Public Limited Company Registration

What is a Public Limited Company?

A Public Limited Company or PLC, is a company that is allowed to raise capital from the general public by issuing shares. Unlike private limited companies, a public company is more tightly regulated under the Companies Act, 2013 - because it has the potential to influence retail investors and wider markets. It must have a minimum of three directors and at least seven shareholders to begin with and can be listed or unlisted on a stock exchange.

This form of business is suited for ventures that aim to grow large, attract investment at scale or eventually list their shares. But registering a public limited company is not only about size - it is also about responsibility. From regular disclosures to statutory compliance, there are several rules that come into play once the company structure is formalised.

Who Should Register a Public Limited Company?

This route is not for everyone - but it is ideal for businesses that plan to grow fast and raise funds from the public. If your company is preparing for large-scale investment, looking to get listed or simply wants to build credibility among shareholders, a public limited company structure gives you that formal base.

It also makes sense for enterprises that want to issue shares to raise working capital or diversify their ownership. Manufacturing companies, infrastructure firms, financial service providers and high-growth ventures often choose this model because it brings access to public funds, but also imposes a higher level of scrutiny - which, in many cases, is exactly what institutional investors want.

Key Benefits of a Public Limited Company

When you choose to register as a public limited company, you open the door to growth that smaller business structures cannot offer. It is not just about raising capital - it is about how the market starts to see your business once it carries the "public company" tag.

• You will be able to raise capital from the public - issuing shares to a larger pool of investors gives you more flexibility to fund expansion, new projects or acquisitions.
• It builds market trust - because a public company is subject to stricter compliance and regular disclosures, banks and investors take your proposals more seriously.
• Shares can be transferred more easily - which means investors see liquidity in their investment and you can bring in new shareholders without major legal hurdles.
• Opens the path to listing - if your growth continues, you have the option to list on a recognised stock exchange and access even larger funding.
• The company lives beyond its owners - a public limited company has its own legal identity, so it continues even if directors or shareholders change.

These benefits become more visible as your business scales. Investors prefer structures they can trust and a public company gives them that confidence while giving you room to plan bigger moves.

Documents Required

The amount of paperwork can initially feel like a lot, but once you break it down, most of it becomes easy and straightforward. Some documents will be needed for the proposed directors and shareholders and others will relate to the company itself. Here is what you will need to keep ready:

For Directors and Shareholders

• PAN card - mandatory for all Indian nationals
• Passport - for foreign nationals or NRIs
• Address proof - such as Aadhaar, voter ID or driving licence
• Recent passport-size photograph (soft copy)
• Mobile number and email ID - to be used for OTP verifications

For the Registered Office

• Proof of address - latest electricity bill, water bill or property tax receipt
• Rental agreement - if the office space is rented
• NOC from the property owner - a simple one-line consent letter will do

Additional Requirements

• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) - for at least one director
• Director Identification Number (DIN) - to be applied through the SPICe+ form
• Consent to act as director - in the prescribed format

Some of these documents should be self-attested and scanned. We will guide you through every step, so that nothing gets missed.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

For registering a public limited company, one has to follow a defined legal process under the Companies Act, 2013. But because it involves capital from the public, there are a few extra steps that go beyond what is required for a private limited company. Here is how the process unfolds, step by step:

Step 1: Choose a Name and Get It Approved

You will need to submit name options to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) through Part A of the SPICe+ form. Once the Registrar of Companies (ROC) approves the name, it is then reserved for a limited period of time - so that the next steps follow without delay.

Step 2: Prepare the Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)

At least one of the directors must have a valid Digital Signature Certificate, as most of the filings are submitted online through the MCA portal. We will help apply for or renew it if needed.

Step 3: Fill SPICe+ Part B and Attach Documents

This is where company details are entered, along with uploading ID/address proofs, registered office documents, consent letters and drafts of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA). The form also includes PAN/TAN application and DIN allotment.

Step 4: Verification and Issuance of COI

After you submit the forms, the ROC will verify everything. If all documents are in order, the Certificate of Incorporation (COI) is issued along with a unique Corporate Identification Number (CIN). At this stage, the company legally comes into existence.

Step 5: Filing of INC-20A for Business Commencement

Even after receiving the COI, you will not be allowed to start operations until Form INC-20A is filed. This form confirms that the company's subscribed capital has been deposited in the bank account. It must be submitted within 180 days of incorporation.

Step 6: Apply for Other Registrations if Needed

Depending on the type of business you are in, we assist you with additional registrations like GST, PF, ESI or professional tax. If you are preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), we also coordinate with SEBI-registered intermediaries for advisory, due diligence and pre-listing support.

Each step has its own timeline and some depend on OTP verifications or portal validations - but once you start, the full process can move faster with the right documentation in place.

How MSA Supports You

Public company registration can feel procedural - and it is - but what often causes delays is not knowing which step needs what kind of document or verification. That is where our team comes in.

We help you make the right start

From choosing a valid company name to preparing the MOA and AOA in line with your business model, we guide you through the early formalities that set the foundation right. We also help secure DINs and digital signatures without confusion or back-and-forth.

We handle the MCA filings and follow-ups

Filing SPICe+ Part A and B, uploading supporting documents and coordinating with the ROC for approvals - our team manages this process directly on the MCA portal. If there are queries or rejections, we take care of the resubmissions too.

We track your COI and CIN issuance

Once the ROC approves your application, we follow through until your Certificate of Incorporation and Corporate Identification Number are issued. You will know exactly when your company is officially incorporated.

We guide you through INC-20A and post-registration steps

After incorporation, we assist with opening the company bank account, depositing the subscribed capital and filing Form INC-20A within the required time. We also help with PAN/TAN activation, GST registration and advisory on setting up for future listing or SEBI compliance, if needed.

At every step, we explain what is required and why - so that you are not just complying with the law, but actually understanding the process behind it.

Our Key Experts For Public Limited Company Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it mandatory to list a public limited company on the stock exchange?

No, it is not mandatory. A public limited company can be listed or unlisted. While listing opens up access to capital markets, many businesses prefer to stay unlisted and still raise funds privately or through public placements. Listing is a choice, not a requirement.

2. How much minimum capital do I need to start a public limited company?

There is no fixed minimum capital requirement under the Companies Act anymore - but on the practical side, most public limited companies start with a higher authorised and paid-up capital than private ones, especially if they plan to raise funds from investors. We usually suggest planning this based on your financial model.

3. Can NRIs or foreign nationals be shareholders or directors?

Yes, they can. But there are additional rules under FEMA and in some sectors, foreign shareholding may need prior approval. If you plan to include NRIs or foreign entities, we can walk you through the compliance part step by step.

4. How long does the entire registration process usually take?

Assuming that the documents are in order and the OTPs are verified promptly, it generally takes around 15 to 20 working days. Sometimes, name approval or INC-20A filing may cause slight delays, but we try to keep things moving without long gaps.

Start Your Public Limited Company with Confidence

Registering a Public Limited Company is a vital step towards business expansion, investor trust and market credibility. With MSA, you get more than just registration - we ensure an easy, compliant and investor-ready setup.

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