If you want to start a business that can grow and expand on a large scale, then registering your company as a Public Limited Company (PLC) could be the way to go. A PLC is a type of company allowed to offer its shares to the public, which means it can raise capital from many investors.

A Public Limited Company is a company with limited liability and is owned by shareholders. It is allowed to offer its shares to the public, which means it can raise capital from many investors. The shareholders of a PLC are not personally liable for the company's debts, and their liability is limited to the amount of money they have invested in the company.

• A public limited company is the highest corporate structure to start with. Public limited business structure is great for the long run but has more stringent regulatory requirements.
• Apart from all the advantages of a private limited company, Public limited company has the ability to have any number of members, ease in transfer of shareholding and more transparency.
• A public company is a company that has sold all or a portion of itself to the public through an initial public offering (IPO), meaning shareholders have a claim to part of the company's asset and profits.

If you plan to proceed for an IPO now or at a later stage.Plan to get high financial exposure to source capital from public as equity or debenture or deposit

Start your Public Limited Company today!

What is a Public Limited Company?

A public limited company (PLC) is a business structure in which ownership can be divided into shares, which can be publicly bought and sold on the stock market. This type of company can raise capital by issuing shares to the public, which is a major advantage over private companies that cannot trade stocks publicly. PLC shares may be owned by individuals, institutional investors, or other entities. The defining feature of a PLC is its ability to offer shares to the public, typically through a stock market listing. In terms of governance, a PLC usually has a board of directors that is responsible for the management and strategic direction of the company. Shareholders elect directors during annual general meetings (AGMs) and directors are accountable to them.

​​​​​​As we already know, a public limited company has limited liability, further affecting its ability to sell its share to the public. Besides, it consists of various advantages, which cannot be ignored. Let us have a look-​​​​

• Limited liability: The shareholders of a PLC have limited liability, which means that they are not personally liable for the company's debts beyond the amount of their investment.
• Access to capital: PLCs can raise capital by selling their shares to the public, providing them access to a larger pool of investors.
• Credibility: PLCs are seen as more credible than other types of companies, which can help them attract investors and customers.
• Perpetual existence: PLCs have perpetual existence, meaning they can continue to exist even if their shareholders change.
• Shields personal assets from business liability, limits liabilities of Directors.
• The Public Limited Company continues to exist even after the death of the Shareholder.
• Unlimited financial exposure to source capital from public as Equity or debenture or deposit.
• High brand image, more transparent & credible compared to other business structures.
• Easily transferability of ownership by just transferring shares.
• Public Limited Company being an identity, can own, acquire and alienate, property in its name. Property owned could be anything like machinery, building, patents, intangible assets, land, residential property, factory etc.
• With compliance, a public limited company can list its shares on the stock exchange.
• It’s easy for Public limited company to get funding or borrow capital from banks/Financial Institutes, IPO etc.

Public limited companies are broadly divided into two different types:

• Listed public limited company: These companies are listed on the stock exchange, meaning their shares can be bought and sold by the public. Listed companies are subject to strict regulations and disclosure requirements.
• Unlisted public limited company: These companies are also public limited companies but are not listed in the stock market. They can still offer shares to the public but their shares are not traded on the open market.

A public limited company has the following key features:

• Board of directors: It must consist of at least three directors, with no upper limit. They are responsible for governance and strategic decision-making.
• Company name: The name must include "limited," indicating its public status and ability to trade shares.
• Prospectus: A detailed document about a company’s operations and financial affairs, issued to inform potential investors.
• Paid-up capital: There is no minimum capital requirement for registration, which provides flexibility in the capital structure.

• Voter's ID/Aadhar Card/Passport/Driver's License.
• Latest Bank Statement/Telephone or Mobile Bill.
• Voter's ID/Passport/Driver's License.
• Passport-sized photograph of all directors and shareholders.
• Scan copy of Signature (signature should same as on PAN Card).

For Proposed Registered Address (Residential/Commercial)

• Any Utility bills
• Scan copy of Rent agreement with NOC from owner

Requirements for Public Limited Company Registration 

To require the PLC certificate, rules and regulations have been certified in the company’s registration act 2013 in the formation of the Public Limited Company, which demands the need of following documents, which are as follows- 

• Memorandum of Association (MOA): MOA is a document containing the company's objectives, powers, and scope.
• Articles of Association (AOA): AOA is a document containing the rules and regulations for the company's internal management.
• Form DIR-2: This form is required for the appointment of directors.
• Form INC-9: This form is a declaration by the subscribers of the memorandum of association.
• Form INC-10: This form is required to verify the company's registered office.
• Form INC-22: This form is required to verify the company's registered office.
• Form INC-7: This form is required for the Incorporation of the company.

If you are planning to start a business that requires a large amount of capital, then registering your company as a public limited company (PLC) may be the right choice. A PLC is a type of company allowed to offer its shares to the public and has limited liability. Let us provide you with the steps for a complete public limited company registration guide.

Step 1:- Obtaining a Digital Signatures Certificate (DSC)

In obtaining PLC Registration, you require digital signatures for the proposed directors of the firm. To simplify, DSC refers to a digital signature of the electronic documents issued by the government authority.  

Step 2:- Obtain a Direct identification number (DIN)

The second step requires acquiring a Direct Identification Number (DIN) for the proposed directors. The director of every company is also assigned a unique ID number. The question is how to obtain it. You can obtain DIN via an online application to the Ministry of corporate affairs. For instance, attach your name, address, proof, and the registration form. 

Step 3:- Name approval

The third step is what companies look forward to most of the time. It is about getting the name of your company approved. To acquire this, you shall be required to submit an online application to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) with your three proposed suggestions for its name. ROC will glance through the proposed suggestions & check the availability of the names and approve one of them.

Step 4:- Drafting MoA (memorandum of Association) And AoA (Articles of Association)

MoA and AoA constitute legal documents that pen down your company's long-term goals & objectives. The firm is responsible for preparing its draft and submitting it to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) for approval. 

Step 5:- Filling up the incorporation documents

Once you have appropriated DIN, DSC, MoA and AoA, you need to require the Incorporation of documents from the Registrar of Companies (ROC). In addition, you must have a file for documents such as AoA AND MoA, along with the declaration of proposed directors with the application of Incorporation. The documents to achieve this are as follows- 

• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the directors.
• Director Identification Number (DIN) of all the directors.
• Proof of identity of all the shareholders and directors.
• Proof of address of all the directors and the shareholders.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA).
• Articles of Association (AOA).
• PAN number of directors and shareholders. 
• Utility bill of the proposed office i.e. proposed registered office for the company.
• A NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the landlord where the company's office will be situated.

Step 6:- Certificate of Incorporation

Now, once the Registrar of Companies has approved and verified your documents, it will end up issuing a certification of Incorporation, which completes the registration process, signifying its existence. 

Therefore, you need to seek the assistance of a legitimate authority, such as Corpseed, to help you streamline the process while enabling you with the Public Limited company registration.

The fees for registering a public limited company vary depending on factors such as the authorized share capital, professional fees for legal and accounting services, government fees set by the relevant authorities, and additional costs for filings or regulatory approvals. The amount of share capital can affect registration costs, while professional services ensure compliance with the rules. Regional or country-specific government fees and other special requirements further contribute to the overall registration expense.

At Corpseed, our team has years of experience and extensive knowledge of Public limited company registration Laws. We are well-versed in acquiring a PLC certificate and offer consultation to clients through desk-based research, documentation, and coordination. We aim to assist businesses with their queries. As a result, Corpseed serves as your one-stop solution for all your business needs.

How Corpseed can help in Public Limited Company Registration?

• Document preparation: Corpseed ensures all documents are prepared and submitted correctly.
• Compliance guidance: Corpseed provides detailed advice on the legal compliance needed for public limited company registration, helping to meet all statutory requirements.
• Director and shareholder assistance: The firm offers guidance on selecting suitable directors and shareholders, ensuring the company structure meets legal criteria.
• Filing with regulatory bodies: Corpseed handles all filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) and ensures timely submissions for approval.