Public Limited Company Registration

Public Limited Company Registration in India: Process, Cost & Compliance

A Public Limited Company is the structure to choose when you plan to raise capital broadly, list on a stock exchange, or operate at a scale where public accountability builds trust. This guide covers what a public limited company is, eligibility, documents, the SPICe+ process, real costs, and how KanoonPe files it - with flat pricing and a filed-on-time-or-refund promise.

Quick summary

• What it is: A company that can offer its shares to the public, with a minimum of 7 shareholders and 3 directors, listed or unlisted.
• Governed by: the Companies Act, 2013, registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
• Best for: Established businesses planning to raise public capital, list on an exchange, or operate with wider public shareholding.
• Minimum: 7 shareholders and 3 directors; no maximum cap on shareholders.
• KanoonPe price: Flat, all-inclusive quote on a free callback · Timeline: typically 12–20 working days.

Quick facts

What is a Public Limited Company?

A Public Limited Company is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 that can offer its shares to the general public and, if it chooses, list them on a recognised stock exchange. It requires a minimum of 7 shareholders and 3 directors, and unlike a Private Limited Company, it has no cap on the maximum number of shareholders and no restriction on the free transferability of shares.

Because it can raise capital from the public, a Public Limited Company is subject to stricter governance and disclosure norms than a Private Limited Company - including mandatory independent directors and additional committees once it crosses prescribed thresholds, and continuous disclosure requirements if listed. Companies must add "Limited" (not "Private Limited") to their name.

A Public Limited Company can be unlisted (shares held privately by more than 7 people but not traded on an exchange) or listed, in which case it must additionally comply with SEBI's Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations.

Who should register a Public Limited Company?

A Public Limited Company suits you if you:

• Plan to raise capital from the public or eventually pursue an IPO/listing.
• Are scaling an existing Private Limited Company and need a broader shareholder base.
• Want free transferability of shares without the restrictions a Pvt Ltd's AOA imposes.
• Operate in a sector where public accountability and larger governance builds trust with regulators, banks, and large customers.

If you don't need public shareholding and want simpler compliance, a Private Limited Company is usually the better starting point - you can convert to Public Limited later as you scale.

Benefits of Public Limited Company registration

1. Access to public capital - Ability to raise funds through public issue of shares or debentures, subject to SEBI norms if listed.
2. Free transferability of shares - No restriction on transferring shares, unlike a Private Limited Company.
3. No cap on shareholders - Unlimited number of members, enabling wide capital mobilisation.
4. Enhanced credibility and visibility - Stricter governance signals stability to large customers, lenders, and institutional partners.
5. Perpetual succession - The company continues regardless of changes in shareholders or directors.
6. Easier access to institutional debt - Banks and NBFCs often view public companies as lower-risk borrowers given disclosure norms.

Documents required for Public Limited Company registration

Identity proof (each director & shareholder)

• PAN card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
• Passport (mandatory for foreign nationals - notarised/apostilled)
• Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Driving License (secondary ID)

Address proof (each director & shareholder)

• Bank statement, or electricity/telephone/mobile bill - not older than 2 months

Photographs

• Recent passport-size colour photograph of each director/shareholder

Registered office proof

• Rent/lease agreement + NOC from the owner, or sale deed/latest property tax receipt
• Latest utility bill for the office address (less than 2 months old)

Ready to get started? Talk to a verified expert → - get a transparent, all-inclusive quote for your Public Limited Company within one business hour.

Public Limited Company registration process (step by step)

1. Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC). Every proposed director needs a Class 3 DSC.
2. Apply for name reservation (SPICe+ Part A). The name must end with "Limited" and clear MCA/trademark checks.
3. Apply for DIN. Director Identification Numbers are allotted for proposed directors through SPICe+.
4. Draft the MOA and AOA. The Memorandum (e-MOA, INC-33) defines your objects; the Articles (e-AOA, INC-34) set internal rules without transfer restrictions.
5. File SPICe+ Part B (INC-32). Covers incorporation, PAN, TAN, and AGILE-PRO for GST/EPFO/ESIC/bank account.
6. ROC verification and approval. The Registrar reviews the application, including the minimum 7-shareholder, 3-director requirement.
7. Receive your Certificate of Incorporation with your CIN, PAN, and TAN.
8. File INC-20A (Commencement of Business) within 180 days before starting operations or borrowing.

How much does Public Limited Company registration cost in India?

KanoonPe offers a flat, all-inclusive quote - professional fees, DSC, and standard filings bundled into one transparent number. Government fees and stamp duty that vary by state and capital are billed at actuals and shown upfront.

Public Limited Company registration timeline

Every KanoonPe order ships with a written SLA - filed on time or you get a refund.

Post-incorporation compliance

• Open a current bank account and deposit subscribed capital.
• File INC-20A (Commencement of Business) within 180 days - see Commencement of Business.
• Appoint the first auditor within 30 days (Section 139, Companies Act, 2013).
• Constitute mandatory committees (Audit Committee, Nomination & Remuneration Committee) once prescribed thresholds are crossed.
• File annual ROC returns (AOC-4, MGT-7) and hold the AGM - see ROC Annual Compliance.
• Complete DIR-3 KYC for directors - see Director DIN KYC.
• Register for GST if turnover crosses the threshold or you sell inter-state.
• If planning to list, engage with SEBI-registered intermediaries for IPO compliance.

Public Limited vs Private Limited Company

Choose Public Limited to raise public capital and scale governance; Private Limited for tighter control and lower compliance while starting out.

Why choose KanoonPe

• Transparent flat pricing - one all-inclusive number; government fees at actuals, shown upfront.
• Filed-on-time or refund - every order ships with a written SLA.
• One accountable case owner - a single named manager owns your incorporation end to end.
• Live status tracking - watch every filing stage in real time.

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