Philippines Company Registration Services
Register Your Company in the Philippines as a Foreigner
Setup 100% foreign-owned corporation with the help of our dedicated local experts.
4.6/5 rating | 1,100+ companies registered
End-to-end support for your Philippines company formation
Our on-the-ground experts will handle the entire process from documents submission to licenses and permits.
Streamlined Process
We handle all legal paperwork to get your company officially formed.
Licenses & Permits
Our experts help you identify and prepare applications for the essential permits your business needs to operate legally.
Bank Account Opening
Assistance with opening corporate bank accounts and setting up initial financial processes.
Tax & Accounting
Get started right with expert guidance on local tax registration and accounting setup.
Corporate Secretarial
Continuous support for statutory filings and corporate governance requirements.
Fully Online
Manage everything online via the Emerhub App, with our experts just a click away.
Key requirements for company registration in the Philippines
General overview of the requirements for setting up a foreign-owned company in the Philippines.
Have at least two initial shareholders
Shareholders can be both individuals or companies. They can also serve as directors or commissioners of the company.
Secure a registered business address
Every company in the Philippines must have a registered address at a commercial building. If you don’t plan to rent an office, Emerhub can provide a virtual office.
Minimum capital requirement
You need to declare a minimum of USD 200,000 capital. This reduces to USD 100,000 if the business employs at least 50 employees or uses advanced technology.
President, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer
Setting up a company in the Philippines requires at least one president, corporate secretary and treasurer. The corporate secretary must be a Filipino citizen. The treasurer must be a resident of the Philippines, but not necessarily a citizen.
Company Registration Process in the Philippines
Setting up your foreign-owned corporation in the Philippines correctly is essential for a smooth start and long-term success. While the process involves specific legal and administrative steps, Emerhub’s experts will handle it on your behalf.
1
Company name reservation with SEC
To start your business operations in the Philippines, we will handle the reservation of your company’s name with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). To make things easier, you can provide us with three name options for your company. Our team will ensure the name complies with local regulations and meets all SEC guidelines.
2
Preparation and filing incorporation documents with the SEC
We will prepare and submit the mandatory documents to the SEC on your behalf. These include the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Treasurer’s Affidavit. Once approved, the SEC will issue your Certificate of Incorporation, officially recognizing your business.
3
Securing Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for your corporation
Once your company is registered with the SEC, we’ll take care of securing your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Our team will also handle all requirements for VAT, withholding taxes, and regular tax filings to ensure your business is fully compliant with Philippine tax regulations from day one.
4
Mayor’s Permit and relevant permits
We will handle the process of securing your Mayor’s Permit from the local government unit where your business will operate. Additional permits required include environmental clearances or industry-specific licenses, which we will take care of as well.
5
Opening your corporate bank account in the Philippines
Once your company has its Certificate of Incorporation, BIR registration, and local business permits, you are ready to open a corporate bank account in the Philippines. Our advisors will prepare all the necessary documents and assist you throughout the account opening process.
6
Ensure post registration compliance
Your company must comply with the ongoing regulatory requirements in the Philippines, including the timely filing of tax returns, submission of annual financial statements, renewal of business permits, and other mandatory filings with government agencies to maintain good standing.
Emerhub portal helps you track all the key compliance deadlines to ensure your business can stay compliant and avoid potential issues.
Have questions or need more information?
Register your company in the Philippines online
Select business activities
Choose your company type and activities. Pay online and get started immediately.
Fill out shareholder and capital details
Conveniently collect all company requirements via our web application.
Get your incorporation documents
All your corporate documents will be accessible via Emerhub’s Entity Management Software
Trusted by Entrepreneurs Across Industries
Join thousands of successful business owners who chose us for their Philippines company incorporation.
FAQs About Company Formation in the Philippines
Yes, foreigners can register a 100% foreign owned company in the Philippines. They can establish corporations or partnerships by registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
If your business is operating in a unrestricted or export-oriented (thus allowing 100% foreign ownership), you can have all foreign directors and no Filipino partner is legally required. However, certain key corporate officers (treasurer and secretary) must be Filipino residents or citizens regardless.
Emerhub will help you meet the necessary citizenship requirements and stay compliant.
100% foreign ownership is allowed under the Foreign Investments Act, except for industries listed in the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL), such as mass media and public utilities. Export-oriented businesses earning at least 60% of revenue from exports may be fully foreign-owned.
However, for domestic market enterprises not exempted, foreign ownership is limited to 40%. It is important to verify whether your specific industry falls under the FINL to understand applicable restrictions.
The Mayor’s Permit is a mandatory license issued by the local government that authorizes your business to operate within a specific city or municipality. It ensures compliance with local tax rules, zoning laws, and health and safety regulations.
In addition to the Mayor’s Permit, you will also need other permits such as Barangay clearance, SEC or DTI registration, BIR registration for taxes, and any industry-specific or environmental permits required for your business.
Our experts will guide you on specific licenses depending on your planned business activities.
Ongoing compliance for your business includes annual filings with the SEC, such as audited financial statements and general information sheets, as well as regular tax filings with the BIR. You must also maintain updated corporate records, books of accounts, and minutes of meetings.
Additionally, timely renewal of the Mayor’s Permit and other necessary licenses is required, along with remitting employee contributions to the SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund if you have staff.
Key documents required for company registration in the Philippines include:
- Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
- Treasurer’s Affidavit
- SEC registration forms and payment receipts
- Proof of paid-up capital
- Business name reservation certificate
- For foreign-owned companies, documents proving compliance with foreign ownership rules
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Barangay Clearance and Mayor’s Permit application documents
- Lease contract or proof of business address
Schedule a free consultation
Ready to discuss setting up your company in the Philippines?
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Ready to discuss setting up your business in the Philippines?
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team of experts. We’ll discuss your needs and how we can help you setup and manage your business in the Philippines.
Email Us
philippines@emerhub.com
Call Us
+63 945 726 2635
Visit Us
35th Floor Penthouse, Ecotower, 32nd Street, 9th Ave, Taguig, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines