Establishing a business structure in the Philippines is an essential milestone for any business owner. Whether you are a Filipino founder or a foreign investor, the first goal is to register a corporation Philippines properly to ensure operational legality. With the modern updates to the Revised Corporation Code, the procedure has become faster through electronic systems like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Securing Your Corporate Name
Your initial task is to select a unique company name. You must search for its availability via the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) online system. Check that your chosen name does not clash with existing registrations. Once approved, you can hold the name for a specific period by paying a small reservation fee.
Phase 2: Drafting Your Corporate Structure
When you register a corporation Philippines, you need to define your share structure and management.
Incorporators: You need a minimum of 2 but not more than fifteen directors. Note that a One Person Corporation (OPC) is currently an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For typical domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, except for regulated industries like insurance.
Management: You must appoint a President, a Corporate Secretary (who is a register a corporation philippines local resident), and a Treasurer (resident in the Philippines).
Step 3: Online Submission via eSPARC
In 2026, the vast majority of the registration process is handled online. register a corporation philippines Through the eSPARC system, you will upload register a corporation philippines your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and other documents. The system facilitates the Regular processing track, which may issue a provisional approval in a few business day if all data is correct.
Phase 4: Secondary Requirements
Receiving your Certificate of Incorporation is the primary step. To legally operate and register a corporation Philippines successfully, you must proceed with these local permits:
Local Permit: Acquire this from the local 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 Compliance: Go to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register your books of accounts, and get authority to print invoices.
Phase 5: Government Social Agencies
When the corporation starts employing people, you need to register with social agencies such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Compliance ensures your workers receive legal benefits and protects the entity register a corporation philippines from legal issues.
Summary
Navigating the steps to register a corporation Philippines demands patience and accuracy. While the online transition has simplified the task, many startups still prefer to consult legal experts to avoid delays. By following these guidelines, you can build register a corporation philippines a strong foundation for your venture in the vibrant Philippine economy.