Philippines

Company Incorporation (Philippines) – For Foreigners

We assist foreign individuals and companies with incorporating in the Philippines, including SEC filings, document preparation (including apostille requirements), tax registration steps, and local permitting guidance.

Who is it for / Suitable for

Foreign individuals or companies wanting to establish a legal business entity in the Philippines.

Entrepreneurs planning to engage in 100% foreign-owned activities (e.g., IT, BPO, export, consultancy) or mixed-ownership sectors.

Foreign companies seeking a local presence to hire staff, sign contracts, invoice clients, or operate nationwide.

Investors entering the Philippines via a Domestic Corporation, OPC, Branch Office, or ROHQ.

Key Requirements

Minimum 2–5 incorporators (depending on entity type), which may include foreign nationals.

Compliance with Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL) for ownership limits.

Minimum paid-up capital depending on activity: USD 100,000 for most fully foreign-owned domestic corporations; USD 200,000 if selling to the local market (unless eligible for reduced capital).

Local registered address in the Philippines.

Appointment of a resident director or a resident agent (for branch).

Corporate name reservation and SEC approval.

Clients need to provide the following information / documents

Document Name

Notarized

Passport copies of all foreign incorporators

Must be valid; bio page only

Proof of address of foreign shareholders

Utility bill or bank statement

Articles of Incorporation & By-laws

Prepared for SEC filing

Yes

Board Resolution (if corporate shareholder)

Authorizing investment and appointed signatory

Yes

Certificate of Incorporation of parent company (if applicable)

Required for corporate shareholders

Yes

Apostilled/Notarized IDs of directors/officers (if signing abroad)

SEC requirement

Yes

Proposed business activity description

For SEC and name approval

Philippine office lease or service agreement

Registered business address

Capital structure details

Shares, ownership %, paid-up

Average Processing Time

3–6 weeks

3–6 weeks depending on entity type, document apostille timing, and SEC processing load.

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What you would get when the application is complete

SEC Certificate of Incorporation

Articles of Incorporation & By-laws (stamped)

Company Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Mayor’s/Business Permit

Barangay Clearance

BIR Registration Certificate (Form 2303)

Official Receipts/Invoices Authority to Print (ATP)

Company Bank Account Setup Eligibility

On-going Compliance Requirements

After incorporation, companies must maintain ongoing compliance:

Monthly, quarterly, and annual tax filings (BIR)

Renewal of business permits every January

Annual SEC filing (GIS, AFS)

Maintenance of corporate records and minutes book

Payroll tax & social contributions if employing staff (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG)

Updating SEC/Local Gov’t on any changes (officers, address, capital)

Government Agencies Involved

Government agencies involved / overseeing the application:

SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission)

Incorporation approval.

BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)

Corporate tax registration.

Local Government Unit (LGU)

Business permit & barangay clearance.

SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG

Employer registrations.

DTI (if applicable)

Name registration for sole proprietorship.

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Consult With Our Corporate Advisory Team

Our team is ready to guide you through the full process. Reach us on WeChat or WhatsApp.