Company Registration
Public Limited Company Registration in India
A public limited company can raise capital from the public and list on a stock exchange. In short, public limited company registration gives you scale, credibility and easy access to large funding. However, the compliance is heavier. Therefore, Prospect Legal handles your public limited company registration end to end — from DSC to the incorporation certificate.
10+
Years in Legal Practice
SPICe+
MCA Filing
3 Directors
Minimum Needed
End-to-End
DSC to COI
Build at Scale
What is a public limited company?
A public limited company is a company that can offer shares to the public. Simply put, it is a separate legal person with limited liability for members. Also, it can list on a stock exchange. Therefore, it suits large, growth-focused businesses.
This structure builds strong trust and reach. First, it can raise capital from many investors. Next, shares are freely transferable. Also, it signals scale to banks and partners. Because of this, big ventures choose it.
Why choose a public limited company?
Public limited company registration offers clear advantages. In practice, these are the main ones.
- Public fundraising. Notably, it can raise capital from the public and institutions.
- Limited liability. Moreover, members are liable only up to their shareholding.
- Free share transfer. Also, shares move easily, which attracts investors.
- Strong credibility. Finally, the structure signals scale and governance.
Eligibility and legal requirements
A public limited company is formed under the Companies Act, 2013. In short, you need at least three directors and seven shareholders, and at least one director must be resident in India. Also, there is no minimum paid-up capital, since the ₹5 lakh requirement was removed in 2015. Next, you need a registered office in India, and each director needs a DIN and a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Accordingly, we arrange all of these for you.
A public company then carries heavier governance than a private one. First, it must file a declaration of commencement of business (INC-20A) before it starts operations or borrows. Second, it must hold at least four board meetings a year and an annual general meeting, and it may raise capital from the public only through a prospectus. Third, its disclosure and audit rules are stricter. Therefore, we set up the registers, filings and calendar so the company stays compliant from day one.
Documents required for public limited company registration
You need only a few documents to start. Also, our team checks each one before filing. As a result, approval stays smooth. Here is the list:
- PAN and Aadhaar of all directors and shareholders
- Passport-size photos of the directors
- Address proof — bank statement or utility bill
- Proof of the registered office, such as a rent agreement
- A No Objection Certificate from the property owner
- Email and mobile number of each director
Public limited company registration — step by step
The process is simple with expert help. Moreover, Prospect Legal handles every step for you. Here is how it works:
Step 1 — Get DSC and DIN
First, we obtain a Digital Signature Certificate for each director. Then, we apply for the Director Identification Number.
Step 2 — Reserve the company name
Next, we file the name in SPICe+ Part A. Also, we check that the name is unique and available.
Step 3 — File SPICe+ for incorporation
Then, we file SPICe+ Part B with the MOA and AOA. Also, PAN and TAN are applied for together.
Step 4 — Receive the incorporation certificate
Finally, the MCA issues the Certificate of Incorporation. After that, your company is ready to start operations.
Public limited vs private limited vs LLP
Founders often compare the three structures. In short, they differ in fundraising, members and compliance. The table makes it clear.
| Point | Public Limited | Private Limited | LLP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum members | 7 | 2 | 2 partners |
| Minimum directors | 3 | 2 | 2 designated |
| Public fundraising | Yes | No | No |
| Best for | Large, listing-ready firms | Startups seeking investors | Services and professionals |
Cost, timeline and post-incorporation steps
Public limited company registration is quick with the right help. In practice, incorporation takes a few working days once documents are ready. Because government fees vary by state and capital, we quote the exact figure upfront.
A few steps follow incorporation. First, open a company bank account. Next, deposit the subscribed capital. Also, file the commencement of business form (INC-20A). Therefore, we guide you through each one.
Public limited company compliance calendar (first year)
A public company runs the heaviest compliance of the company forms. In short, we track and file each item so nothing is missed.
| Filing | Form | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| Commencement of business | INC-20A | Within 180 days of incorporation |
| First auditor appointment | ADT-1 | Within 30 days of incorporation |
| Board meetings | — | At least four each year, one in every quarter |
| Annual general meeting | — | Within six months of the financial year end |
| Director KYC | DIR-3 KYC | By 30 September every year |
| Financial statements | AOC-4 | Within 30 days of the AGM |
| Annual return | MGT-7 | Within 60 days of the AGM |
What makes up the cost of registration?
The total cost has a few clear parts. Also, government charges vary by state and capital, so we quote the exact figure upfront. Here is what it covers.
| Component | What it covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Signature (DSC) | A signature for each director | One-time, per person |
| Name reservation | Reserve the name in SPICe+ Part A | Small government fee |
| MCA filing fee | The SPICe+ incorporation filing | Scales with authorised capital |
| Stamp duty | Duty on the MOA and AOA | Varies by state |
| PAN & TAN | Applied within SPICe+ | Included in the filing |
| Professional fee | Our end-to-end handling | Fixed and quoted upfront |
Why choose Prospect Legal for public limited company registration?
Many portals just file a form. Few, however, guide you like a partner. Here is what sets us apart:
- Fixed pricing. Because our fees are clear, you face no surprises.
- End-to-end. Also, we handle DSC, DIN, name approval and SPICe+ together.
- Governance ready. Next, we set up your registers and first filings.
- Fast turnaround. Moreover, we push the MCA process to save time.
- Real support. Above all, you can reach a human on call or WhatsApp anytime.
Public limited company registration — what’s included
| Service | What we do | Benefit to you |
|---|---|---|
| DSC & DIN | Digital signatures and director IDs | Ready-to-file directors |
| Name Approval | Reserve a unique company name | A brand you can keep |
| MOA & AOA | Draft the charter documents | A compliant foundation |
| SPICe+ Filing | File incorporation with the MCA | A registered company |
| PAN, TAN & COI | Apply for PAN, TAN and get the COI | Ready to operate |
| Post-Setup Guidance | Bank account and INC-20A | A smooth start |
Related company registration services
Not sure which structure fits you? Therefore, explore these related services next:
Frequently asked questions about public limited company registration
How many people are needed for a public limited company?
You need at least seven shareholders and three directors. Also, at least one director must be resident in India. In addition, the same people can hold both roles. So, seven members are the minimum.
What is the minimum capital for a public limited company?
There is no fixed minimum paid-up capital under the Companies Act, 2013. Simply put, you can start with a suitable amount. Also, you choose the authorised capital. Therefore, the structure stays flexible.
How long does registration take?
With documents ready, it takes only a few working days. However, MCA processing can add time. So, timelines vary a little. Meanwhile, we push the process to keep it fast.
What documents are required?
You need PAN, Aadhaar and photos of the directors. Also, address proof and registered-office proof. In addition, a No Objection Certificate from the owner. Accordingly, we check each one first.
Listing, cost and compliance
Does a public limited company have to list on a stock exchange?
No, listing is optional, not automatic. Notably, a public limited company can stay unlisted. Then, it can list later through an IPO. Accordingly, we advise on the right path.
What does registration cost?
The cost depends on the state and the authorised capital. Also, professional fees apply for the filing. Because both vary, we quote the exact figure upfront. So, there are no surprises.
What compliances apply after registration?
A public limited company files annual returns and financial statements. Also, it holds board and general meetings. In addition, it follows stricter disclosure rules. We set these up for you.
Can a public limited company be converted from a private one?
Yes, a private limited company can convert into a public one. Notably, this needs fresh approvals and filings. Then, the members and directors are adjusted. Accordingly, we guide the conversion.
Board meetings and annual filings
What is INC-20A and when is it due?
INC-20A is the declaration of commencement of business, filed within 180 days of incorporation once the subscribed capital is paid in. Notably, the company cannot operate or borrow until it is filed. Then, we file it early. So, you can start on time.
How many board meetings must a public company hold?
A public limited company must hold at least four board meetings a year, with a gap of no more than 120 days between two meetings. Also, it holds an AGM within six months of the financial year end. Then, we set the schedule and minutes. Accordingly, you stay compliant.
What annual filings does a public company make?
Each year it files AOC-4 for financial statements within 30 days of the AGM and MGT-7 for the annual return within 60 days. Also, directors file DIR-3 KYC by 30 September. In addition, disclosure rules are stricter than a private company. We manage the full calendar.
Does a public company face stricter compliance?
Yes, a public company has heavier governance and disclosure than a private one. Simply put, board composition, audits and filings are more demanding. Then, we build the registers and controls upfront. So, the company is audit-ready.
Other common questions
Can foreign nationals be directors?
Yes, a foreign national can be a director or shareholder. However, at least one director must be resident in India. Also, extra documents apply. We handle the FEMA and KYC steps.
What is the difference between public and private limited?
A public limited company can raise capital from the public. A private limited company cannot and stays closely held. So, the choice depends on your funding plans. Accordingly, we advise the better fit.
Do I get PAN and TAN with incorporation?
Yes, PAN and TAN are applied for within SPICe+. Also, they arrive with the incorporation. So, you do not apply separately. This saves you time.
Can Prospect Legal handle the full registration?
Yes, we manage it end to end. First, DSC, DIN and name approval. Next, SPICe+, MOA and AOA. Finally, the COI, PAN and TAN. Call 7000-12-7225 to begin.
Ready to register your public limited company? Start today.
Do not let paperwork slow your launch. Instead, let our experts file your public limited company registration end to end. As a result, you get a compliant company, fast.
