Starting a business legal entity in the Philippines is a significant milestone for any entrepreneur. Whether you are a Filipino founder or a foreign investor, the primary goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure protection. With the recent updates to the government systems, the procedure has become more streamlined through electronic systems like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Securing Your Corporate Name
The beginning of the process is to select a unique business name. You must verify for its availability via the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) online system. Make sure your chosen name is not clash with existing entities. Once cleared, you can reserve the name for a specific period by paying a small reservation fee.
Phase 2: Defining Your Articles of Incorporation
Prior to 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.
Authorized Capital: For most domestic corporations, there is hardly any specific paid-up capital required by the SEC, except for specialized industries like insurance.
Key Officers: You must designate 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 bulk of the registration process is processed online. Through the SEC system, you will upload your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. The system allows for the Regular 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 only the beginning. To legally operate and register a corporation Philippines completely, you must proceed with the following:
Local Permit: Acquire this from the specific district where your office is situated.
Mayor’s or Business Permit: File for this register a corporation philippines at the Municipal Hall. This requires a lease contract and sanitary permit.
BIR Registration: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), apply for your books of accounts, register a corporation philippines and secure authority to print official receipts.
Phase 5: Employer Contributions
When the corporation starts employing staff, you register a corporation philippines 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 register a corporation philippines safeguards the company from penalties.
Final Thoughts
Completing the steps to register a corporation Philippines requires patience and accuracy. While the online shift has made things easier, many owners still prefer to hire legal experts to avoid common mistakes. Following these register a corporation philippines steps, you can build a solid foundation for your venture in the vibrant Philippine economy.