How to register your business in the Philippines

Business registration begins with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For some industries, a secondary license is required. A business and tax permit must also be secured at the appropriate Local Government Unit.

  • SEC Incorporation
  • Business Permit
  • Secondary Registration
  • Tax Permit
Inquire Now

How to register your business in the Philippines

Business registration begins with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For some industries, a secondary license is required. A business and tax permit must also be secured at the appropriate Local Government Unit.

  • SEC Incorporation
  • Business Permit
  • Secondary Registration
  • Tax Permit
Inquire Now

Know your Corporation

Filipino-Owned Corporations

  • At least 60% owned by Filipinos
  • Filipino resident treasurer
  • Business address in the Philippines
  • Tax Identification Number for all shareholders
  • Minimum paid up capital for certain industries

OPC OR SOLE INCORPORATOR

Requirements & Restrictions

One/Single owner of all shares
Designated Nominee and Alternate
Surety Bond for self-appointed treasurer

 

Timeline

2 to 3 weeks

CORPORATION WITH 2 to 15 SHAREHOLDERS

Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum of 2 shareholders
Maximum of 15 shareholders

 

Timeline

3 to 4 weeks

Foreign-Owned Corporations

  • More than 40% owned by Foreigners
  • Resident agent in the Philippines
  • Business address in the Philippines
  • Tax Identification Number for all shareholders
  • Minimum paid up capital for certain industries
  • Foreign ownership limits for nationalized industries

Domestic Subsidiary

A domestic subsidiary is incorporated in the PH and is considered as a separate entity from its Parent Company.

OPC OR SOLE INCORPORATOR

Requirements & Restrictions

One/Single owner of all shares
Designated Nominee and Alternate
Surety Bond for self-appointed treasurer

 

Timeline

2 to 3 weeks

CORPORATION WITH 2 to 15 SHAREHOLDERS

Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum of 2 shareholders
Maximum of 15 shareholders

 

Timeline

3 to 4 weeks

Parent Company Extension Office

There are 4 types of companies that can serve as extension offices of their Parent Company, depending on the purpose and whether income generating activities are performed.

BRANCH

A Branch has no separate legal entity from its Parent Company and its liabilities extend to its parent.

Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum paid-in capital of US$200,000
Designation of resident agent

 

Timeline

2 to 3 weeks

REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE

A Representative Office has no separate legal entity from its Parent Company; it serves as a liaison office, contact center, or marketing hub.

Requirements & Restrictions

Remittance of US$30,000 yearly into the PH
Designation of resident agent
Not allowed to derive income or offer services in the PH

 

Timeline

2 to 3 weeks

REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS

A Regional HQ serves as a back office situated in the PH that performs business related functions and whose operations do not generate income.

Requirements & Restrictions

Remittance of US$50,000 yearly into the PH
Designation of resident agent
Not allowed to derive income, offer services to third parties, or directly deal with clients in the PH

 

Timeline

2 to 3 weeks

REGIONAL OPERATING HEADQUARTERS

A Regional Operating HQ serves as an extension office situated in the PH that performs income generating business activities.

Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum paid-in capital of US$200,000
Designation of resident agent

 

Timeline

2 to 3 weeks

Need more help with your business?

Do you have questions on procedure, requirements, costs, or timelines? Are you not quite sure where or how to start? We are here to help guide you and point you to the right direction.

Inquire Now

Need more help with your business?

Do you have questions on procedure, requirements, costs, or timelines? Are you not quite sure where or how to start? We are here to help guide you and point you to the right direction.

Inquire Now