Public Limited Company Registration
In short
A public limited company needs at least three directors and seven shareholders, a unique name and a registered office in India. It is incorporated online with the MCA through SPICe+. Unlike a private company, it may invite the public to subscribe to its shares, so it carries stricter governance and disclosure requirements.
Overview
A public limited company is suited to businesses that plan to raise capital from a wide investor base, list on a stock exchange in future, or need a structure without the private-company limit of two hundred members.
Its shares are freely transferable and the company can accept deposits from the public subject to the Companies Act, 2013 and RBI rules. In exchange, it must meet stronger governance norms, for example on board composition, related-party approvals and, beyond certain thresholds, independent directors and committees.
Key requirements
- Minimum three directors, at least one resident in India
- Minimum seven shareholders; there is no upper limit
- A unique name ending with "Limited"
- A registered office address in India
- No minimum paid-up capital is prescribed
Documents required
- PAN and identity proof of each director and shareholder
- Address proof not older than two months
- Passport-size photographs
- Registered office proof and owner's NOC
We share an exact checklist for your case before you start, since requirements vary with the structure and the people involved.
Process
Name and structure
We confirm the structure, then search and reserve the proposed name.
DSC and DIN
Digital signatures are obtained and DINs are allotted through SPICe+.
Charter documents
The MoA and AoA are drafted for a public company.
SPICe+ filing
The incorporation form and linked forms are filed with the MCA.
Incorporation
The Certificate of Incorporation, PAN and TAN are issued.
What KNAP Advisory handles
- Name search and reservation
- DSC and DIN for directors
- MoA and AoA drafting
- SPICe+ filing and ROC follow-up
- Guidance on governance obligations after incorporation
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a private and a public limited company?
A private company restricts share transfers, cannot invite the public to subscribe to its securities and is limited to 200 members. A public company has at least seven members with no upper limit, freely transferable shares and can raise money from the public, with stricter governance in return.
How many directors does a public limited company need?
At least three, with a maximum of fifteen unless the shareholders approve more by special resolution.
Can a private limited company convert into a public company later?
Yes. A private company can convert by altering its articles and passing a special resolution, then meeting the public-company requirements on directors and members.