
Key characteristics
7+ members, 3+ directors
Minimum seven shareholders (no maximum) and three directors.
Freely transferable shares
Shares are not subject to private-company transfer restrictions.
Can invite the public
May raise capital from the public and list on an exchange.
Separate legal entity
Distinct from members, with perpetual succession.
Statutory audit
Accounts must be audited every year.
Highest compliance
The most extensive disclosure, governance, and filing requirements under the Act.
Listed or unlisted
A public company can operate unlisted, or list when ready.
Why work with PBT
PBT incorporates your public limited company and carries forward its heavier compliance with care.
- We advise whether a public limited company is the right structure for your scale and plans
- End-to-end incorporation through SPICe+: DSC, DIN, name approval, and MOA/AOA drafting
- PAN, TAN, and the integrated EPFO/ESIC and GST registrations
- Post-incorporation set-up: INC-20A, statutory registers, and the annual compliance calendar
- Guidance on the governance and disclosure path towards a public issue or listing, where relevant
- Scope, deliverables, and fees agreed in writing up front
Frequently asked questions
How many people do I need to start one?
A minimum of seven shareholders and three directors, with at least one director resident in India.
Does a public limited company have to be listed?
No. It can operate unlisted. Listing on a stock exchange is a separate process involving SEBI and the exchange.
Is there a minimum capital requirement?
No. The Companies Act, 2013 prescribes no minimum paid-up capital.
Is its compliance heavier than a private company's?
Yes. A public company is subject to the most stringent disclosure, governance, and filing requirements under the Act.
Is a statutory audit compulsory?
Yes. Accounts must be audited by a Chartered Accountant every year.
How long does it take?
Typically about 10–15 working days once documents and DSCs are ready, subject to MCA name approval and processing. Listing on a stock exchange, if pursued, is a separate and longer process.
Incorporate your public limited company
Tell us about your business and plans, and we'll handle incorporation end to end — and advise on the path to a public issue or listing where relevant.
Send an enquiryThis page describes the nature of the firm's services and is not a solicitation or legal advice. Thresholds, timelines, and applicable registrations depend on your specific facts; engagement terms and fees are agreed in writing per assignment.