Setting up a business legal entity in the Philippines is an essential milestone for any entrepreneur. Whether you are a local founder or a foreign investor, the primary goal is to register a corporation Philippines properly to ensure compliance. With the modern updates to the SEC guidelines, the procedure has become digitalized through electronic systems like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Securing Your Corporate Name
The first step is to decide on a unique corporate name. You must verify for its availability through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) online system. Make sure your chosen name is not conflict with existing entities. Once cleared, you can secure the name for a specific period by paying a nominal reservation fee.
Step 2: Drafting Your Corporate Structure
Prior to register a corporation Philippines, you need to define your capitalization and leadership.
Founders: You need at least 2 but not more than fifteen directors. Interestingly, a One Person Corporation (OPC) is now an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For general domestic corporations, there is no minimum paid-up capital required by the SEC, unless regulated industries like banking.
Management: 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 entirety of register a corporation philippines the application is handled online. Through register a corporation philippines the eSPARC system, you will upload your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. This platform enables the Regular processing pathway, which can issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation in a few business day if all information is register a corporation philippines accurate.
Phase 4: Secondary Registrations
Getting your SEC Certificate is only the beginning. To fully operate and register a corporation Philippines completely, you must proceed with the following:
Local Permit: Obtain this from the specific district where your office is located.
Mayor’s or Business Permit: Apply for this at the City Hall. This needs a proof of address and sanitary permit.
Tax register a corporation philippines 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.
Phase 5: Employer Contributions
When the corporation starts employing staff, you need to register with social agencies including the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Compliance ensures your employees receive mandatory benefits and protects the company from penalties.
Conclusion
Navigating the process to register a corporation Philippines requires careful planning and attention to detail. While the register a corporation philippines online shift has made things easier, many startups still choose to hire consultants to avoid common mistakes. By following these steps, you can build a compliant foundation for your venture in the vibrant Philippine economy.