Setting up a business entity in the Philippines is a significant milestone for any business owner. Whether you are a local founder or a foreign investor, the primary goal is to register a corporation Philippines properly to ensure compliance. With the recent updates to the Revised Corporation Code, the process has become more streamlined through online portals like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Reserving Your Corporate Name
The beginning of the process is to verify a unique company name. You must verify for its availability through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Ensure your chosen name is not resemble existing entities. Once approved, you can reserve the name for a specific period by paying a nominal reservation fee.
Phase 2: Defining Your Corporate Structure
When you register a corporation Philippines, you should define your share structure and leadership.
Incorporators: You need a minimum of 2 but not more than fifteen incorporators. Interestingly, a One Person Corporation (OPC) is also an option for solo entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For general domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital required by register a corporation philippines the SEC, except for specialized industries like banking.
Management: You must designate a President, a Corporate Secretary (who is a local resident), and a Treasurer register a corporation philippines (resident in the Philippines).
Phase 3: Digital Filing via eSPARC
In 2026, the entirety of the application is register a corporation philippines handled online. Through the SEC system, you will submit your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and other documents. This platform allows for the OneSEC processing pathway, which can issue a provisional approval within a single business days if all data is accurate.
Step 4: Secondary Registrations
Receiving your SEC Certificate is only the beginning. To fully operate and register a corporation Philippines successfully, you must move forward with the following:
Local Permit: Acquire this from the local district where your office is located.
Mayor’s or Business Permit: File for this at the City Hall. This needs a lease contract and sanitary permit.
Tax Compliance: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register your books of accounts, and secure authority to print invoices.
Step 5: Government Contributions
When register a corporation philippines the corporation starts hiring people, you must to register with government institutions such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Compliance ensures your employees receive mandatory benefits and protects the entity from penalties.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the steps to register a corporation Philippines needs patience and accuracy. While the digital transition has simplified the task, many owners still prefer to consult consultants to register a corporation philippines avoid delays. Following these guidelines, you can establish a compliant foundation for your venture in the vibrant Philippine economy.