Public Limited Company
Public Limited Company Registration in India
A Public Limited Company (PLC) is one of the most popular business structures in India for companies looking to raise funds from the public and expand their business on a large scale. It is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
A Public Limited Company allows promoters, relatives, and the general public to subscribe to shares. Since its shares are freely transferable and listed on a recognized stock exchange, it provides greater liquidity and credibility.
Public Companies are preferred by businesses aiming for large-scale operations, expansion, and funding from external investors, including venture capitalists, private equity, and the public at large.
Key Features of a Public Limited Company
Separate Legal Entity – Distinct from its shareholders and directors.
Minimum Members – Requires at least 7 shareholders and 3 directors (maximum 15).
Share Transferability – Shares can be freely transferred or traded on stock exchanges.
Transparency – Mandatory to publish audited financial statements and disclose financial position to shareholders.
High Credibility – Attracts investors by enhancing brand image and financial strength
Benefits of Public Limited Company Registration in India
Registering a Public Limited Company in India provides several legal, financial, and business benefits. Below are the key advantages:
Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Every proposed director must obtain a DSC to sign e-forms digitally for company incorporation.
Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
A DIN must be obtained for all proposed directors from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Step 3: Name Approval
Submit an application for company name reservation on the MCA portal (RUN Service). Ensure the name is unique and complies with Companies Act, 2013.
Step 4: Drafting of MOA & AOA
Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) defining the company’s objectives, rules, and regulations.
Step 5: Filing of Incorporation Forms
File the incorporation application with SPICe+ Form (INC-32) along with MOA, AOA, identity proofs, address proofs, and other necessary documents.
Step 6: Certificate of Incorporation
Once verified, the Registrar of Companies (ROC) issues the Certificate of Incorporation, which officially registers the Public Limited Company.
Step 7: Apply for PAN, TAN & Bank Account
After incorporation, the company must obtain its Permanent Account Number (PAN), Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN), and open a bank account.
Requirements for Online Public Limited Company Registration in India
To register a Public Limited Company (PLC) in India, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
1. Minimum Shareholders
A Public Limited Company must have at least seven shareholders. There is no maximum limit on the number of shareholders.
2. Board of Directors
At least three directors are required. Each director must have a valid Director Identification Number (DIN).
3. Authorized Share Capital
The company must have a minimum authorized share capital of ₹1 lakh to meet initial registration requirements.
4. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Since the registration process is online, at least one director must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate to sign electronic documents.
5. Company Name
The proposed company name must be unique and comply with the Companies Act, 2013 and MCA guidelines. It must not be similar to an existing registered company or trademark.
6. Other Essential Documents
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)
Form DIR-12 for registering directors’ details
Documents Required for Public Limited Company Registration in India
PAN Card of all directors
Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport / Driving License (as identity proof)
Passport-size photographs of all directors
Address proof (electricity bill / rent agreement / NOC from landlord)
Utility bills of the registered office
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of all directors
Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Articles of Association (AOA)
Online Procedure for Public Limited Company Registration in India
Here is the step-by-step procedure to register a Public Limited Company (PLC) in India:
Step 1: Get Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
All proposed directors and shareholders must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate for e-filing documents on the MCA portal.
Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
Each director must apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) using the SPICe form by submitting valid proof of identity and address.
Step 3: Check Company Name Availability
Use the MCA portal to ensure that the proposed company name is unique and not similar to any existing company or trademark.
Step 4: File SPICe+ Form
Once the name is approved, complete the SPICe+ form which covers all legal requirements for incorporation. Submit the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) along with it.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Incorporation
The Registrar of Companies (ROC) verifies the submitted documents. Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation (CIN) which legally establishes your company.
Step 6: Apply for PAN and TAN
After incorporation, apply for the company’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN), which are mandatory for tax compliance.
Step 7: Open a Company Bank Account
With the incorporation documents, PAN, and TAN, open a bank account in the company’s name for business transactions.
Step 8: Additional Approvals (if applicable)
Depending on your business activities, you may require GST registration or industry-specific approvals and licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
A company name search ensures that your chosen business name is unique, legally compliant, and not already registered with Companies House UK. It helps you avoid legal disputes, trademark issues, and confusion in the Cardiff business market.
If your desired name is already registered, you’ll need to choose a different name or modify it. Using a taken name could result in rejection by Companies House or potential legal issues. Our experts can help you brainstorm alternative names that are compliant and market-ready.
It’s not advisable to use a name that’s too similar to another company, especially within the same industry. Similar names can confuse customers and risk trademark disputes. A company name search helps you identify these risks early.
For a company name search in Cardiff, you may need:
Proposed company name
Business entity type (Ltd, LLP, Partnership, etc.)
Jurisdiction (Cardiff / UK)
Owner or shareholder details (if applicable)
Business description
A “high probability” result means your proposed company name is likely to be available, but further checks are recommended. This is why our detailed Cardiff Company Name Search Report includes both identical and similar names for clarity.
Certain words are restricted under UK law (e.g., “bank,” “insurance,” “government”). If you want to use them, you’ll need special approval from regulatory bodies. We guide you through this process if your Cardiff business requires such terms