Philippines

01 · What we can do here

What we can do here

• Paid business-account opening help: account selection, draft application answers and a document checklist. You submit, complete your own ID and selfie checks, and sign.
• SEC and local-government (LGU) filings, prepared and lodged under your written authorization (for example the General Information Sheet and mayor's permit renewal).

Handled by licensed partners

• BIR tax filings: an accredited tax agent (filing taxes for a fee requires BIR accreditation).
• Incorporation and corporate secretary: a Philippine partner (the corporate secretary must be a Philippine citizen and resident).

02 · Incorporation basics

Incorporation basics

• Usual vehicles: a domestic stock corporation (2 to 15 incorporators) or a One Person Corporation, registered with the SEC through eSPARC. Simple cases can use the OneSEC same-day lane.
• Steps: reserve the name, file the articles of incorporation, bylaws and treasurer's affidavit online, pay fees through eSPAYSEC, and receive a digital certificate of incorporation.
• Then register with the BIR (certificate of registration, books and invoices), get barangay clearance and the mayor's permit, and register as an employer with SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG when you hire.
• Officers: the president must be a director, the treasurer must be a resident, and the corporate secretary must be a Philippine citizen and resident.
• Timeline: SEC approval can be same-day for qualifying applications. BIR, LGU and bank onboarding usually add several weeks.
• Alternatives: a branch of a foreign corporation (SEC license, US$200,000 assigned capital for domestic-market branches) or a representative office (US$30,000 minimum remittance; cannot earn Philippine income).

03 · Foreign ownership

Foreign ownership

• Foreigners may own up to 100% of domestic-market enterprises unless the Constitution, a law or the Foreign Investment Negative List restricts it. The 13th Negative List (EO 113) took effect in 2026.
• Foreign-owned domestic-market enterprises above 40% foreign generally need US$200,000 paid-in capital (RA 11647). This drops to US$100,000 for advanced-technology businesses, endorsed startups, or companies with at least 15 direct employees, mostly Filipino.
• Export enterprises (60% or more of output exported) are not subject to the US$200,000 threshold.
• Some sectors keep constitutional limits, for example mass media, many professions, and small-scale mining.

04 · Banking and fintech

Banking and fintech

• Typical bank documents: SEC certificate, articles and bylaws, latest General Information Sheet, a notarized board resolution or secretary's certificate naming signatories, and IDs of signatories and beneficial owners.
• Many banks also ask for the BIR certificate of registration and mayor's permit, so the account may come after BIR and LGU registration. Foreign signatories may need to appear in person.
• Registering your inward investment with the central bank (BSP) is optional, but it is needed if you will buy foreign currency from banks to repatriate capital or remit profits. Apply within one year of the investment.
• Local payment processors (for example Maya, PayMongo, Xendit and bank acquirers) onboard Philippine-registered businesses using SEC, BIR and permit documents.

05 · Annual filings

Annual filings

• General Information Sheet (GIS): within 30 days of the annual stockholders' meeting, filed through SEC eFAST.
• Audited financial statements: the SEC sets the deadline each year by circular (for the 2026 cycle, a single June deadline). Check the current circular.
• Annual income tax return (BIR Form 1702): April 15 for a calendar year. Quarterly returns within 60 days after each of the first three quarters.
• VAT return (2550Q): within 25 days after each quarter, if VAT-registered. Withholding tax returns are monthly.
• Mayor's permit renewal and local business tax: by January 20 each year.

06 · Tax basics

Tax basics

Published rates only. Not tax advice.

• Corporate income tax: 25%, or 20% if net taxable income is ₱5 million or less and total assets (excluding land) are ₱100 million or less.
• Minimum corporate income tax applies from the 4th year after operations start, if higher than regular tax.
• VAT: 12%. Registration is required once gross sales exceed ₱3 million in 12 months. Export of services can be zero-rated if conditions are met.
• Expanded withholding on professional fees paid to companies: 10% or 15% depending on the payee's income.

07 · Disclosure rules

Disclosure rules

• Internet Transactions Act (RA 11967): an online retailer's homepage must show its corporate or trade name, place-of-business address, phone number and email.
• Invoices must show the BIR-registered name, address and TIN with branch code (RR 7-2024).
• Post the BIR certificate of registration at each place of business.

08 · Sources

Sources

1. 1.RA 11232 Revised Corporation Code
2. 2.RA 7042 Foreign Investments Act
3. 3.RA 11647 (FIA amendments)
4. 4.EO 113 (13th Foreign Investment Negative List)
5. 5.SEC eSPARC / OneSEC
6. 6.SEC reportorial requirements
7. 7.RA 11967 Internet Transactions Act
8. 8.BSP: inward investments and servicing remittances
9. 9.RA 12066 CREATE MORE
10. 10.BOI 2026 Cost of Doing Business