Everything You Need to Register a Corporation within the Philippines in 2026

Establishing a business structure in the Philippines is a significant milestone for any investor. 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 Revised Corporation Code, the workflow has become faster through online portals like eSPARC.

Phase 1: Reserving Your Corporate Name
Your initial task is to verify a unique business name. You must verify for its availability on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eSPARC portal. Check that your chosen name is not resemble existing entities. Once approved, you can hold the name for a specific period by paying a nominal reservation fee.

Phase 2: Defining Your Corporate Structure
Prior to register a corporation Philippines, you must define your capitalization and management.

Founders: You need a minimum of 2 but not more than fifteen incorporators. Keep in mind a One Person Corporation (OPC) is also an option for individual entrepreneurs.

Authorized Capital: For typical domestic corporations, there is hardly any minimum paid-up capital required by the SEC, unless regulated industries like insurance.

Management: You must select a President, a Corporate Secretary (who is a local resident), and a Treasurer (resident register a corporation philippines in the Philippines).

Phase 3: Digital Filing via eSPARC
Currently, the entirety of the application is completed online. Through the SEC system, you will input your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. The system facilitates the Regular processing track, which often issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation within a register a corporation philippines few business days provided all information is correct.

Step 4: Secondary Registrations
Getting your SEC Certificate is just the first part. To legally operate and register a corporation philippines register a corporation Philippines successfully, you must proceed with register a corporation philippines these local permits:

Barangay Clearance: Obtain this from the specific 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 register a corporation philippines Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), apply for your books of accounts, and secure authority to print invoices.

Phase 5: Employer Contributions
When the corporation starts employing staff, you must to register with government institutions including the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. This ensures your employees receive legal benefits and safeguards the entity from legal issues.

Conclusion
Navigating the process to register a corporation Philippines requires careful planning and attention to detail. While the online transition has simplified the task, many startups still prefer to hire consultants to prevent delays. By following these guidelines, you can build a solid foundation for your business in the vibrant Philippine economy.