Overview
A Public Limited Company is a corporate entity incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 with limited liability for its shareholders. It is suitable for businesses planning large scale operations, institutional funding, or public investment. A public company may be listed or unlisted, and it has the ability to raise capital by issuing shares, debentures, or other securities subject to regulatory compliance.
Just like other companies, Public Limited Company is also registered as per the rules and regulations of the Companies Act, 2013. A public Company enjoys the benefits of limited liabilities for its members and has the right to sell its shares for raising the capital of the company.
It can be incorporated with a minimum number of three directors and has more stringent rules and regulations as compared to a Pvt. Ltd. Company.
It must have a minimum number of seven members whereas there is no limit for the maximum number of members.
It provides all the benefits of a private limited company along with more transparency and easy transferability of ownership and shareholding. Name, shares, formation, number of members, management and directors, etc differentiates any Public limited company from the private limited companies.
What is the difference between the Public limited Company and the Private Limited Company?
There are various points of difference between both these companies. Here are some chief differences between both :
| Point Of Difference | Public Limited Company | Private Limited Company |
| Minimum Members | 7 | 2 |
| Maximum Members | No limit | 200 |
| Minimum Directors | 3 | 2 |
| Public Invitation to Subscribe | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Name Suffix | “Limited” | “Private Limited” |
| Transferability of Shares | Freely transferable | Restricted |
| Mandatory Statutory Meeting | Yes | No |
| Managerial Remunerations | Subject to Section 197 limits and shareholder approval | Cannot exceed the limit of 11/% of the net profit |
| Stock Exchange | A public limited company may choose to list its shares on a stock exchange subject to SEBI and listing regulations. | Not listed on stock exchange neither carry out stock trade publicly. |
Benefits of Public Limited Company
Limited Liability
Shareholders are liable only to the extent of their shareholding.
Separate Legal Entity
The company has independent legal identity.
Access to Capital
Ability to raise funds through public or institutional investment.
Perpetual Succession
Company continues irrespective of changes in shareholders.
Enhanced Credibility
Higher trust among investors, banks, and stakeholders.
Ease of Share Transfer
Shares are freely transferable (subject to regulations).
Post Incorporation Compliances (2026)
- Minimum 4 Board Meetings annually
- Conduct of Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- Appointment of Statutory Auditor
- Filing of Financial Statements (AOC-4)
- Filing of Annual Return (MGT-7 / MGT-7A as applicable)
- Filing of INC-20A (Declaration of Commencement, if applicable)
- Maintenance of Statutory Registers (Members, Directors, Charges, etc.)
- Disclosure of Interest by Directors (Form MBP-1)
- Annual DIR-3 KYC filing for Directors
- MSME Form-1 filing (if outstanding dues to MSME vendors)
- DPT-3 filing (if company has outstanding loans/deposits)
- Beneficial Ownership filing (MGT-6 / BEN-2, if applicable)
- SEBI & Listing Regulations compliance (if listed company)
Basic Requirements for Public Limited Company Registration
- Minimum 7 Shareholders
- Minimum 3 Directors
- At least one Resident Director
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Director Identification Number (DIN)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Registered Office Address Proof
Documents Required for Public Limited Company Registration
- PAN and Identity Proof of Directors & Shareholders
- Address Proof of Directors & Shareholders
- Passport-size Photographs
- Registered Office Address Proof (Utility Bill not older than 2 months)
- Rent Agreement & NOC (if rented premises)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Public Limited Company Registration Process (2026)
- Obtain Digital Signature Certificates
- Apply for Name Approval via SPICe+
- File Incorporation Documents (MOA & AOA)
- Receive Certificate of Incorporation
- Apply for PAN & TAN
- File INC-20A (if applicable)
- Comply with post-incorporation requirements
For expert guidance on Public Limited Company registration and ongoing compliance, connect with qualified professionals to ensure seamless incorporation and full regulatory compliance.
