Starting a business legal entity in the Philippines is a significant milestone for any entrepreneur. Whether you are a Filipino founder or a foreign investor, the primary goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure protection. With the recent updates to the Revised Corporation Code, the procedure has become more streamlined through electronic systems like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Securing Your Corporate Name
The beginning of the process is to select a unique business name. You must verify for its availability via the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) online system. Make sure your chosen name is not clash with existing entities. Once cleared, 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 two but not more than 15 incorporators. Note that a One Person Corporation (OPC) is currently an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Authorized Capital: For most domestic corporations, there is hardly any specific paid-up capital required by the SEC, except for specialized industries like insurance.
Key Officers: You must select 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 bulk of the application is processed online. Through the SEC system, you will upload your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. The system allows for the Regular processing pathway, which often issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation within a few business day if all data is accurate.
Phase 4: Secondary Registrations
Receiving your SEC Certificate is just the first part. To fully operate and register a corporation Philippines successfully, you must move register a corporation philippines forward with these local permits:
Barangay Clearance: Obtain this from the local district where your office is located.
LGU License: File for this at the City Hall. This requires a proof of address and fire safety inspection.
BIR Registration: Go to 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 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 company from penalties.
Final Thoughts
Completing the steps to register a register a corporation philippines corporation Philippines requires careful planning and accuracy. While register a corporation philippines the online shift has made things easier, many owners still prefer to hire legal experts to register a corporation philippines avoid delays. Following these steps, you can establish a compliant foundation for your business in the growing Philippine economy.