Establishing a business structure in the Philippines is a major milestone for any business owner. Whether you are a local founder or a international investor, the first goal is to register a corporation Philippines properly to ensure operational legality. With the latest updates to the SEC guidelines, the process has become digitalized through electronic systems like eSPARC.
Step 1: Reserving Your Corporate Name
Your initial task is to decide on a unique corporate name. You must verify for its availability on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) online system. Ensure your chosen name is not conflict with existing registrations. Once approved, you can reserve the name for a specific period by paying a small reservation fee.
Phase 2: Defining Your Articles of Incorporation
Before you register a corporation Philippines, you should define your capitalization and management.
Incorporators: You need a minimum of two but not more than 15 incorporators. Interestingly, a One Person Corporation (OPC) is currently an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For general domestic corporations, there is no specific paid-up capital required by the register a corporation philippines SEC, except for specialized industries like insurance.
Key Officers: You must select a President, a Corporate Secretary (who must be a Filipino citizen), and a Treasurer (based locally).
Step 3: Digital Filing via eSPARC
In 2026, the entirety of the registration process is processed online. Through the SEC system, you will submit your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. The system enables the OneSEC processing pathway, which may issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation register a corporation philippines in a single business day provided all information is correct.
Phase 4: Post-SEC Requirements
Getting your SEC Certificate is the primary step. To legally operate and register a corporation philippines register a corporation Philippines completely, you must move forward with the following:
Local Permit: Obtain this from register a corporation philippines the specific district where your office is situated.
Mayor’s or Business Permit: Apply for this at the register a corporation philippines Municipal Hall. This needs a lease contract and sanitary permit.
Tax Compliance: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to get your Tax Identification Number (TIN), apply for your books of accounts, and secure authority to print official receipts.
Phase 5: Government Contributions
Once your corporation starts employing staff, you are required to register with government institutions including the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. This ensures your employees receive mandatory benefits and safeguards the company from penalties.
Final Thoughts
Completing the steps to register a corporation Philippines requires careful planning and accuracy. While the digital shift has made things easier, many owners still prefer to consult legal experts to avoid common mistakes. Following these steps, you can build a strong foundation for your venture in the vibrant Philippine economy.