Establishing a business legal entity in the Philippines is an essential milestone for any business owner. Whether you are a Filipino founder or a foreign investor, the primary goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure compliance. With the recent updates to the Revised Corporation Code, the process has become more streamlined through online portals like eSPARC.
Phase 1: Reserving Your Corporate Name
The beginning of the process is to verify a unique company name. You must check for its availability via the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Check that your chosen name is not clash with existing entities. Once approved, you can secure the name for a specific period by paying a nominal reservation fee.
Step 2: Defining Your Corporate Structure
When you register a corporation Philippines, you must define your capitalization and leadership.
Founders: You need a minimum of two but not more than fifteen directors. Interestingly, a One Person Corporation (OPC) is currently an option for solo entrepreneurs.
Capital Requirements: For general domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital required by the SEC, except for regulated industries like banking.
Management: You must select 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 vast majority of the application is processed online. Through the eSPARC system, you will input your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and required documents. The system enables the OneSEC processing track, which often issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation in a single business day provided all information is correct.
Step 4: Secondary Requirements
Getting your Certificate register a corporation philippines of Incorporation is just the first part. To legally operate and register a corporation Philippines completely, you must proceed with these local permits:
Barangay Clearance: Acquire this from the local district where your office is located.
LGU License: Apply for this at the Municipal Hall. This requires a proof of address and fire safety inspection.
Tax Compliance: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), register your books of accounts, and get authority to print official receipts.
Phase 5: Employer Social Agencies
Once your corporation starts employing staff, you need to register with social agencies including register a corporation philippines the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. This ensures your workers receive legal benefits and register a corporation philippines protects the entity from penalties.
Summary
Navigating the process to register a corporation Philippines requires careful planning and attention to detail. While the digital transition has made register a corporation philippines things easier, many startups still choose to consult consultants to avoid common mistakes. Following these guidelines, register a corporation philippines you can establish a solid foundation for your venture in the vibrant Philippine economy.