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Business Incorporation
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Our team of

EXPERTS AND PARALEGALS

can help you register your business in the Philippines

Company Incorporation Services in the Philippines

We provide Company Incorporation Services to local and foreign entities seeking to register a company in the Philippines. We offer end-to-end assistance, from discussing the ideal legal entity to register based on the client’s proposed business activities to drafting Articles of Incorporation (AOI) and By-Laws, reserving company name, appointing corporate officers (Nominee Director/s, Corporate Secretary, etc.), and determining eligibility for tax incentives from the government. 

Local and foreign entities can choose which among the following entities they can incorporate:

Our Company Incorporation Services in the Philippines

We offer a full suite of company incorporation services to help you register your company with ease. Our services include:

  • Determination of the ideal legal entity to register
  • Assessment of capital requirements for incorporation
  • Drafting of Articles of Incorporation/Partnership (AOI/AOP) and By-Laws
  • Registration and reservation of company name 
  • Appointment of shareholders, directors, nominee directors, and incorporators
  • Appointment of corporate secretary, treasurer, and other corporate officers
  • Opening of a local bank account
  • Processing of registration documents with appropriate government agencies
  • Application for Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) 
  • Application for business permits and licenses
  • Determination of eligibility for tax incentives

Corporation

Corporations in the Philippines are mainly characterized by the nationality of their stockholders. As such, the registration requirements and investment restrictions will largely depend on their ownership status. Wholly Filipino-owned corporations are allowed to conduct business in any industry in the Philippines. Those with both Filipino and foreign ownership must determine the level of foreign equity allowed in their chosen industry, in accordance with the Foreign Investments Negative List (FINL).

Wholly foreign-owned corporations are also subject to the FINL’s restrictions, but are completely prohibited to engage in certain industries, including mass media (except recording and internet business), small-scale mining, and retail trade enterprises with paid-up capital of less than US$2.5 million. 

Partnership

A Philippine partnership can be classified into two types: general partnership and limited partnership. In a general partnership, the partners have unlimited personal liability for its debts and obligations. In a limited partnership, on the other hand, the liability of limited partners is only up to the amount of their contribution to the capital. 

Similar to a corporation, a partnership’s legal personality is separate and distinct from its partners. However, unlike corporations, it does not enjoy the right of succession. Though its legal existence is also perpetual, it will dissolve after the death of a partner or for reasons non-prejudicial to third parties. 

Sole Proprietorship

The simplest business entity in the Philippines, a sole proprietorship is owned by an individual who has full control over the business and exclusively owns all assets and profits of the business. The business owner is referred to as the “sole proprietor” and is personally liable for all debts and liabilities that the business will incur. 

Foreign nationals are allowed to set up a sole proprietorship, subject to restrictions on foreign ownership under the FINL.

Business/Company Incorporation in the Philippines FAQs

What are the types of business/company incorporation in the Philippines?

There are six types of corporations you can incorporate in the Philippines:

  • Domestic Corporation with 100% Filipino ownership
  • Domestic Corporation with 0-40% foreign ownership
  • Domestic Corporation with 40-100% foreign ownership
  • One Person Corporation
  • Partnership
  • Sole Proprietorship

What is the process of business/company incorporation in the Philippines?

Generally, incorporating a business in the Philippines has four steps:
  • Reserve company name and submit application documents to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to obtain SEC Certificate of Registration
  • Obtain business permits from local government units (LGUs)
  • Register business with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain BIR Certificate of Registration and corporate tax number
  • Register with other government agencies as employer:
    • Social Security System (for social security benefits);
    • PhilHealth (for health benefits); and
    • Pag-IBIG Fund (for housing benefits)

What are the requirements for business/company incorporation in the Philippines?

The documentary requirements for incorporating a company in the Philippines are:
  • Company Name Verification Slip
  • Articles of Incorporation/Partnership and Bylaws
  • Treasurer’s Affidavit
  • Notarized Bank Certificate of Deposit showing the paid-up capital
  • Registration Data Sheet
  • Endorsements/Clearances from government agencies (if will engage in a regulated industry)

What is the timeline of business/company incorporation in the Philippines?

The usual timeline for incorporating a company in the Philippines is 45 days, provided all required documents are submitted as early as possible and there are no processing delays from the government.

Want to incorporate a company in the Philippines?

We provide end-to-end services to local and foreign entities seeking for professional assistance on their company formation plans in the Philippines.

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