Establishing a business legal entity in the Philippines is an essential milestone for any entrepreneur. Whether you are a Filipino founder or a foreign investor, the first goal is to register a corporation Philippines properly to ensure compliance. With the recent updates to the government systems, the procedure has become more streamlined through online portals like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Choosing Your Corporate Name
Your initial task is to verify a unique company name. You must check for its availability on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Ensure your chosen name is not resemble existing entities. Once cleared, you can hold the name for 30 to 90 days by paying a nominal reservation fee.
Step 2: Drafting Your Corporate Structure
When you register a corporation Philippines, you must define your capitalization and management.
Incorporators: You need a minimum of 2 but not more than fifteen directors. Keep in mind a One Person Corporation (OPC) is now an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For typical domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, except for specialized industries like insurance.
Key Officers: You must designate a President, a Corporate Secretary (who is a local resident), and a Treasurer (resident register a corporation philippines in the Philippines).
Phase 3: Online Submission via eSPARC
In 2026, the entirety of the registration process is processed online. Through the SEC system, you will upload register a corporation philippines your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and required documents. This platform facilitates the OneSEC processing pathway, which may issue a provisional approval within a single business days if all information is correct.
Phase 4: Secondary Registrations
Obtaining your Certificate of Incorporation is only the beginning. To legally operate and register register a corporation philippines a corporation Philippines completely, you must move forward with these local permits:
Local Permit: Acquire this from the specific district where your office is situated.
Mayor’s or Business Permit: Apply for this at the City Hall. This requires a lease contract and sanitary permit.
Tax Compliance: Go to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to get your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register your books of accounts, and secure authority to print invoices.
Phase 5: Government Social Agencies
When the corporation starts employing staff, you are required to register with social agencies such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. register a corporation philippines This ensures your employees receive legal benefits and protects the company from legal issues.
Summary
Completing the process to register a corporation Philippines demands careful planning and accuracy. While the online transition has simplified the task, many businesses still choose to consult legal experts to prevent delays. Following these steps, register a corporation philippines you can establish a compliant foundation for your enterprise in the vibrant Philippine economy.