Establishing a business entity in the Philippines is a major milestone for any investor. Whether you are a local founder or a foreign investor, the first goal is to register a corporation Philippines properly to ensure compliance. With the latest updates to the SEC guidelines, the process has become digitalized through online portals like eSPARC.
Step 1: Choosing Your Corporate Name
The first step is to verify a unique company name. You must search for its availability through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Make sure your chosen name does not resemble existing entities. Once cleared, you can reserve the name for 30 to 90 days by paying a nominal reservation fee.
Phase 2: Drafting Your Articles of Incorporation
Before you register a corporation Philippines, you must define your share structure and leadership.
Founders: You need at least 2 but not more than 15 incorporators. Keep in mind a One Person Corporation (OPC) is currently an option for solo entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For general domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital required by the SEC, except for regulated industries like banking.
Key Officers: You must select a President, a Corporate Secretary (who must be a Filipino citizen), and a Treasurer (based locally).
Phase 3: Digital Filing via eSPARC
In 2026, the bulk of the registration process is completed online. Through the SEC system, you will submit your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and required documents. The system facilitates the OneSEC processing track, which often issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation within a few business days if all information is register a corporation philippines correct.
Phase 4: Secondary Registrations
Getting your Certificate of Incorporation is the primary step. To legally operate and 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.
LGU License: Apply for this at the City Hall. This needs a lease contract and sanitary permit.
Tax register a corporation philippines Compliance: Go to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register your books of accounts, and get authority register a corporation philippines to print invoices.
Phase 5: Government Contributions
Once your corporation starts employing people, you must to register with government institutions including the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. This ensures your register a corporation philippines employees receive mandatory benefits and safeguards the entity 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 still prefer to hire consultants to avoid delays. By following these steps, you can establish a compliant foundation for your venture in the vibrant Philippine economy.