How many members and directors does a public limited company need?

It needs a minimum of 7 members and 3 directors. There is no upper limit on the number of members.

How does a public company differ from a private company?

A public company can raise capital from the public and list on a stock exchange, has higher minimum members and directors, and carries heavier compliance. A private company restricts share transfers, caps members at 200 and has lighter compliance.

Does incorporating a public company mean it is listed?

No. Incorporation as a public company is separate from listing. A public company may raise capital privately and remain unlisted; listing on a stock exchange is an additional step governed by SEBI requirements.

What ongoing compliance does a public company have?

A public company must hold board and general meetings under the Act, have its accounts audited, and make regular ROC annual filings. The compliance burden is higher than that of a private company.

Start Up

Public Limited Company Registration

Incorporate a public limited company suited to larger ventures that may raise capital from the public.

What's covered

A Public Limited Company is incorporated under the Companies Act 2013 with a minimum of 7 members and 3 directors, and there is no upper limit on the number of members.
It can raise capital from the public and may list its shares on a recognised stock exchange, subject to SEBI requirements.
It is a separate legal entity that limits each shareholder's liability to the unpaid value of their shares and enjoys perpetual succession.
It carries a heavier compliance burden than a private company — board and general-meeting rules, statutory audit and more frequent ROC filings all apply.

Benefits

Ability to raise capital from the public and to list on a stock exchange
Limited liability for shareholders with no cap on the number of members
Separate legal entity with perpetual succession
Greater credibility with investors, lenders and large counterparties

How we work

01
Obtain DSC and DIN for at least 3 directors
Apply for a Digital Signature Certificate and a Director Identification Number for each of the minimum 3 directors — usually issued in 1–2 working days.
02
Name reservation and SPICe+ incorporation
Reserve the name and file the SPICe+ incorporation form with the MOA and AOA drawn for a public company; the Certificate of Incorporation is typically issued in 10–15 working days, with PAN and TAN allotted with it.
03
Commencement and ongoing compliance
File the INC-20A declaration within 180 days of incorporation; statutory audit, board meetings and ROC annual filings then apply on an ongoing basis.

Documents required

PAN and Aadhaar of the 7 members and the 3 directors
Address proof of the members and directors
Registered-office proof with a no-objection certificate from the owner
Digital Signature Certificate of the directors
Particulars for the MOA and AOA of the public company

Applicable laws & forms

Companies Act 2013 — governs incorporation, share capital and the heavier compliance of public companies
SEBI regulations — apply where the company offers shares to the public or lists on an exchange
Companies (Incorporation) Rules 2014 — prescribe the SPICe+ incorporation procedure
Income-tax Act 1961 — the company is assessed at the rate applicable to companies

Frequently asked questions

Government fees

Statutory / government fee (indicative): ₹10,000

Indicative government fee · last verified 2026-06-07. Our professional charges are shared on consultation.