Public Limited Company Registration

Registering a Public Limited Company in India is a significant step for businesses seeking to raise capital from the public and grow exponentially. Public Limited Companies provide limited liability protection to their shareholders and facilitate easy fund-raising through shares. Apnaa Filing makes this process seamless by guiding you through compliance requirements and document filings, allowing you to focus on your business expansion goals.

1. Directors and Shareholders

• Minimum Directors: At least three directors are required, with at least one being a resident of India.
• Maximum Directors: Up to 15 directors are allowed, with special permission available for exceeding this limit.
• Minimum Shareholders: At least seven shareholders are required to register a Public Limited Company.
• Maximum Shareholders: No maximum limit on the number of shareholders.

2. Unique Company Name

• Naming Guidelines: The name must align with MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) guidelines, ensuring uniqueness and no conflicts with existing trademarks or registered entities.
• Ending with Limited: The company name must end with "Limited."
• Name Approval: Name availability should be verified on the MCA portal before proceeding with registration.

3. Registered Office Address

• Valid Address Proof: A registered office address is mandatory, which can be either commercial or residential.
• Supporting Documents: Recent utility bills (electricity, water, or gas), rent agreements, and a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner, if applicable.

4. Required Documents for Registration

To register a Public Limited Company, the following documents are necessary:

• For Directors and Shareholders:
  • PAN Card: Mandatory for all Indian directors and shareholders.
  • Aadhaar Card: Proof of identity and address.
  • Passport (for Foreign Nationals): Required for foreign directors or shareholders.
  • Passport-sized Photographs: Recent photographs of all directors and shareholders.
• For Registered Office:
  • Utility Bills: Must be recent (not older than two months).
  • NOC from Property Owner: Required if the office is rented or leased.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC):
  • All directors must obtain a DSC for digital filings with MCA.
• Director Identification Number (DIN):
  • Each director requires a DIN, issued during the registration process.

5. Drafting of Company Documents

• Memorandum of Association (MOA): Specifies the company’s objectives, scope, and business purpose.
• Articles of Association (AOA): Outlines the company’s governance rules and operational framework.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Apply for DSC: Obtain Digital Signature Certificates for all directors.
2. Apply for DIN: Directors must apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) via the SPICe+ form.
3. Name Reservation: Reserve the proposed company name on the MCA portal, ensuring compliance with naming guidelines.
4. Draft and Submit MOA and AOA: Prepare the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, defining the company's objectives and governance rules.
5. File SPICe+ Form: Submit the SPICe+ form for company incorporation, DIN allotment, PAN, TAN, and GST registration.
6. Issue of Certificate of Incorporation: After verification, MCA issues a Certificate of Incorporation, officially registering the company.

Key Points to Remember

• Timeframe: The registration process usually takes 10-15 business days, depending on document verification and approvals.
• Stock Exchange Listing: Public Limited Companies can list their shares on stock exchanges to raise capital.
• Post-Incorporation Compliance: Compliance requirements include annual general meetings, filing of financial statements, and adherence to SEBI regulations (if listed).

Registering as a Public Limited Company establishes your business as a credible entity, enabling you to raise capital, expand operations, and build investor confidence.