Company Registration in the Philippines in 2026: Key Stages and Features

The Philippines is becoming an increasingly attractive jurisdiction for international entrepreneurs. The country offers a dynamic market, a strategic location in Southeast Asia, and access to a large consumer base. In recent years, the government has been actively simplifying business registration procedures and introducing digital services for foreign investors.

In 2026, opening a company in the Philippines became easier, but the process still requires compliance with a number of legal and administrative procedures.

Choosing a Business Form

The first step in registering a business is choosing a suitable legal structure. The most common option for foreign investors is a domestic corporation.

This structure allows for full-fledged commercial operations in the country and attracts investors. In some cases, foreign entrepreneurs may also consider registering a branch of a foreign company or a representative office.

It is important to note that some industries have restrictions on foreign ownership. Therefore, before registering, it is important to check whether 100% foreign ownership is permitted for a particular type of business.

Registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission

The primary agency responsible for registering companies in the Philippines is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The process begins with reviewing and reserving the company name. Once the name is approved, the incorporation documents are prepared, including the articles of association, director and shareholder information, and a description of the company's activities.

Documents are filed with the SEC electronically or on paper. Once reviewed, the company receives a certificate of incorporation, confirming the formation of the legal entity.

Obtaining Local Permits and Licenses

After registering with the SEC, it is necessary to obtain permission to conduct business locally. To do this, the company obtains a Mayor's Permit—a municipal permit authorizing the conduct of business.

In addition, the business must register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), obtain a tax identification number, and file its books.

Depending on the industry, additional licenses and permits from relevant government agencies may be required.

Opening a Bank Account and Commencing Business

The next step is opening a corporate bank account. To do this, banks typically require company registration documents, information about directors and shareholders, and details of the proposed business activities.

After opening the account and contributing the authorized capital, the company can fully commence operations.

Important Considerations for Foreign Investors

When registering a business in the Philippines, it is important to consider the minimum number of directors, the availability of a local registered office, and compliance with corporate governance rules.

It is also important to carefully consider tax and reporting issues, as companies are required to regularly file financial statements and tax returns.

Properly preparing documents and understanding local legislation can significantly speed up the registration process and avoid potential delays.

If you are planning to open a company in the Philippines or another country, the IT-OFFSHORE team will help you choose the right jurisdiction and professionally organize your business registration anywhere in the world.