Establishing a business structure in the Philippines is a major milestone for any business owner. Whether you are a local founder or a foreign investor, the primary goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure protection. With the latest updates to the Revised Corporation Code, the process has become digitalized through online portals 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) online system. 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 nominal reservation fee.
Step 2: Drafting Your Corporate Structure
When you register a corporation Philippines, you must define your share structure and leadership.
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 specific paid-up capital required 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).
Step 3: Digital Filing via eSPARC
In 2026, the bulk of the application is handled online. register a corporation philippines Through the eSPARC system, you will input your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and other documents. The system enables the Regular processing pathway, which often issue a provisional approval within a single business days provided all information is accurate.
Step 4: Secondary Requirements
Getting your SEC Certificate is the primary register a corporation philippines step. To fully operate and register a corporation Philippines successfully, you must proceed with the following:
Local Permit: Obtain this from the local district where your office is situated.
Mayor’s or Business Permit: Apply for this at the Municipal Hall. This needs register a corporation philippines a proof of address and sanitary permit.
Tax Compliance: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to get your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register your books of accounts, and secure authority to print official receipts.
Step 5: Employer 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.
Conclusion
Navigating the steps to register a corporation Philippines requires patience and accuracy. While the online transition has simplified the task, many startups still prefer to hire consultants to prevent common register a corporation philippines mistakes. By following these guidelines, you register a corporation philippines can build a solid foundation for your business in the growing Philippine economy.