Establishing a business structure in the Philippines is a major milestone for any business owner. Whether you are a local founder or a international investor, the first goal is to register a corporation Philippines properly to ensure operational legality. With the latest updates to the SEC guidelines, the process has become digitalized through electronic systems like eSPARC.
Step 1: Reserving Your Corporate Name
Your initial task is to decide on a unique corporate name. You must check for its availability on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Ensure your chosen name is not conflict with existing registrations. Once approved, you can secure the name for 30 to 90 days by paying a small reservation fee.
Phase 2: Defining Your Articles of Incorporation
Before you register a corporation Philippines, you should define your capitalization and management.
Incorporators: You need a minimum of two but not more than 15 incorporators. Interestingly, a One Person Corporation (OPC) is currently an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Authorized Capital: For most domestic corporations, there is no 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 entirety of the registration process is processed online. Through the eSPARC system, you will submit your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. The system enables the OneSEC processing track, which may issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation in a register a corporation philippines single business days provided all information is correct.
Step 4: Post-SEC Requirements
Getting your Certificate of Incorporation is register a corporation philippines only the beginning. To legally operate and register a corporation Philippines completely, you must proceed with register a corporation philippines the following:
Local Permit: Acquire this from the specific register a corporation philippines district where your office is situated.
Mayor’s or Business Permit: Apply for this at the Municipal Hall. This requires a lease contract and sanitary permit.
BIR Registration: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), apply for 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 such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. This ensures your workers receive mandatory benefits and protects the company from penalties.
Summary
Navigating the steps to register a corporation Philippines demands careful planning and accuracy. While the digital shift has simplified the task, many startups still choose to consult professionals to prevent common mistakes. By following these guidelines, you can build a strong foundation for your enterprise in register a corporation philippines the vibrant Philippine economy.