Partly paid shares are equity instruments where investors initially pay only a portion of the total share price, with the remaining amount called up by the company over time. The issuing company specifies the total issue price, the amount payable at the time of application, and the schedule for subsequent payments, also known as "calls."
These shares remain partly paid until all instalments have been completed. Once the investor fulfils all payment obligations, the shares convert into fully paid shares and carry the same rights as regular equity shares. Importantly, investors are contractually liable to pay all future call amounts within the stipulated deadlines. Failure to do so may result in penalties or even forfeiture of the partly paid shares.