Establishing a business structure in the Philippines is a significant milestone for any entrepreneur. Whether you are a local founder or a international investor, the initial goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure compliance. With the recent updates to the SEC guidelines, the workflow has become digitalized through electronic systems like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Securing Your Corporate Name
The first step is to decide on a unique company name. You must verify for its availability through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Make sure your chosen name does not clash with existing entities. Once approved, you can hold the name for 30 to 90 days by paying a small reservation fee.
Step 2: Defining Your Corporate Structure
When you register a corporation Philippines, you should define your share structure and management.
Founders: You need at least two but not more than fifteen incorporators. Interestingly, a One Person Corporation (OPC) is also an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For typical domestic corporations, there is no specific paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, unless 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).
Step 3: Digital Filing via eSPARC
In 2026, the vast majority of the application register a corporation philippines 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 within a single business days if all data register a corporation philippines is correct.
Step 4: Secondary Registrations
Receiving your SEC Certificate is only the beginning. To fully operate and register a corporation Philippines successfully, you must move register a corporation philippines forward with the following:
Local Permit: Acquire this from the local district where your office is located.
LGU License: Apply for this at the Municipal Hall. register a corporation philippines This requires a proof of address and fire safety inspection.
Tax Compliance: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register your books of accounts, and secure authority to print invoices.
Step 5: Government Contributions
Once your corporation starts employing staff, you must to register a corporation philippines register with social agencies such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Compliance ensures your workers receive legal benefits and safeguards the entity from penalties.
Final Thoughts
Completing the steps to register a corporation Philippines demands careful planning and attention to detail. While the digital transition has simplified the task, many businesses still prefer to hire legal experts to avoid common mistakes. Following these steps, you can build a strong foundation for your venture in the vibrant Philippine economy.