How to Register a Corporation within the Philippines Today
Establishing a business entity in the Philippines is a significant milestone for any investor. Whether you are a Filipino founder or a foreign investor, the initial goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure protection. With the recent updates to the Revised Corporation Code, the workflow has become faster through online portals like eSPARC.Phase 1: Choosing Your Corporate Name
The first step is to verify a unique company name. You must search for its availability through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Check that your chosen name does not resemble 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
Before you register a corporation Philippines, you should define your capitalization and management.
Founders: You need at least 2 but not more than fifteen directors. Note that a One Person Corporation (OPC) is currently an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For general domestic corporations, there is no minimum paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, unless regulated industries like insurance.
Key Officers: You must designate a President, a Corporate Secretary (who must be a Filipino citizen), and a Treasurer (based locally).
Phase register a corporation philippines 3: Online Submission via eSPARC
In 2026, the entirety of the registration process is processed online. Through the SEC system, you will input your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and other documents. This platform enables the OneSEC processing pathway, which often issue a provisional approval within a single business day provided all data is correct.
Step 4: Post-SEC Registrations
Receiving your Certificate of Incorporation is just the first part. To legally operate and register a corporation Philippines completely, you must move forward with register a corporation philippines these local permits:
Barangay Clearance: Acquire this from the specific district where your office is located.
LGU License: File for this at the Municipal Hall. This requires a lease contract and fire safety inspection.
BIR register a corporation philippines Registration: Go to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), apply for your books of accounts, and get register a corporation philippines authority to print invoices.
Phase 5: Government Social Agencies
When the corporation starts employing people, you need to register with government institutions including the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Compliance ensures your workers receive mandatory benefits and safeguards the entity from legal issues.
Summary
Completing the process to register a register a corporation philippines corporation Philippines needs careful planning and accuracy. While the online transition has simplified the task, many owners still prefer to consult professionals to avoid delays. By following these steps, you can establish a strong foundation for your venture in the growing Philippine economy.