Establishing a business entity in the Philippines is an essential milestone for any investor. Whether you are a Filipino founder or a international investor, the initial goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure operational legality. With the modern updates to the Revised Corporation Code, the process has become faster through online portals like eSPARC.
Step 1: Securing Your Corporate Name
Your initial task is to select a unique business name. You must check for its availability via the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) online system. Check that your chosen name is not resemble existing registrations. Once approved, you can reserve the name for 30 to 90 days by paying a small reservation fee.
Phase 2: Drafting Your Articles of Incorporation
Prior to register a corporation Philippines, you need to define your capitalization and management.
Founders: You need a minimum of two but not more than fifteen incorporators. Interestingly, a One Person Corporation (OPC) is also an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For most domestic corporations, there is no specific paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, unless register a corporation philippines specialized industries like insurance.
Management: You must designate a President, a Corporate Secretary (who must be a Filipino citizen), and a Treasurer (resident in the Philippines).
Phase 3: Digital Filing via eSPARC
In 2026, the vast majority of the application is processed online. Through the eSPARC system, you will upload your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. The system facilitates the Regular processing track, which can issue a provisional approval in a single business days provided all information is correct.
Phase 4: Post-SEC Requirements
Obtaining your SEC Certificate is the primary step. To fully operate and register a corporation Philippines successfully, you must move forward with the following:
Local Permit: Obtain this from the specific district where your office is situated.
Mayor’s or Business Permit: Apply for this at the Municipal Hall. This requires a proof of address and fire safety inspection.
Tax Compliance: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue register a corporation philippines (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register your books of accounts, and get authority to print official receipts.
Step 5: Government Contributions
When the corporation starts hiring people, you are required to register with government institutions such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Compliance ensures register a corporation philippines your employees receive mandatory benefits and protects the entity from penalties.
Summary
Managing the process to register a corporation Philippines demands careful planning and attention to detail. While the online shift has simplified the register a corporation philippines task, many owners still prefer to consult consultants to avoid common mistakes. Following these guidelines, you can register a corporation philippines establish a solid foundation for your enterprise in the growing Philippine economy.