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Register a public limited company (PLC)
A company that may offer its shares to the public, with a minimum issued share capital of £50,000 and stricter governance than a private company.
Who it is for. Businesses raising capital from the public, preparing for a listing, or needing the standing that the form carries with counterparties. It is not a badge — it is a heavier set of obligations.
What Companies House needs
- At least two directors
- A company secretary who is qualified for the role
- Issued share capital of at least £50,000, with at least 25% of the nominal value paid up
- A trading certificate from Companies House before the company can trade or borrow
- A registered office in the jurisdiction of registration
What this form gets wrong most often
- A PLC is not a listed company
- Registering as a PLC does not put shares on an exchange. Listing is a separate process with its own rules; most PLCs are not listed anywhere.
- The trading certificate comes first
- A newly registered PLC cannot trade or borrow until Companies House issues a certificate confirming the capital requirement is met.
- Governance is not optional at this size
- Two directors, a qualified secretary, AGMs and — usually — an audit. If none of that is wanted, a private company is the honest answer.
What has to be filed afterwards
- Confirmation statement every year
- Annual accounts filed within a shorter deadline than a private company
- An annual general meeting, and audited accounts unless an exemption applies
- Identity verification for directors and people with significant control
Questions
Do I need £50,000 in the bank?
Can a private company become a PLC later?
Public limited company
£249.99 + VAT
plus £100 Companies House fee- Name ends in
- PLC, P.L.C., or Cwmni Cyfyngedig Cyhoeddus / CCC
- Jurisdictions
- England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Full price list on the pricing page. Companies House sets and collects its own fee.
Other structures
Public limited company enquiry
Tell us who is involved and what the organisation is meant to do. If a different structure fits better, we will say so before you pay for this one.
Public limited company
Tell us what you are trying to do and we will reply with what is involved. No obligation, and we will say so plainly if what you need is not something we do.