Setting up a business legal entity in the Philippines is an essential milestone for any entrepreneur. Whether you are a Filipino founder or a international investor, the primary goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure protection. With the recent updates to the Revised Corporation Code, the workflow has become digitalized through online portals like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Choosing Your Corporate Name
The first step is to verify a unique company name. You must check for its availability on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Check that your chosen name does not resemble existing registrations. Once approved, 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 share structure and leadership.
Founders: You need at least 2 but not more than fifteen directors. Keep in mind a One Person Corporation (OPC) is also an option for solo entrepreneurs.
Authorized Capital: For typical domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, unless regulated industries like banking.
Management: You must select a register a corporation philippines President, a Corporate Secretary (who is a local resident), and a Treasurer (resident in the Philippines).
Step register a corporation philippines 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 allows for the OneSEC processing pathway, which may issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation in a few business day provided all data is accurate.
Phase 4: Post-SEC Registrations
Receiving your SEC Certificate is just the first part. To fully operate and register a corporation Philippines successfully, you must move forward with these local permits:
Barangay Clearance: Obtain this from the local district where your office is located.
LGU License: File for this at the City Hall. This requires a proof of address and fire safety inspection.
BIR Registration: Go to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register your books of accounts, and secure authority to print invoices.
Phase 5: Employer register a corporation philippines Contributions
When the corporation starts employing staff, you must 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 process to register a corporation Philippines requires patience and accuracy. While the online transition has made things easier, many owners register a corporation philippines still prefer to hire legal experts to avoid delays. Following these steps, you can establish a solid foundation for your business in the growing register a corporation philippines Philippine economy.