What is a Public Limited Company?

A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a business entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013, that is allowed to offer its shares to the public via stock exchanges or private placements. It is a separate legal entity, meaning it exists independently of its owners and directors.

Ideal for large enterprises and businesses planning to raise capital through public investment, a Public Limited Company provides robust credibility, regulatory oversight, and growth potential. These companies are regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

A PLC is legally obligated to follow strict transparency, disclosure, and compliance norms, making it the most trustworthy form of company structure for investors, banks, and financial institutions.

✅ Benefits of Public Limited Company Registration

🎯 Provide 7 strong benefit points, written from the client’s perspective.

1️⃣ Access to Public Capital – Raise funds by issuing shares to the general public
2️⃣ Enhanced Credibility – Attract investors, lenders, and partners with transparent operations
3️⃣ Separate Legal Identity – Company operates independently of its shareholders
4️⃣ Limited Liability Protection – Shareholders are liable only to the extent of their shareholding
5️⃣ Perpetual Succession – The company continues to exist irrespective of changes in ownership
6️⃣ Improved Borrowing Capacity – Easier to obtain loans and financial backing
7️⃣ Eligible for IPO – List shares on stock exchanges to scale rapidly

📑 Documents Required for Public Limited Company Registration

📂 List all required documents with relevant emojis and brief explanations.

1️⃣ 🆔 PAN Card of Directors & Shareholders – Mandatory identity proof
2️⃣ 📄 Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport/Driving License – Valid address proof
3️⃣ 🖼️ Passport-size Photographs – Recent photos of all directors
4️⃣ 🏢 Registered Office Address Proof – Rent agreement or ownership papers with utility bill
5️⃣ 🧾 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – For signing online forms
6️⃣ 🧑‍💼 Director Identification Number (DIN) – Unique number for company directors
7️⃣ 📋 MOA & AOA – Memorandum and Articles of Association outlining company structure and rules

👤 Eligibility for Public Limited Company Registration

🧾 To register a Public Limited Company in India:

• Minimum 3 directors and 7 shareholders are mandatory

• At least one director must be a resident Indian

• No upper limit on the number of shareholders

• A unique company name must be reserved with the Registrar of Companies (ROC)

• Must have a registered office in India

• Suitable for businesses planning to raise capital from the public or institutions

🔄 Process of Getting Public Limited Company Registration

🔁 Provide a step-by-step explanation of how the service is executed from start to finish.

1️⃣ DSC & DIN Application – Obtain Digital Signatures and Director Identification Numbers
2️⃣ Company Name Reservation (RUN Form) – Apply for a unique company name through MCA
3️⃣ Drafting MOA & AOA – Prepare company’s objectives and operational rules
4️⃣ Filing SPICe+ Form – Submit incorporation application with all supporting documents
5️⃣ ROC Verification – Registrar of Companies reviews and approves the application
6️⃣ Certificate of Incorporation Issued – Company officially registered, with PAN & TAN allotment

⏱️ Timeline for Public Limited Company Registration

⏳ The registration process usually takes 15–25 working days, depending on:

• Timely submission of documents

• Name approval by MCA

• Complexity of MOA/AOA and compliance requirements

• Additional approvals for sector-specific businesses (if any)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Public Limited Company

💬 Include 10 frequently asked questions with informative answers.

1️⃣ What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company is a legal business structure that allows public investment by issuing shares and is regulated under the Companies Act, 2013.

2️⃣ How many people are required to start a Public Limited Company?
A minimum of 3 directors and 7 shareholders are required to incorporate a Public Limited Company.

3️⃣ Can a Public Limited Company list on stock exchanges?
Yes, once it meets SEBI requirements, it can issue an IPO and list on BSE/NSE.

4️⃣ Is there a minimum capital requirement?
Yes, the company must have a minimum paid-up capital of ₹5 lakhs (subject to change as per MCA norms).

5️⃣ What are MOA and AOA?
MOA (Memorandum of Association) defines the company’s purpose, while AOA (Articles of Association) outlines the internal rules and regulations.

6️⃣ Can NRIs or foreign nationals become shareholders?
Yes, subject to compliance with FEMA and FDI guidelines.

7️⃣ Is audit compulsory for a Public Limited Company?
Yes, annual audit and filings with the ROC and SEBI (if listed) are mandatory.

8️⃣ Can a Public Limited Company convert into a Private Limited Company?
Yes, by passing a special resolution and obtaining approval from the ROC.

9️⃣ What are the annual compliance requirements?
Annual returns, financial statements, director disclosures, shareholder meetings, and ROC filings are compulsory.

🔟 Why choose a Public Limited Company over a Private Limited Company?
If your business seeks to raise capital publicly, build brand credibility, and scale significantly, a Public Limited Company is the most suitable structure.