Are you planning to register your dream business in Philippines? At Enterworld, our network of consultants with 10+ years of experience will assist you with company registration in Philippines. 500+ companies registered successfully in Philippines with our expert-led support.
Enterworld offers a simplified and straightforward process for company formation in Philippines.
Enterworld will help manage the regulations for company registration in the Philippines.
Help you choose the right business structure for your company in the Philippines.
We will assist you in choosing the right company name for your business.
We will help you prepare the Articles of Incorporation and the company bylaws.
We will help register your company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
We will help register your company with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Enterworld will help you register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the Tax Authority of the Philippines.
Enterworld will assist you in finding a qualified and experienced local director.
2 to 4 Weeks
Company Registration
No
Travel Required
100%
Foreign Ownership
Yes
Resident Director
SPecial offer
40% Off
Company Registration in Philippines
Understanding Company Registration in Philippines
The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country made up of over 7,000 islands. It is known for its fastest-growing economy, strong labour market and a resilient domestic demand. If you are looking to expand your business, the Philippines offers many opportunities in a wide range of industries such as travel and tourism, IT services, retail, e-commerce and outsourcing. Company registration in Philippines is a great opportunity for foreign investors like you.
The government supports foreign investors through tax incentives, business-friendly zones, and easier company registration policies. The business environment continues to grow with digital transformation, developing infrastructure and government efforts. Additionally, its strategic location in the heart of the ASEAN region offers increasing global trade links.
Registering a company in the Philippines can be simple when you have the right guidance. Enterworld is a global business consulting firm powered by AI and ML, with over 10+ years of experience, offering complete assistance from company structure selection to documentation and legal compliance. With us, you can get a smooth and worry-free business setup in Philippines.
Types of Structures for Company Formation in Philippines
The Philippines offers various structures for company registration in Philippines depending on your business type. Each structure will give you many benefits to ensure long-term success in the country. The key structures for company formation in Philippines include:
Company registration in Philippines as a sole proprietorship is a structure designed for individual owners. This is a simple structure to establish that does not require complex documentation. However, a sole proprietorship does not offer limited liability, and your personal assets are not protected.
A sole proprietorship structure can be owned by either a local resident or a foreign entrepreneur. If it is foreign-owned, you will have to deposit a minimum capital of $200,000 USD and must be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Partnership
A partnership structure is a business entity incorporated by two or more people. When registered as a partnership in the Philippines, the partnership becomes a separate legal entity from the partners. Additionally, a partnership can either be a general partnership or a limited partnership.
This structure requires preparing a formal partnership agreement that includes details on roles and responsibilities, profit and loss sharing, and the sharing of liabilities. Local-owned partnerships do not require a minimum capital for incorporation; however, a foreign-owned partnership company will need a share capital of US$200,000.
Corporative
Company registration in Philippines as a corporative is a structure created together voluntarily with a common bond of interest to achieve social, cultural and economic needs. This structure is also known as a registered association of persons.
For company incorporation as a corporative in the Philippines, you will need a minimum share capital of P15,000, and if the corporation is for multi-purpose business operations, you will need a minimum share capital of P100,000. To legally operate as a corporative, you will have to register your company with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).
Corporation (Domestic Corporation and One Person Corporation - OPC)
Corporation is a legal structure that offers limited liability and can either be a domestic corporation or a one-person corporation.
A domestic corporation is a structure that allows 100% foreign ownership and requires a minimum of two incorporators, but not more than fifteen. It is also mandatory to appoint one resident director for incorporation. The minimum share capital required for a foreign-owned corporation is USD 200,000, and USD 100,000 for technology-based businesses employing a minimum of 50 Filipinos.
A one-person corporation is a structure with one incorporator and has full liability protection in the business sectors allowed by the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL).
Branch Office
A foreign business setup in Philippines as a branch office is for an existing foreign company with revenue-generating business operations and is an extension of the parent company. To establish a branch office in the Philippines, you will need a minimum share capital of USD 200,000.
A branch office structure is allowed to conduct business activities that generate profit and sales, but the business activities are limited to activities authorised by the parent company. The liabilities of a branch office are on the parent company but enjoy 100% foreign ownership.
Representative Office
A representative office is another structure for existing foreign companies, which is a non-revenue-generating company. It is used for liaison, research and marketing of the existing foreign company’s products or services.
For the incorporation of a representative office, you will need a minimum share capital of USD 30,000. It is a structure for non-commercial business activities. A representative office is not allowed to take any funds from the host country and is completely dependent on its parent company headquarters. It is also mandatory for this structure to file annual reports.
Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQ)
Company registration in Philippines as a regional operating headquarters is a structure for foreign companies that are managing regional operations in Asia. It is not a separate legal entity, and the primary function of the regional operating headquarters is to provide specialised services within the country and earn income for the parent company’s subsidiaries, affiliates or branches.
Unlike a branch structure, a regional operating headquarters is a regional extension of the foreign company. The advantages of an ROHQ include 100% foreign ownership, simplified visa applications, and tax incentives.
Enjoy 100% Foreign Ownership
What are the Requirements for Company Incorporation in Philippines?
To incorporate a company in the Philippines, you will have to comply with the mandatory requirements. You will need to fulfil the requirements, such as company name reservation and minimum share capital, etc., before you proceed with the company registration in Philippines. The key requirements for company incorporation in Philippines include:
Online Company Registration in Philippines
Register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through their online portal by submitting the essential documents such as company name reservation, bank deposit receipt and identity proof, etc.
Meet Minimum Capital Requirements
As a foreign entrepreneur in the Philippines, you will have to deposit a minimum share capital, which varies depending on the business activity, the legal structure you choose and foreign ownership.
Appoint a Local Director
To establish a company in Philippines as a foreign entrepreneur, you will have to appoint a local director who is a permanent resident of Philippines. This will ensure compliance with the local laws.
Why is Business Setup in Philippines a Top Choice?
The Philippines offers various attractive benefits to encourage foreign investment. The government’s initiatives, such as 100% foreign ownership, tax incentives and ease of paying taxes make business setup in Philippines a top choice for foreign entrepreneurs.
Simplified Registration
The company registration in Philippines is a simplified process that can be completed remotely without having to be physically present in the country, making it convenient for foreign entrepreneurs to enter the Philippines market.
Government Incentives
The government of the Philippines offers attractive incentives for foreign investors through initiatives like the BOI and Corporate Recovery, PEZA and the Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE Act), making it beneficial for foreign entrepreneurs.
100% Foreign Ownership
The Philippines now allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors compared to the previous 40% capped foreign ownership; however, you will need to appoint one local director for company incorporation.
What are the Benefits of Company Incorporation in Philippines?
The Philippines offers numerous benefits for company registration. These benefits include 100% foreign ownership, access to capital, strategic location and attractive incentives offered by the government. The key benefits of company incorporation in Philippines include:
The Philippines offers a strategic location in Asia for business with excellent connectivity to the ASEAN market, with over 500 million people. The country also offers excellent global trade networks, making the Philippines an accessible business hub for international trade.
Emerging Tech and Startup Ecosystem
The country offers excellent government support, like grants and easy access to funding for both residents and foreign investors, facilitating the startup ecosystem of the Philippines. The country is also the fastest-growing business hub for emerging tech industries.
Large Consumer Market
The Philippines has a large consumer market as the country has a large young population with a high demand for a wide range of goods and services. Additionally, the digital transformation has opened new doors for businesses looking to enter the Philippines market.
Business-Friendly Environment
The Philippines has a business-friendly environment with a strategic location and a range of various incentives that benefit businesses established in the country. It also has developing infrastructure and attractive business-friendly policies to support business growth.
Various Business Opportunities
The country offers various business opportunities and supports a wide range of business activities, as the country has a good potential for businesses to grow under the framework of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).
Tax Advantages
The Philippines offers different tax advantages depending on the business type, such as tax reductions, low corporate income tax, duty-free import and VAT exemptions, reducing the operational costs and benefiting the new businesses.
Tax-Friendly Business Setup in Philippines
You can do a tax-friendly business setup in Philippines by setting up your company in the Board of Investments (BOI) or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Additionally, your income and business structure will impact your tax obligations.
Ownership Flexibility
The Philippines offers flexible ownership, allowing you to choose a legal structure, control your taxes, and enjoy limited liability. It allows you to align your business activities with the specific business goals and needs.
Documents Needed
What are the Mandatory Documents for Online Company Registration in Philippines?
Online application form
Government-issued identification proof
Passport ID (for foreign investors)
Notarized Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
Director’s certificate
Secretary’s certificate
Board Resolution
Verification Slip of the company’s name
Proof of registered office address
Bank Certificate of Deposit
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Business Visa Assistance in Philippines
Profitable Ideas for Company Incorporation in Philippines
Technology and Innovation
Renewable Energy Projects
Digital Marketing Services
Food and Beverage Innovations
Tech Startups and Software Development
Real Estate and Property Management
E-commerce and Retail Innovations
Agriculture Technology
E-commerce and Online Retail
Frequently Asked Questions on Company Incorporation in Philippines
The businesses to start in Philippines are e-commerce, food and beverage innovations, service-based businesses like cleaning services, car wash, consulting services etc., the other business ideas include real estate, agriculture technology and tourism and hospitality. Philippines is an excellent destination to enter the Southeastern Asia.
Yes, foreign entrepreneurs can have 100% foreign ownership in the Philippines. However, as a foreign-owned company you will have to appoint a local director who is a permanent resident of Philippines. In addition to this, your business activity must not be prohibited and must not be under the list of the Foreign Investments Negative List (FINL). To check if the business activity selected by you is restricted or not in the country, you will have to go through the Foreign Investments Negative List (FINL).
The market outlook for Philippines in 2025 began on a positive note supported by domestic demand and resilient financial activity. Additionally, the growth outlook of Philippines remains consistent with expected GDP growth of 5.4% to 5.7% in 2025. Despite the minor risks to global uncertainties, Philippines still presents excellent potential for new investors to enter the market supported by strong regional fundamentals.
Company registration in Philippines will take around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the business activity, document preparation and the structure you choose. Along with that, if there are any discrepancies found during the registration process, the time taken will be extended. The time required for a sole proprietorship is the shortest, which can be completed within a few days.
Yes, a foreigner can start a business in Philippines through various legal structures. However, you will need to appoint a local director for your foreign-owned company who will have to be a nationality of Philippines. You will also have to pay a minimum share capital but will enjoy 100% foreign ownership.
Key Structures for Foreigners in Philippines
Domestic Corporation: A domestic corporation is a structure that allows foreign ownership under Philippine laws.
Partnerships: Partnership structure is formed by two or more individuals and allows foreign ownership.
Sole Proprietorships: Foreign entrepreneurs can establish a sole proprietorship but will require a minimum share capital of $200,000.
Retail Business: Foreign entrepreneurs can establish a retail business under the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and will require specific minimum capital for incorporation.
Philippines have a standard corporate income tax of 25% that applies to both domestic and resident foreign companies. However, there is a preferential corporate income tax rate of 20% that is applied for small regional corporations.
Tax Considerations in Philippines
Minimum Corporate Income Tax (MCIT): There is a 2% MCIT on gross income if your MCIT is higher than your regular CIT.
Special Rates: Specific industries and sectors such as Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) qualify for incentives of 2.5% and 5%.
Passive Income: Passive income like interest from royalties and bank deposits is taxed separately, simplifying tax collection.
Branch Profit Remittance Tax: Profit from a foreign branch office has a 15% withholding tax when remitted to its head office.
The minimum share capital for foreign-owned company registration in Philippines is $200,000 USD. However, if your company is conducting specific business activity that is technology focused, you can pay a minimum share capital of $100,000 USD. The exact amount required will depend on the percentage of the foreign ownership.
The essential and legal documents required for company registration in Philippines includes identity proof that is issued by the government, passport ID proof for foreign investors, proof of registered office address, bank certificate of share capital deposit, Tax Identification Number (TIN), notarized Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, board resolution, director’s certification, secretary certificate and verification slip of the company’s name.
The company registration in Philippines is regulated by various different government offices in the country such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Social Security System (SSS), PAG-IBIG, PhilHealth and Local Government Unit (Mayor’s Office).
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