A Guide to Register a Corporation in the Philippines Today
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 online portals like eSPARC.Phase 1: Choosing Your Corporate Name
The first step is to verify a unique company name. You must check 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 hold the name for 30 to 90 days by paying a nominal reservation fee.
Step 2: Structuring Your Corporate Structure
When you register a corporation Philippines, you need to define your share structure and leadership.
Founders: You need at least 2 but not more than fifteen directors. Keep in mind a One Person Corporation (OPC) is also an option for solo entrepreneurs.
Authorized Capital: For typical domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, unless regulated industries like banking.
Management: You must appoint a President, a Corporate Secretary (who is a local resident), and a Treasurer (resident in the Philippines).
Phase 3: Digital Filing via eSPARC
In 2026, the entirety of the registration process is completed online. Through the eSPARC system, you will submit your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. The system enables the OneSEC processing pathway, which may issue a register a corporation philippines Digital Certificate of Incorporation in a single business day provided all information is correct.
Phase 4: Post-SEC Registrations
Receiving your SEC Certificate is the primary step. To legally operate and register a corporation Philippines register a corporation philippines successfully, you must move forward with the following:
Barangay Clearance: Obtain this from the specific district where register a corporation philippines your office is located.
LGU License: Apply for this at the City Hall. This needs a proof register a corporation philippines 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.
Step 5: Employer Social Agencies
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 employees receive mandatory benefits and safeguards the company from penalties.
Final Thoughts
Completing the process to register a corporation Philippines requires patience and accuracy. While the online transition has made things easier, many owners still prefer to hire consultants to avoid delays. By following these steps, you can establish a compliant foundation for your business in the growing Philippine register a corporation philippines economy.