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 initial goal is to register a corporation Philippines legally to ensure compliance. With the modern updates to the government systems, the procedure has become more streamlined through electronic systems like eSPARC.
Step 1: Securing Your Corporate Name
The beginning of the process is to select a unique business name. You must verify for its availability via the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) online system. Make sure your chosen name is not clash with 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
Prior to register a corporation Philippines, you should define your capitalization and management.
Founders: You need at least 2 but not more than fifteen incorporators. Note that a One Person Corporation (OPC) is currently an option for solo entrepreneurs.
Authorized Capital: For most domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum 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 bulk of the registration process is processed register a corporation philippines online. Through the SEC system, you will submit your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. The system enables the OneSEC processing pathway, which register a corporation philippines may issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation in a single business day provided all information is correct.
Phase 4: Post-SEC Requirements
Receiving your SEC Certificate is register a corporation philippines the primary step. To legally operate and register register a corporation philippines a corporation Philippines completely, you must move forward with the following:
Local Permit: Obtain this from the specific district where your office is situated.
LGU License: Apply for this at the Municipal Hall. This needs a lease contract and fire safety inspection.
Tax Compliance: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to get your Tax Identification Number (TIN), apply for your books of accounts, and get authority to print official receipts.
Step 5: Government Social Agencies
Once your corporation starts employing people, you are required to register with social agencies including the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Compliance ensures your employees receive legal benefits and safeguards the entity from legal issues.
Conclusion
Managing the process to register register a corporation philippines a corporation Philippines needs patience and attention to detail. While the online transition has made things easier, many businesses 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 economy.