A Private Limited Company is one of the most popular ways to start a business in India. It is registered under the Companies Act, 2013. It is widely preferred by small businesses and startups as it offers them safety and recognition.
Unlike Sole Proprietorships or Partnerships, a Private Limited Company is treated as a separate legal identity. It is responsible for its profits, losses, and debts, ensuring that the personal assets of the owners remain safe. In this business structure, ownership can be transferred through shares without disrupting operations, ensuring smoother operation of businesses.
Some features of a Private Limited Company are:
- Limited Liability Protection: The personal property of owners (savings, cars, house) is safe. They are only responsible for the money they invest in the company. This is crucial in industries such as real estate, IT, manufacturing, and e-commerce.
- Director Requirement: A minimum of 2 directors is required. At least one director should be a resident of India.
- Share Transfer Restrictions: Shares cannot be freely sold in the open market. Any transfer of shares requires approval from the company.
- Membership Limit: This company structure must have at least two members and can have up to 200 members.