Public Limited Company
For large businesses raising funds from the public.
A Public Limited Company can invite the public to invest and can list its shares on a stock exchange, which makes it the structure for large-scale businesses. It has greater compliance and governance requirements than a private company. CASYST manages incorporation and helps you plan for the ongoing obligations.
What is Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company is a company whose shares can be offered to the public and freely transferred. It is incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, and has limited liability, a separate legal identity and perpetual succession.
It needs at least three directors and seven members, with no upper limit on the number of shareholders. A public company also has stricter disclosure, meeting and governance rules than a private company.
Who needs Public Limited Company?
- Businesses planning an IPO or public fundraising in the future
- Large ventures that need many shareholders
- Companies seeking greater market visibility and credibility
- Established businesses growing beyond a private company structure
If you are just starting out, a Private Limited Company is simpler and usually the better first step. You can convert to a public company later.
Benefits of Public Limited Company
Raise capital from the public
Shares can be offered to the public through a prospectus or listing.
Large shareholder base
There is no cap on the number of shareholders.
Transferable shares
Shares can be freely transferred, giving investors liquidity.
High credibility
Public companies are seen as established and well governed.
Limited liability
Shareholders' liability is limited to their shares.
Eligibility
- At least three directors and seven members
- At least one director resident in India
- A lawful objective and registered office in India
- Directors need a DIN and a Digital Signature Certificate
Documents required
- PAN card and Aadhaar card of directors and subscribers
- Passport-size photographs of directors
- Address proof of directors and subscribers
- Proof of registered office address with NOC
- Digital Signature Certificates for the directors
- Proposed names and the company's objectives
Public Limited Company process
- 1Step 1
DSC and DIN
We obtain DSCs and director identification numbers for the directors.
- 2Step 2
Name approval
We check availability and reserve the company name.
- 3Step 3
Draft MoA and AoA
We prepare the Memorandum and Articles for a public company.
- 4Step 4
File incorporation
We file the incorporation forms with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- 5Step 5
Certificate of Incorporation
You receive the incorporation certificate with your CIN.
- 6Step 6
Post-incorporation compliances
We guide you on bank accounts, statutory registers and the board and meeting calendar.
Governance and compliance
- Hold board, committee and annual general meetings as the law requires
- Appoint a company secretary and independent directors where applicable
- File financial statements and the annual return every year
- Follow disclosure norms and keep statutory registers
- File income tax and GST returns and complete director KYC
Public vs Private Limited Company
| Point | Public Limited | Private Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum directors | Three | Two |
| Minimum members | Seven | Two |
| Share transfer | Freely transferable | Restricted |
| Raising capital | From the public | Privately |
| Compliance | Highest | High |
Key features
Separate legal entity
It can own assets and sue or be sued.
Limited liability
Shareholders are liable only up to their shares.
Free transfer of shares
Shares can be transferred without restriction.
Perpetual succession
It continues regardless of changes in ownership.
Choosing the company name
- The name should end with Limited
- It must not be identical to an existing company or trademark
- It should not use restricted or misleading words
- Check availability on the MCA portal
How long does registration take?
Timelines depend on document readiness and on how quickly the authority reviews and responds, so we give you an estimate for your case at the start and keep you updated at each stage.
Related services
Public Limited Company cost
Our Public Limited Company package starts from ₹19,999. Government fees, stamp duty and other statutory charges are separate and depend on your state and the exact filing involved. We give you a clear, itemised quote before we start, with no hidden charges.
Get a QuotePublic Limited Company checklist
- DSC and DIN
- Name approval
- Draft MoA and AoA
- File incorporation
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Post-incorporation compliances
Frequently asked questions
A minimum of three directors and seven members, with at least one director resident in India.
Above certain paid-up capital thresholds a whole-time company secretary must be appointed. We confirm the current limit.
Yes, subject to meeting the stock exchange and SEBI requirements.
A public company has stricter rules on meetings, disclosures and governance, and should plan for an audit committee and independent directors as it grows.
Yes, through the conversion process, which we can manage.
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