Register Your Public Limited Company in India — Online, Expert-Handled, Fully Guided

Building a company that can raise public capital, list on a stock exchange, or scale with institutional investors?

No paperwork confusion. No missed steps. No guessing.

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Public Limited Company Registration in India — What It Means and Why It Matters

A Public Limited Company is a business structure incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 and registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It is a separate legal entity that can offer its shares to the general public — through a stock exchange listing, a public issue, or an initial public offering (IPO).

Unlike a Private Limited Company, which restricts share transfers and limits shareholders to 200, a Public Limited Company has no upper limit on the number of shareholders. Shares can be freely bought and sold by the public, making this the preferred structure for large-scale enterprises, companies seeking institutional investment, and businesses planning a future stock exchange listing.

A Public Limited Company must have a minimum of 7 shareholders and 3 directors, with at least one independent director. It carries higher compliance obligations than a Private Limited Company — but in exchange, it offers the broadest possible access to capital markets, the highest level of public credibility, and a governance framework trusted by institutional investors globally.

The name of a Public Limited Company must end with the words "Limited" — not "Private Limited."

Individual or Corporate Shareholding.
Choose the Path That Fits.

A Public Limited Company can be structured with individual shareholders, corporate shareholders, or a combination of both — including foreign investors. The shareholder composition determines the documentation requirements, applicable FDI regulations, and post-incorporation compliance obligations.

Shareholder structural illustration
For promoter groups, large family businesses, and founder-led enterprises

Seven or more individuals — Indian residents, NRIs, or Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) — hold shares directly. This is the standard promoter-driven structure for Indian enterprises planning to scale and eventually list on a stock exchange.

You fit here if :

  • A founding group of 7 or more individuals is building a large-scale enterprise
  • A family business is formalising into a public company structure
  • You are building toward an IPO or public listing with an individual promoter group
  • The founding shareholders are Indian citizens, NRIs, or PIOs

What's needed:

Minimum 7 individual shareholders
Minimum 3 directors (at least 1 independent director)
One resident director (120+ days in India)
Basic KYC for all shareholders: PAN, Aadhaar (for residents), photo, address proof
For NRI shareholders: valid Indian passport, overseas address proof
MOA and AOA drafted for public company governance
Shareholder structural illustration
For group companies, holding structures, and corporate joint ventures

One or more Indian registered companies hold shares in the new Public Limited entity. This is used when an existing Indian corporate group wants to create a publicly structured subsidiary, a new listed entity, or a separately governed business vertical.

You fit here if :

  • An existing Indian company or group will be the primary promoter
  • You are structuring a holding company or listed subsidiary within a corporate group
  • Two or more Indian companies are jointly forming a public enterprise
  • You need a governance structure appropriate for a large, corporate-promoted entity

What's needed:

Parent company documents: COI, MOA, AOA, PAN, GST (if applicable)
Board resolution from parent company authorizing the investment
Beneficial ownership details as per MCA norms
Minimum 3 individual directors in the new company (at least 1 independent)
One resident director
Standard KYC for all directors

Minimum Requirements for Public
Limited Company Registration
in India

Before you begin, confirm your setup meets the statutory requirements under the Companies Act, 2013:

Minimum 7 Shareholders

A Public Limited Company requires at least 7 shareholders at the time of incorporation. There is no upper limit on the number of shareholders.

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Minimum 7 Shareholders
Minimum 3 Directors
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Minimum 3 Directors

At least 3 directors must be appointed. At least one director must be a resident of India - meaning they have stayed in India for 120 or more days in the previous financial year.

Mandatory Independent Director

At least one-third of the board must consist of independent directors. An independent director is someone who has no material or financial relationship with the company, its promoters, or its management.

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Mandatory Independent Director
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
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Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

All directors signing incorporation documents must hold a valid DSC. CorpE coordinates DSC issuance for all directors as part of the registration process.

Director Identification Number (DIN)

Each director must hold a DIN, which is assigned automatically during the SPICe+ filing process.

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Director Identification Number (DIN)
Registered Office Address in India
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Registered Office Address in India

A physical address in India is required as the company's registered office. A utility bill and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner are needed. The registered office address must be capable of receiving official MCA correspondence.

A Unique, MCA-Compliant Company Name

The proposed company name must end with the word "Limited" and must not conflict with existing registered companies or trademarks. CorpE checks name availability before submission.

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A Unique, MCA-Compliant Company Name
No Minimum Paid-Up Capital
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No Minimum Paid-Up Capital

There is no statutory minimum paid-up capital requirement under the Companies Act, 2013 for a Public Limited Company at the time of incorporation. However, if the company plans to list on a stock exchange, SEBI's listing requirements will specify minimum net worth and paid-up capital thresholds.

Memorandum and Articles of Association

A Public Limited Company's MOA and AOA must comply with the Companies Act, 2013 and be drafted to accommodate the broader governance requirements of a public entity - including provisions for public share issuance, shareholder meetings, and independent director responsibilities.

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Memorandum and Articles of Association

Pricing Plan for Public Limited
Company

Transparent and All-Inclusive

Company registration fees in India consist of government charges plus professional service fees. CorpE shows a full, itemized cost breakdown before you make any payment.

*
These are statutory charges that vary based on:
  • 1. Your company's authorized share capital
  • 2. Your state of registration (stamp duty)
  • 3. Number of directors requiring DSC
*
There are no fixed government fees — MCA calculates these during filing. (Government Charges (Paid Directly to MCA))
*
Plan includes DSC for up to 2 directors.
  • 1. Additional Indian director: ₹1,500 each.
  • 2. Foreign director: ₹5,000 each.

CorpE Pricing plan

Incorporation Only
Everything needed to get your company incorporated:
22,099
+ 18% GST25,999
Get 15% (Launch discount)
StageAmountPayment to receive
Signing Fee₹999Pre-step: Your Business registration
1st Installments (50%)₹10,550Pre-step: Documents and Information for business incorporation
2nd Installments (50%)₹10,550Pre-step: MoA and AoA Drafting
*
These are statutory charges that vary based on:
  • 1. Your company's authorized share capital
  • 2. Your state of registration (stamp duty)
  • 3. Number of directors requiring DSC
*
There are no fixed government fees — MCA calculates these during filing. (Government Charges (Paid Directly to MCA))
*
Plan includes DSC for up to 2 directors.
  • 1. Additional Indian director: ₹1,500 each.
  • 2. Foreign director: ₹5,000 each.

How to Register a Public Limited
Company
in India — With CorpE

CorpE is a managed online platform. You handle the document upload. Our expert team prepares all MCA forms, drafts your legal documents, and manages the entire government filing process.

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01

Create Your CorpE Account

Sign up and access your personal registration dashboard. No office visits or phone calls required to get started.

02

Check Company Name Availability

Submit 2–3 preferred company names ending with "Limited." Our team verifies availability across MCA records and trademark databases. You'll know which names are clear before any application is filed.

03

Upload Your Documents

Upload KYC documents for all directors and shareholders, along with registered office proofs, through your secure CorpE dashboard. Our team reviews everything for MCA compliance before proceeding.

04

MOA, AOA & Form Preparation

Our team prepares your Public Limited Company-specific Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), along with all SPICe+ forms. MOA and AOA for a Public Limited Company include governance provisions not required in private companies — independent director clauses, AGM provisions, and public share issuance framework. You review and digitally sign.

05

MCA Filing & Government Review

All documents are submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Your dashboard updates in real time as the application moves through MCA's review stages.

06

Receive Your Documents

Once MCA approves your application, your Certificate of Incorporation (COI), PAN, TAN, and DINs for all directors are delivered to your CorpE dashboard — ready to download and use.

End of timeline

Documents Required to Register a Public
Limited Company in India

Everything is submitted digitally through your CorpE dashboard. No physical copies or courier submissions required.

01

For All Directors(Minimum 3)

  • PAN Card (Indian nationals) or Passport (NRIs/foreign nationals)
  • Aadhaar Card (for Indian residents)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Address proof - bank statement, utility bill, or Aadhaar (not older than 2 months)
  • Mobile number and email address
  • Declaration of independence for independent directors (Form DIR-8)
02

For All Shareholders(Minimum 7)

  • PAN Card (Indian nationals) or Passport (NRIs/foreign nationals)
  • Aadhaar Card (for Indian residents)
  • Address proof (not older than 2 months)
  • For NRI shareholders: valid Indian passport, overseas address proof
03

For the Registered Office

  • Latest utility bill (electricity, water, or gas) - not older than 2 months
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner
  • Rent agreement (if premises are rented)
04

For the Company

  • 2-3 proposed company names (ending with "Limited") in order of preference
  • Brief description of proposed business activity (NIC code / nature of business)
  • Proposed share capital structure and shareholding pattern
05

For Indian Corporate Shareholding(Path 2 - Parent Company Documents)

  • Certificate of Incorporation of the parent/investing company
  • MOA & AOA of the parent company
  • Board resolution authorizing the investment in the new public company
  • List of current directors and shareholders of the parent company
  • Company PAN
06

For Individual Foreign Shareholding(Path 3)

  • Valid passport of the foreign individual shareholder (apostilled or notarized)
  • Overseas address proof (apostilled or notarized, not older than 2 months)
  • FIRC confirming inward remittance into India
  • Valuation certificate from a SEBI-registered CA or Merchant Banker
  • FC-GPR filing details (filed with RBI within 30 days of share allotment)
07

For Foreign Corporate Shareholding(Path 4)

  • Apostilled Certificate of Incorporation of the foreign company
  • Apostilled charter documents (MOA/AOA or equivalent)
  • Apostilled board resolution authorizing the India investment
  • Apostilled KYC of authorized signatory
  • FDI compliance documents: FIRC, valuation certificate, FC-GPR filing details

All documents are uploaded through your CorpE dashboard. Our team reviews everything before any filing is made.

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What Is a Certificate of Incorporation
And What Comes With It?

A Certificate of Incorporation (COI) is the official document issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) confirming that your Public Limited Company is legally registered in India under the Companies Act, 2013. It contains:

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The COI Contains:

  • Company Identification Number (CIN)
  • Official company name (ending with "Limited")
  • Date of incorporation
  • Type of company (Public Company)
  • State of registered office

Once your COI is issued, your company is a legally recognized entity in India. It can open bank accounts, enter contracts, apply for regulatory licenses, and begin operations. For companies intending to list on a stock exchange, the COI is the foundational document on which SEBI registration and listing applications are built.

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What You Receive Through
CorpE After Incorporation:

  • Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
  • Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the company
  • Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN)
  • Director Identification Number (DIN) for all directors
  • Public Limited Company-specific MOA and AOA
  • SPICe+ Part A and Part B filed forms
  • AGILE-PRO form filing
  • Bank account opening support
  • Pre-built compliance calendar
  • Full access to CorpE Dashboard and document vault

These are mandatory MCA deliverables, not optional extras. CorpE ensures every document is accounted for and stored in your encrypted dashboard vault.

How Long Does Public Limited
Company Registration
Take in India?

Timelines depend on MCA processing and the completeness of your documents. Here is a realistic breakdown:

Step
Task
Typical Time
1
DSC Generation for all directors
1-3 working days
2
Company name approval (SPICe+ Part A)
1-3 working days
3
Document review and form preparation (MOA, AOA, SPICe+ Part B)
2-4 working days
4
MCA review and approval
5-10 working days
5
Certificate of Incorporation issued
Same day as MCA approval

Total Estimated Timeline: 10-20 working days

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Timelines vary based on MCA workload, state stamp duty, document completeness, and the number of directors and shareholders involved. FDI-related structures (Paths 3 and 4) may require additional time for document apostille and valuation certificate procurement.

CorpE tracks every step and alerts you whenever your application status changes.

Public Limited Company vs Private Limited vs LLP
— Which Fits Your Business?

Compare the key features of Public Limited, Private Limited, and LLP structures to find the best fit for your business goals.

FeaturePublic Limited
Company
Private Limited
Company
LLP
Minimum Shareholders722 partners
Maximum ShareholdersUnlimited200Unlimited
Minimum Directors3 (1 independent)22 designated partners
Public Share IssuanceYesNoNo
Stock Exchange ListingYes (eligible)NoNo
ESOP AvailableYesYesNo
Investor FriendlyHighestHighLow
Compliance LevelHighMediumLow
ScalabilityHighestHighModerate
Best ForLarge enterprises, IPO-boundStartups, SMEsProfessionals, consultants


When to choose Public Limited over Private Limited:
If you plan to list on a stock exchange, raise capital from the general public through a public issue, or build a business that will eventually need unlimited shareholder participation, a Public Limited Company is the required structure. If you are still in early-stage growth and public listing is 3–5 years away, a Private Limited Company with a conversion plan may be the more practical starting point.

Still unsure which structure is right for you?
CorpE's team can help evaluate the best fit based on your capital requirements, investor profile, and growth timeline.

Why Promoters and Enterprises Choose CorpE for Public Limited Company Registration

One Platform, Complete Process

One Platform, Complete Process

From name availability to your Certificate of Incorporation — everything is managed inside your CorpE account. No switching between portals, no coordinating with multiple vendors or consultants.

Expert Team That Files on Your Behalf

Expert Team That Files on Your Behalf

You upload your documents. Our team reviews, prepares, and files everything with MCA. Every document is checked for compliance before submission — including MOA and AOA provisions specific to public company governance.

Real-Time Visibility at Every Stage

Real-Time Visibility at Every Stage

Your dashboard shows exactly where your application stands at every step — from document review to MCA approval. No calls required to check status.

Foreign Shareholding Handled Correctly

Foreign Shareholding Handled Correctly

Whether your foreign investors are individuals (Path 3) or overseas companies (Path 4), CorpE's team coordinates the apostille requirements, valuation certificates, and FC-GPR filing process — so nothing is missed.

Compliance Doesn't End at Incorporation

Compliance Doesn't End at Incorporation

Your ROC filing calendar, AGM documentation checklist, INC-20A filing, and GST registration are built into the platform from day one. Public companies carry heavier ongoing compliance than private ones — CorpE keeps that under control.

Secure Document Storage

Secure Document Storage

Every certificate, filed form, and legal document is stored permanently in your encrypted CorpE vault — accessible whenever you need them for audits, investor due diligence, or bank onboarding.

No Hidden Charges

No Hidden Charges

The full cost — government fees, stamp duty, and CorpE service fees — is shown before you pay.

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Pros and Cons of Registering a Public
Limited Company —
An Honest
Overview

Pros illustration
Cons illustration

Pros and Cons of Registering a Public
Limited Company —
An Honest
Overview

Pros illustration

Understanding both sides helps you make the right decision for your business.

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Cons (Consideration)

Public Limited Companies are subject to significantly more regulatory oversight than Private Limited Companies. SEBI regulations, ROC filings, mandatory audits, and board governance requirements all apply.

At least one-third of the board must consist of independent directors — individuals with no financial relationship with the company. This adds complexity to board composition.

A Public Limited Company must hold an AGM every financial year. Shareholders must be given formal notice, and resolutions passed at the AGM are legally binding.

The minimum threshold is higher than a Private Limited Company. Gathering 7 shareholders at incorporation requires more upfront coordination.

Annual financial statements, board reports, and other filings made with ROC are publicly accessible. This level of transparency is required by law but may not suit all businesses.

Closing a Public Limited Company involves a formal liquidation or voluntary winding-up process governed by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, which is more involved than the strike-off process for smaller entities.

Annual compliance costs — statutory audits, SEBI filings if listed, ROC filings, AGM management, and independent director fees — are substantially higher than for a Private Limited Company.

Pros

Pros decor

A Public Limited Company can raise funds from the general public by issuing shares through an IPO, follow-on public offer (FPO), or rights issue. This opens a far larger pool of capital than any private placement can offer.

Unlike a Private Limited Company capped at 200 shareholders, a Public Limited Company can have an unlimited number of shareholders — enabling widespread ownership and large-scale equity distribution.

Shares of a Public Limited Company can be freely bought, sold, and transferred without restrictions. This provides liquidity to shareholders that private company structures cannot offer.

A Public Limited Company signals scale, governance maturity, and regulatory compliance. It commands the highest level of trust among institutional investors, large enterprise clients, banks, and government counterparts.

Like all registered companies, a Public Limited Company is a distinct legal entity — it can own assets, enter contracts, sue and be sued independently of its shareholders and directors.

The company continues to exist regardless of changes in ownership, death of shareholders, or changes in the board of directors.

Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) can be issued, making it an effective tool to attract and retain senior talent at scale.

Companies planning to list on the BSE or NSE must be structured as Public Limited Companies. This is a mandatory requirement under SEBI's ICDR (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) regulations.

Explore Other Company Structures

If a Public Limited Company isn't the right fit for your current stage, CorpE also supports:

Private Limited Company

For startups, SMEs, and businesses not yet planning a public listing. Easier to manage, lower compliance overhead, and still allows FDI, institutional investment, and ESOPs. You can convert to a Public Limited Company later.

One Person Company (OPC)

For solo founders who want a registered company structure with limited liability and full personal control — without needing a co-founder or multiple shareholders.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

For professional service firms, consulting practices, and businesses that want limited liability with the structural flexibility of a partnership and lower compliance obligations than any company form.

Which Type of Company
Registration Is Right for You?

India's Companies Act, 2013 and LLP Act, 2008 offer several business structures. Here is how a Public Limited Company compares.

Business StructureShareholdersLiabilityPublic CapitalComplianceBest For
Public Limited Company7 minimum, no maximumLimitedYes - shares offered to publicHighLarge enterprises, IPO-bound companies
Private Limited Company2 minimum, 200 maximumLimitedNo - restricted to private shareholdersMediumStartups, SMEs, agencies
One Person Company (OPC)1 onlyLimitedNoMediumSolo founders
LLP2+ designated partnersLimitedNoLowProfessionals, consultants
Section 8 Company2+LimitedNoHighNGOs, non-profits

A Public Limited Company is the only structure in India that allows shares to be offered directly to the general public.

It is the required structure for any company seeking to list on the BSE or NSE, raise capital through a public issue, or operate in sectors where MCA or SEBI mandates a public company structure.

They raise the idea. CorpE raises their entity..

What Founders Say About CorpE

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and their experiences tell the real story. Each project, big or small, is a chance to make something meaningful—and the feedback we get reminds us why we care so much about doing it right. Here's what a few of them have shared about working with us.

Meera Reddy

Meera Reddy

We had 9 promoters across three cities. CorpE managed the KYC collection and document verification for all of them without a single back-and-forth. Incorporation was done in 3 weeks.

Promoter, Mumbai Infrastructure Company

Rajiv Bansal

Rajiv Bansal

We needed a public limited structure with both Indian and foreign corporate shareholders. CorpE's team handled the apostille requirements and FDI documentation without us needing to explain the process.

Director, Delhi-based Manufacturing Group

t2abh Desai

t2abh Desai

The dashboard gave our entire promoter group visibility into exactly where the application was. No one had to chase anyone.

Founder, Bengaluru Enterprise SaaS Company

Your Questions Answered

Have a quick look at our FAQ section where we've answered some of your burning questions. If you still have questions that can't be found here, get on a free consultation call with us.

What is the difference between a Public Limited Company and a Private Limited Company?

+

Is a Public Limited Company required to list on a stock exchange?

+

What government fees apply for registering a Public Limited Company?

+

Can I convert my Private Limited Company into a Public Limited Company later?

+

What is the SPICe+ form and how does it apply to Public Limited Company registration?

+
FAQ Illustration

Register Your Public Limited Company in India — Handled by Experts, Tracked by You

Upload your documents. Our team takes it from there — preparing every form, filing with MCA, and delivering your Certificate of Incorporation.

No paperwork confusion. No missed steps. No guessing.

With CorpE,
starting your dream business has never been simpler.

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Get in touch: Connect with Expert

Begin your hassle-free business
journey with CorpE today!

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