Public Limited
Company Registration
in India
The gold standard for large enterprises and businesses eyeing public fundraising or a future IPO. Raise capital from the public, build investor trust, and grow at scale — CA & CS assisted, 100% online.
Trusted by businesses across India
How TaxClue Registers Your Public Limited Company
A fully managed, step-by-step journey from your first consultation to a fully compliant, operational Public Limited Company — typically in 10–15 working days.
Free Expert Consultation
Our CA/CS understands your business goals, shareholding structure, and future plans — including IPO ambitions. We advise on capital requirements, director structure, and SEBI readiness.
Day 1Document Collection
We share a personalised checklist for all 3+ directors and 7+ shareholders. We clearly flag what needs to be notarised, attested, or apostilled for foreign directors if applicable.
Day 1–2DSC & DIN for All Directors
Class-3 Digital Signature Certificates and Director Identification Numbers arranged for all proposed directors (minimum 3, including at least 1 Indian resident).
Day 2–4Name Reservation (RUN / SPICe+)
We run a thorough MCA availability check and trademark screening before filing. The name must end with "Limited" (not "Private Limited"). We recommend 2–3 options to avoid rejection.
Day 3–5Draft MOA & AOA
Memorandum and Articles of Association are drafted to reflect the Public Limited structure — including share transfer rights, AGM requirements, and public issuance provisions under Companies Act, 2013.
Day 4–6SPICe+ Part B Filing
All incorporation details filed with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) via MCA portal. AGILE-PRO-S simultaneously applies for PAN, TAN, GST, ESIC, and EPFO in a single integrated form.
Day 5–9Certificate of Incorporation
ROC issues the Certificate of Incorporation with your CIN. Your company is now a registered legal entity. Share certificates are issued to all 7+ shareholders within 60 days.
Day 8–13Post-Incorporation Setup
We guide you through INC-20A filing, first auditor appointment, bank account opening, first board meeting, and statutory register setup — so you are 100% compliant from day one.
✅ Complete!What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a business structure registered under the Companies Act, 2013 that is authorised to offer its shares to the general public and raise capital from the stock market. It provides limited liability protection, a separate legal identity, and the highest level of corporate credibility in India.
The key distinction from a Private Limited Company is that shares are freely transferable and can be offered to the public. This makes it the ideal structure for medium-to-large enterprises planning significant expansion, external fundraising, or a future IPO listing on NSE/BSE.
The company name must end with just "Limited" — not "Private Limited" — reflecting its open public ownership structure.
The path to India's stock exchanges starts here
All companies listed on NSE and BSE are Public Limited Companies. Registering as a PLC is the first mandatory step toward an IPO. Even without immediate listing plans, a PLC signals institutional investor readiness, regulatory maturity, and corporate governance — qualities that attract major clients, banks, and institutional funding.
Who is a Public Limited Company Ideal For?
IPO-Aspiring Businesses
Companies planning to list on NSE or BSE within 3–7 years and need the right legal structure from day one.
Large Enterprises & Corporate Groups
Established businesses with complex shareholding structures needing public company governance.
Fundraising-Focused Businesses
Companies looking to raise equity capital from the public, institutional investors, or through debentures.
Infrastructure & Manufacturing
Capital-intensive sectors that need access to large-scale public funding and government contracts.
Financial Services & NBFCs
Many regulated financial institutions must operate as Public Limited Companies under RBI/SEBI rules.
Pvt. Ltd. Converting to PLC
Private Limited Companies with 3+ directors and 7+ shareholders ready to upgrade to a public structure.
Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Advantages
- 💸Public Fundraising — Raise capital through public issue, rights issue, and debentures
- 🛡️Limited Liability — Shareholders' personal assets protected from business debts
- 🔄Free Share Transferability — No restrictions on buying or selling shares
- 🏢Separate Legal Entity — Company operates independently of shareholders
- ⭐Maximum Credibility — Preferred by banks, institutions, and government bodies
- 📈IPO & Listing Eligible — Can list on NSE/BSE after meeting SEBI norms
- ♾️Perpetual Existence — Continues regardless of shareholder or director changes
⚠️ Limitations
- 📋High Compliance Cost — More filing requirements than Pvt. Ltd. or LLP
- 🔍Mandatory Public Disclosure — Financial statements and director details publicly visible
- ⚙️Complex Governance — AGM, board committees, and SEBI norms if listed
- 🐌Slower Decisions — Large management structure affects decision speed
- 💰Higher Setup Cost — More professional fees and stamp duties at incorporation
- 📢Stricter Audit Requirements — Statutory auditor, secretarial audit mandatory
💡 TaxClue's Annual Compliance Package handles all ROC filings, AGM coordination, statutory audit, and ITR for Public Limited Companies — so compliance never slows your growth.
Detailed Step-by-Step Registration Process
Here is the complete legal process for incorporating a Public Limited Company in India — managed end-to-end by TaxClue.
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1
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for All Directors
Class-3 DSC arranged for all proposed directors (minimum 3). Required to digitally sign all MCA forms. TaxClue arranges within 1 business day through authorised DSC agencies.
MCA Portal -
2
Director Identification Number (DIN) for All Directors
Unique DIN obtained for all 3+ directors. At least one director must be an Indian resident (stayed 182+ days in India in the previous calendar year). Applied simultaneously with DSC.
MCA Portal -
3
Company Name Reservation (RUN / SPICe+ Part A)
Name must end with "Limited" (not "Private Limited"). TaxClue conducts full availability and trademark screening before filing. Up to two names can be applied simultaneously to reduce rejection risk.
MCA / RUN Form -
4
Drafting MOA & AOA for Public Company
TaxClue's legal team drafts a comprehensive Memorandum and Articles of Association tailored for a Public Limited Company — including provisions for public share issuance, AGM conduct, board committees, and future SEBI compliance.
Legal Drafting -
5
Filing SPICe+ Part B + e-MOA + e-AOA + AGILE-PRO-S
All incorporation details filed with the ROC. AGILE-PRO-S simultaneously registers for PAN, TAN, GST, ESIC, and EPFO. Declarations from all 3+ directors and company secretary (if applicable) are filed.
ROC / MCA -
6
Certificate of Incorporation (COI) Issued ✅
ROC issues the COI with your Company Identification Number (CIN). Your Public Limited Company is now a registered legal entity. PAN and TAN are automatically allotted.
Day 8–13 -
7
Post-Incorporation Compliances
TaxClue assists with: Filing INC-20A (Commencement of Business) within 180 days, appointing the first Statutory Auditor within 30 days, issuing Share Certificates to all 7+ shareholders within 60 days, and conducting the first Board Meeting.
Companies Act 2013
What You Get with TaxClue Registration
Certificate of Incorporation
ROC-issued COI with your company's CIN number and legal standing.
Company PAN & TAN
Both applied via AGILE-PRO-S — no separate applications needed.
MOA & AOA Documents
Professionally drafted public company constitution documents.
DSC for All Directors
Class-3 DSCs for all 3+ directors, valid 2 years.
DIN for All Directors
Director Identification Numbers confirmed with MCA for all directors.
ESIC & EPF Registration
Statutory employee registrations completed via AGILE-PRO-S.
Share Allotment Guidance
Professional guidance on share structure, share certificates, and capital setup for 7+ shareholders.
Free Compliance Advisory
Bonus: GST setup, first board meeting guidance, and first-year compliance overview — free.
Documents Needed for Public Limited Company Registration
Required for all 3+ directors, 7+ shareholders, and the registered office. TaxClue shares a personalised checklist after your free consultation.
For All Directors & Shareholders (minimum 3 directors, 7 shareholders)
PAN Card
Mandatory for all Indian directors and shareholders.
Aadhaar Card
Identity & address proof linked to active mobile number.
Address Proof
Bank statement or utility bill (max 2 months old).
Passport-size Photo
Recent colour photograph on white background.
Email & Mobile
Active email and mobile for MCA portal registration.
Foreign Director?
Passport + apostille-attested address proof from home country.
For Registered Office
Rent Agreement
Registered rent agreement from the property owner.
NOC from Owner
No Objection Certificate for use as registered office.
Utility Bill
Electricity or gas bill of the office premises (max 2 months old).
Public Limited vs Private Limited vs LLP
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right structure for your business stage and goals.
| Feature | Public Limited ✅ | Pvt. Limited | LLP | OPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Directors | 3 Directors | 2 Directors | 2 Partners | 1 Director |
| Min. Shareholders | 7 Shareholders | 2 Shareholders | N/A | 1 Member |
| Max. Shareholders | Unlimited | 200 | Unlimited | 1 |
| Public Share Offering | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Free Share Transfer | ✓ Yes | ✗ Restricted | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Stock Exchange Listing | ✓ Eligible | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Limited Liability | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Statutory Audit | Always required | Always required | Above ₹40L | Always required |
| Compliance Level | High | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Credibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best For | IPO, large scale | Startups, SMEs | Professionals | Solo founders |
Post-Registration Compliance Requirements
A Public Limited Company has the most comprehensive compliance obligations of any Indian business structure — applicable from day one of incorporation, regardless of turnover or activity level.
TaxClue Annual Compliance for Public Limited Companies
Our all-inclusive compliance package covers all ROC filings, AGM coordination, statutory audit, secretarial audit, ITR, and GST returns — managed by a dedicated CA and CS team assigned to your company. Get a custom quote →
Why Choose TaxClue for Public Limited Company Registration?
End-to-End Incorporation
From name reservation to Certificate of Incorporation — our CA/CS team handles every step with precision.
IPO & SEBI Advisory
We advise on SEBI-compliance readiness, shareholding structure, and the governance standards required before listing.
Transparent Fixed Pricing
Complete cost estimate upfront. No hidden government fees, stamp duty surprises, or professional add-ons.
Dedicated CA/CS Manager
A qualified Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary assigned to your project — one point of contact throughout.
100% Online & Paperless
No office visits required. All documents collected, processed, and delivered digitally via WhatsApp or email.
Pvt. Ltd. Conversion Support
Already a Pvt. Ltd.? We handle the full conversion to Public Limited — MOA/AOA alteration, special resolution, and ROC approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Public Limited Company?+A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 that is allowed to offer its shares to the general public and raise capital from external investors. Unlike a Private Limited Company, shares are freely transferable and can be listed on a stock exchange. It is the structure of choice for large enterprises, IPO-aspiring businesses, and companies that need to raise capital from the public or institutional investors.
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What are the minimum requirements to register a Public Limited Company?+
- Minimum 3 Directors (at least 1 must be an Indian resident)
- Minimum 7 Shareholders (can include the directors themselves)
- A registered office address in India
- DSC and DIN for all proposed directors
- Valid PAN, Aadhaar, and ID proofs of all directors and shareholders
- No minimum capital — though a realistic amount is advisable for banking and operations
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What is the difference between a Public Limited and Private Limited Company?+The key differences are: a Public Limited Company requires minimum 3 directors and 7 shareholders (vs 2 for Pvt. Ltd.); its shares are freely transferable without any restrictions (Pvt. Ltd. shares have transfer restrictions); it can offer shares to the general public and raise capital through public issues; and it is eligible to list on NSE/BSE after meeting SEBI requirements. Public Limited Companies have higher compliance obligations including mandatory AGM, secretarial audit, and public financial disclosures.
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Can a Public Limited Company list on the stock exchange?+Yes. A Public Limited Company is eligible to apply for listing on NSE, BSE, or NSE SME / BSE SME platforms after meeting SEBI's eligibility criteria. These include minimum paid-up capital, track record requirements, profitability thresholds, and corporate governance standards. Many companies incorporate as a Public Limited Company years before their planned IPO to build the right track record and governance framework. TaxClue advises on SEBI-readiness as part of the registration process.
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What are the annual compliance requirements?+
A Public Limited Company must mandatorily file every year:
- Annual Return — Form MGT-7 (within 60 days of AGM)
- Financial Statements — Form AOC-4 (within 30 days of AGM)
- Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 6 months of year-end
- Minimum 4 Board Meetings per financial year
- Statutory Audit by a Chartered Accountant (mandatory)
- Secretarial Audit (Form MR-3) for companies above prescribed thresholds
- ITR-6 and Director KYC (DIR-3) annually
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Can a Private Limited Company be converted into a Public Limited Company?+Yes. A Private Limited Company can be converted into a Public Limited Company by increasing the number of directors to at least 3 and shareholders to at least 7, altering the MOA and AOA to remove private company restrictions, passing a special resolution, and obtaining approval from the Registrar of Companies. The name must be changed to end with "Limited" instead of "Private Limited". TaxClue provides full legal and compliance assistance for conversion.
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How long does registration take?+With complete documents, TaxClue typically completes Public Limited Company registration in 10–15 working days. This includes DSC and DIN procurement (1–2 days), name reservation (2–3 days), MOA/AOA drafting (1–2 days), SPICe+ filing (1–2 days), and ROC processing (3–5 days). Post-incorporation compliances like INC-20A filing, auditor appointment, and first board meeting are completed within 30 days of COI issuance.
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Is a Company Secretary mandatory for a Public Limited Company?+Yes. A whole-time Company Secretary (CS) is mandatory for Public Limited Companies with paid-up share capital of ₹5 crore or more. For companies below this threshold, a practising Company Secretary is required for secretarial audit above certain revenue thresholds. TaxClue's team includes qualified Company Secretaries who handle all secretarial requirements for your Public Limited Company.
What Our Clients Say
From solo founders to large enterprises — 5,000+ businesses across India trust TaxClue for registrations, compliance, and growth.
We were converting our Pvt. Ltd. into a Public Limited Company as part of our pre-IPO restructuring. TaxClue handled the entire MOA/AOA alteration, special resolution filing, and ROC approvals seamlessly. Their CA/CS team understood our SEBI timeline and worked around it. Absolutely professional.
We registered a new Public Limited Company from scratch for our infrastructure fund. TaxClue drafted the MOA with all the right clauses for public share issuance, handled the SPICe+ filing for our 5 directors, and had our COI ready in 11 working days. Their compliance advisory post-incorporation was invaluable.
TaxClue has been our compliance partner for 3 years now — handling our AGM, Board Meetings, ROC filings, and secretarial audit. Not once have we received a notice or penalty. Their team proactively tracks our compliance calendar and reminds us before every deadline. That peace of mind is priceless.
We were a Singapore-based company setting up an Indian subsidiary as a Pvt. Ltd. first, then converted it to Public Limited within a year. TaxClue managed both steps — the initial incorporation and the conversion — with zero hiccups. Their FEMA and SEBI knowledge is genuinely rare to find under one roof.
I registered my OPC with TaxClue and they were honest enough to tell me I didn't need a Public Limited Company at my current stage. Two years later, as we scaled, they guided the upgrade to Pvt. Ltd. and now we're planning a Public conversion. They always give the right advice, not just what earns them more fees.
Our manufacturing company needed both a Public Limited structure and BIS certification for export compliance. TaxClue handled both simultaneously, coordinating with different government portals without any confusion on our end. Single point of contact, full ownership. Couldn't ask for more from a compliance partner.
Your Public Limited Company is One Step Away
Join 5,000+ Indian businesses who chose TaxClue for registrations, compliance, and growth. CA & CS assisted, 100% online, transparent pricing.
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