Complete Company Formation Process for Startups and MSMEs in the Philippines
Starting a small business in the Philippines doesn’t have to be complicated. With our simplified approach to company formation procedures, we can help startups and small companies achieve their business goals easily.
We formulated our services with new business owners in mind
New to business? No worries. While you focus on planning, we can help you secure everything you need from business registration, applications for licenses and permits, and general corporate compliance work.
We provide end-to-end assistance to local and foreign startups from:
We can help you secure the necessary registrations, licenses, and permits from appropriate government agencies so you may focus on preparing for your new business in the Philippines.
We can give you access to a large pool of highly qualified individuals to work for your company, from rank-and-file positions to niche and hard-to-fill roles.
Our partner law firm can help guide you through new and existing corporate laws in the Philippines, enabling you to do business confidently.
Our partner accounting firm houses numerous Certified Public Accountants (CPA) dedicated to providing streamlined solutions for your tax, accounting, and bookkeeping needs
Starting a business in the Philippines has never been easier
We follow a 5-step process for business registration in the Philippines:
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Registration in the Philippines
What is the best type of business entity for startups and small businesses to register in the Philippines?
The Philippines have numerous business entity types to offer new business owners. These types of business entities are:
- Philippine Corporation (Domestic Corporation, One Person Corporation)
- Foreign Corporation (Regional Headquarters (RHQ), Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQ), Representative Office or Branch Office)
- Partnership (General Partnership or Limited Partnership)
- Sole Proprietorship (Filipino-owned or Foreign-owned)
Startups and MSMEs are recommended to register as a sole proprietorship as it provides the most administrative ease. It allows you to run your business solely without the need for formal legal structures.
What are the requirements for business registration of new businesses in the Philippines?
Before undergoing the process of business registration in the Philippines, you need to accomplish the pre-registration requirements first, which are generally as follows:
- Reserve/register a company name with SEC
- Draft Articles of Incorporation/Partnership and By-laws
- Secure the Contract of Lease of your office address
- Open a Treasurer-in-Trust Fund (TITF) account (for branch and representative offices only)
- Appoint a Resident Agent (for foreign corporations)
- Conduct first meeting and elect corporate officers
- Open a corporate bank account
What are the requirements to accomplish after business registration in the Philippines?
After business registration in the Philippines, you need to accomplish post-registration requirements, which are generally as follows:
- Hire and register employees with the government
- Apply for tax incentives (optional and dependent on chosen industry)
- Comply with annual regulatory requirements
How long is the turnover time for business registration services?
Depending on the type of business entity you register under, business registration procedures in the Philippines can last for a minimum of 2-3 months.
How much will it cost to start a small business in the Philippines?
Startup costs may vary depending on the kind of business and industry you wish to venture into. To help you get an idea, here is a list of expenses for business registration in the Philippines:
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Registration Fees:
- Business Name Reservation for 90 days: ₱120
- SEC Express Lane: ₱600
- SEC Registration Fee: ₱2,530
- Stock Transfer Book: ₱500
- BIR Documentary Stamps: ₱1,500
- Notarial Fees: ₱1,500
- Total SEC registration expenses: ₱6,750
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Registration Fees:
- For Barangay: ₱200
- For City/Municipality: ₱500
- For Regional: ₱1,000
- Total DTI registration expenses: ₱1,700
- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Registration Fees:
- Registration Fee: ₱500
- Loose Documentary Stamp Tax: ₱30
- Total BIR registration expenses: ₱530
In the Philippines, capital costs can be as low as ₱5,000. However, the amount of capital for your business should be equivalent to the business activity it will undertake.
Establish A Business in the Philippines with Ease
As a small business owner, the first step to achieving a successful business venture is ensuring that your company is fully compliant with existing laws and regulations covering your business and industry to avoid unwanted issues in the future. With an extensive suite of business registration and corporate compliance services, our team is dedicated to helping you secure a seamless company formation experience in the Philippines.
A Simplified Approach to Business Registration
With end-to-end assistance in business registration services in the Philippines, our team is determined to providing you with a seamless company incorporation experience.