Public Limited Company Registration in India

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Meaning of a Public Limited Company

As per the Companies Act, 2013, a Public Limited Company (PLC) is a company that can offer shares to the public with limited liability for its shareholders. Such companies may raise capital through Initial Public Offerings (IPO) or by listing on recognized stock exchanges.

A PLC must comply strictly with statutory regulations and transparently disclose its financial position to shareholders. This structure is ideal for businesses aiming for large-scale operations and seeking to raise equity capital from the public.

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Suitability & Popularity

Public Limited Companies are preferred by medium and large-scale businesses planning to:

• Raise substantial capital from the public.
• Enhance brand visibility and credibility.
• Expand business operations through public funding.

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Characteristics of a Public Limited Company

• Minimum Directors: 3 (as per Companies Act, 2013).
• Minimum Members: 7 (no upper limit on shareholders).
• Paid-up Capital: No minimum capital requirement.
• Prospectus: Mandatory issuance to inform the public of business details before raising funds.
• Name Requirement: Must end with the word “Limited”.
• Limited Liability: Shareholders’ liability is restricted to their shareholding.

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Advantages of Public Limited Company Registration

• Access to Additional Capital: Shares can be offered to the public, attracting large-scale investments.
• Enhanced Market Reputation: Stock exchange listing boosts credibility and market reach.
• Risk Distribution: Financial risk is spread across a large number of shareholders.
• Scope for Expansion: Public funding facilitates growth, diversification, and new project investments.

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Minimum Requirements for Incorporation

1. Directors & Members: Minimum 3 Directors & 7 Members.
2. Documents of Members/Directors:
   • Self-attested PAN Card.
   • ID Proof: Passport/Voter ID/Aadhar/Driving License.
   • Address Proof: Bank Statement/Electricity Bill/Telephone Bill (not older than 2 months).
   • Passport-size photographs (2 each).
3. Business Address Proof:
   • NOC from property owner.
   • Property papers or utility bill (not older than 2 months).
4. Additional Details:
   • Authorized & paid-up share capital.
   • Place of birth and duration of stay at present address.
   • Occupation & educational qualification.
   • Proposed business objectives.
   • Contact details & email IDs of all members and directors.

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Public Limited Company Registration Process

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has simplified the incorporation process via SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus).

Step 1 – Name Reservation

• Apply through Part A of SPICe+ on the MCA portal.
• Ensure name availability and check for trademark conflicts.

Step 2 – Filing Part B of SPICe+

• Provide company details, director information, capital structure, and registered office address.

Step 3 – Convert SPICe+ to PDF & Attach DSC

• Attach Digital Signatures of all directors/subscribers.

Step 4 – Upload Forms on MCA Portal

• Submit SPICe+, e-MoA (INC-33), e-AoA (INC-34), AGILE-PRO for EPFO, ESIC, GSTIN, and bank account opening.

Step 5 – Declaration Filing

• Form INC-9 auto-generated for all subscribers/directors (except in cases with more than 20 subscribers or those without DIN/PAN).

Step 6 – Issue of Certificate of Incorporation

• MCA issues the Incorporation Certificate, along with PAN & TAN.

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Recent MCA Amendments Affecting PLC Registration

• Mandatory EPFO & ESIC registration for all new companies.
• Compulsory bank account opening at incorporation stage via AGILE-PRO.
• Professional tax registration for Maharashtra companies.
• e-MoA and e-AoA filing mandatory for up to 7 subscribers in specific cases.

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Why Choose Us for PLC Registration?

Assistance in post-incorporation requirements like GST, EPF, ESIC, and bank account setup.

End-to-end support from name reservation to certificate issuance.

Expert compliance guidance on SEBI, MCA, and Companies Act regulations.