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 compliance. With the latest updates to the government systems, the procedure has become more streamlined 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 via 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
Prior to register a corporation Philippines, you should define your capitalization and management.
Founders: You need a minimum of 2 but not more than fifteen incorporators. Note that a One Person Corporation (OPC) is currently an option for solo entrepreneurs.
Authorized Capital: For most domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, unless regulated industries like banking.
Management: You must appoint a President, a Corporate Secretary (who is a local resident), and a Treasurer (resident in the Philippines).
Phase 3: Digital Filing via eSPARC
In 2026, register a corporation philippines the entirety of the registration process is completed online. Through the eSPARC system, you will submit your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and other documents. The system enables the OneSEC processing track, which can issue a provisional approval in a single business days provided all information is correct.
Step 4: Post-SEC Requirements
Getting your Certificate of Incorporation is only the beginning. To legally operate and register register a corporation philippines 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 register a corporation philippines Permit: File for this at the Municipal Hall. register a corporation philippines This requires a lease contract and sanitary permit.
BIR Registration: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register register a corporation philippines your books of accounts, and secure authority to print invoices.
Phase 5: Employer Contributions
When the corporation starts employing staff, you must to register with government institutions such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. This ensures your workers receive mandatory benefits and safeguards the company from penalties.
Summary
Completing the steps to register a corporation Philippines demands careful planning and accuracy. While the digital shift has simplified the task, many startups still prefer to consult professionals to prevent common mistakes. Following these guidelines, you can build a strong foundation for your venture in the vibrant Philippine economy.