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

Setting up a business legal entity in the Philippines is an essential milestone for any entrepreneur. Whether you are a Filipino founder or a foreign investor, the primary goal is to register a corporation Philippines correctly to ensure protection. With the modern updates to the government systems, the procedure has become more streamlined through electronic systems like eSPARC.

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

Phase 2: Defining Your Articles of Incorporation
Prior to register a corporation Philippines, you should define your capitalization and management.

Incorporators: You need a minimum of two but not more than 15 incorporators. Keep in mind a One Person Corporation (OPC) is now an option for individual entrepreneurs.

Capital Requirements: For typical domestic corporations, there is no minimum paid-up capital demanded by the SEC, unless regulated industries register a corporation philippines like banking.

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

Step 3: Digital register a corporation philippines Filing via eSPARC
In 2026, the entirety of the registration process is processed online. Through the SEC system, you will upload your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supplementary documents. The system allows for register a corporation philippines the Regular processing pathway, which often issue a provisional approval within a single business days if all information is correct.

Step 4: Post-SEC Requirements
Getting register a corporation philippines your SEC Certificate is the primary step. To legally operate and register a corporation Philippines completely, you must move forward with the following:

Barangay Clearance: Obtain this from the specific district where your office is located.

LGU License: File for this at the City Hall. This requires a proof register a corporation philippines of address and sanitary permit.

BIR Registration: Visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), apply for your books of accounts, and secure authority to print official receipts.

Phase 5: Government Contributions
Once your corporation starts hiring people, you need to register with social agencies such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Compliance ensures your workers receive mandatory benefits and protects the company from penalties.

Summary
Completing the steps to register a corporation Philippines requires patience and accuracy. While the online transition has made things easier, many businesses still choose to hire consultants to prevent delays. By following these guidelines, you can build a strong foundation for your enterprise in the vibrant Philippine economy.