Overview
A Public Limited Company is a company incorporated 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 is owned by its shareholders, managed by a board of directors, and exists as a separate legal entity distinct from the people who own and run it.This structure is suited to businesses that intend to raise substantial capital from the public or institutional investors and that need a credible, transparent corporate form. A Public Limited Company requires a minimum of 7 shareholders (members) and 3 directors, with at least one director who is a resident of India. There is no upper limit on the number of members.
Registration is handled online through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal and ends with the issue of a Certificate of Incorporation by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Promoters who want limited liability, easy transfer of shares, perpetual existence, and the ability to mobilise large-scale funding typically opt for this form of company.
Advantages
- Limited liability: The liability of shareholders is limited to the unpaid amount on the shares they hold; personal assets are protected against company debts.
- Access to public capital: A public company can raise funds by issuing shares and other securities to the public, opening access to a wide pool of investors.
- Stock exchange listing: Shares may be listed on a recognised stock exchange, improving visibility, liquidity and the ability to attract investors.
- Easy transfer of shares: Shares are freely transferable, allowing investors to enter or exit their holding with ease.
- Separate legal entity and perpetual succession: The company exists independently of its members and continues regardless of changes in ownership or the death of shareholders.
- Enhanced credibility: The transparency and compliance requirements of a public company strengthen trust with banks, investors and business partners.
Eligibility
- A minimum of 7 shareholders (members) is required, with no maximum limit on the number of members.
- A minimum of 3 directors is required, with no upper limit on the number of directors.
- At least one director must be a resident of India (a person who has stayed in India for not less than 182 days during the preceding financial year).
- Each director must hold a valid Director Identification Number (DIN).
- At least one director must have a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to sign documents filed electronically.
- The company must have a registered office address in India.
- As per the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015, there is no minimum paid-up capital requirement; promoters set the authorised and paid-up capital as suitable for the business.
How to Apply
Getting your Public Limited Company registered through TaxoSure is simple and fully online. Just follow these steps:- Visit TaxoSure. Go to taxosure.com and open the Public Limited Company Registration service page.
- Login or Register. Create your free TaxoSure account, or simply log in if you already have one.
- Upload your documents. Upload the required documents for Public Limited Company Registration on this page. Your KYC documents (PAN & Aadhaar) are auto-filled from your account; just upload the remaining documents as per the checklist.
- Submit your application. Review the details and submit your application in one click.
- Talk to our consultant. Our consultant connects with you on WhatsApp / Call to confirm the details, share the pricing and begin the work.
- Get your Certificate of Incorporation. Our experts complete the entire registration process and deliver your Certificate of Incorporation, along with the company's PAN and TAN, to you.
The process is completed online and typically takes a few working days once all documents are in order, subject to government processing and document readiness.
Documents Required
Only PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory; the rest are optional.- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Address Proof (Utility / Electricity Bill)
- Bank Statement
- Landlord's Consent Letter / No-Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
Renewal
The Certificate of Incorporation does not expire and does not require renewal. A company enjoys perpetual succession and continues to exist until it is formally wound up or struck off.However, a Public Limited Company must meet ongoing annual compliance obligations under the Companies Act, 2013 to remain active and in good standing, including:
- Filing of annual financial statements (Form AOC-4) with the ROC.
- Filing of the annual return (Form MGT-7) with the ROC.
- Holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and board meetings as prescribed.
- Appointment and intimation of the auditor (Form ADT-1) and annual DIR-3 KYC for directors.
FAQs
What is the minimum number of members and directors for a Public Limited Company?+
A Public Limited Company in India requires a minimum of 7 shareholders (members) and 3 directors. There is no maximum limit on the number of members, and at least one director must be a resident of India.
Is there a minimum capital requirement to register a Public Limited Company?+
No. Following the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015, there is no mandatory minimum paid-up capital. Promoters decide the authorised and paid-up capital based on the needs of the business.
Does a Public Limited Company have to list its shares on a stock exchange?+
No. Listing on a stock exchange is optional. A Public Limited Company is allowed to offer shares to the public and may list on a recognised stock exchange, but it can also remain unlisted while retaining the public company structure.
What is the difference between a Public Limited Company and a Private Limited Company?+
A Public Limited Company can offer shares to the general public and have unlimited members, requiring at least 7 members and 3 directors. A Private Limited Company restricts the transfer of shares, cannot invite the public to subscribe to its shares, and has a cap on the number of members.
Does the Certificate of Incorporation need to be renewed every year?+
No. The Certificate of Incorporation is permanent and does not require renewal. The company must, however, complete its annual ROC and statutory compliances each year, such as filing AOC-4 and MGT-7, to remain in good standing.