Public Company Registration in India
A Public Limited Company can offer its shares to the public and raise capital from institutional investors. It enjoys separate legal identity, limited liability for shareholders and must comply with the Companies Act, 2013. Minimum requirements include at least three directors and seven shareholders.
What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company is a company that may offer its shares to the general public. It provides separate legal identity, limited liability for shareholders, and the ability to raise capital from the public through shares or debentures. It is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and requires at least three directors and seven shareholders.
Why is Public Company Registration Required?
- Raise large-scale funds from public or institutional investors.
- Build credibility and trust among customers, investors, and lenders.
- List shares on stock exchanges (NSE, BSE) for public trading.
- Attract venture capital or foreign investment for expansion.
- Ensure transparency via statutory compliance and corporate governance.
Documents Required for Public Company Registration
Documents typically submitted for incorporation
PAN Card
PAN Card for Indian nationals (directors & shareholders).
Passport
Passport for foreign nationals (directors/shareholders).
Address Proof
Aadhaar / Voter ID / Driving License as address proof.
Photographs
Passport-sized photographs of directors & shareholders.
Proof of Business Address
Electricity bill, rent agreement or property papers.
Utility Bill
Utility bill for registered office (not older than 2 months).
Rent/Ownership Proof
Rent agreement or ownership documents and NOC from owner.
Company Details
Proposed name, main objects, shareholding pattern and capital structure.
Benefits of Registering a Public Limited Company
Key advantages for public companies
Access to Public Funding
Raise funds by issuing shares or debentures to the public.
Limited Liability
Shareholders’ liability limited to unpaid amount on their shares.
High Credibility
Viewed as more reliable and transparent.
Transferability of Shares
Shares can be transferred among investors easily.
Perpetual Succession
Company continues despite change in shareholders.
Growth & Expansion
Easier to attract investment for business expansion.
Listing Benefits
Listed companies gain market visibility and investor trust.
Process of Public Limited Company Registration
Step-by-step incorporation workflow
Obtain Digital Signatures (DSC)
All proposed directors must obtain valid DSCs to sign e-forms electronically.
Name Reservation
Reserve a unique company name via RUN or Part-A of SPICe+ on MCA portal.
Draft MOA & AOA
Prepare Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association defining objectives and rules.
Filing of SPICe+
Submit SPICe+ with all documents, declarations and digital signatures for incorporation.
Certificate of Incorporation
ROC issues Certificate of Incorporation after verification — company is legally formed.
PAN, TAN & Bank Account
Apply for PAN, TAN and open a current account for the company post incorporation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is no minimum capital requirement under the Companies Act, 2013. However, companies typically issue shares worth at least ₹5 lakh to commence operations.
A Public Limited Company must have at least 3 directors and 7 shareholders. There is no upper limit on the number of shareholders.
No. Listing requires separate approvals from SEBI and compliance with stock exchange listing norms. Additional disclosures and compliances need to be met.
A Private Limited Company cannot invite the public to subscribe to its shares, whereas a Public Limited Company can. Public companies face higher compliance and disclosure requirements.
Typically it takes 7–10 working days provided all documents and details are accurate and there are no issues during verification.
Yes. Appointment of a qualified Company Secretary (CS) is mandatory for every Public Limited Company.
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