Establishing a business entity in the Philippines is a significant milestone for any business owner. Whether you are a local founder or a international investor, the primary goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure protection. With the recent updates to the SEC guidelines, the process has become faster through electronic systems like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Choosing Your Corporate Name
The beginning of the process is to select a unique company name. You must check for its availability via the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Make sure your chosen name does not resemble existing registrations. Once approved, you can reserve the name for 30 to 90 days by paying a small reservation fee.
Phase 2: Drafting Your Corporate Structure
When you register a corporation Philippines, you should define your share structure and leadership.
Incorporators: You need a minimum of two but not more than fifteen incorporators. Keep in mind a One Person Corporation (OPC) is also an option for individual entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For general domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, except for specialized industries like banking.
Key Officers: You must appoint a President, a Corporate Secretary (who is a local resident), and a Treasurer (based locally).
Phase 3: Online Submission via eSPARC
In 2026, the bulk of the registration process is processed online. Through the eSPARC system, you will upload your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. This platform enables the Regular processing pathway, which can issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation in a single business day provided all information is accurate.
Step 4: Post-SEC Requirements
Getting your Certificate of Incorporation is the primary step. To fully operate and register a corporation Philippines completely, you must register a corporation philippines move forward with the following:
Local Permit: Obtain this from the local district where your office register a corporation philippines is located.
LGU License: File for this at the City Hall. This requires a lease contract and sanitary permit.
BIR Registration: Go to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to get your Tax Identification Number (TIN), apply for your books of accounts, and secure register a corporation philippines authority to print official receipts.
Phase 5: Employer Contributions
When the corporation starts employing staff, you are required to register with social agencies such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Compliance ensures your workers receive legal benefits and safeguards register a corporation philippines the company from legal issues.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the process to register a corporation Philippines requires patience and accuracy. While the digital shift has simplified the task, many startups still prefer to hire professionals to prevent delays. By following these steps, you register a corporation philippines can build a strong foundation for your business in the vibrant Philippine economy.