Legal Business Entity Registration in the Philippines

In registering a legal business entity in the Philippines, hereunder are the normal procedures you may consider:

Company name reservation

A company name to be used should be reserved with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) for minimal fees – P40.00 for every 30 days up to a maximum of 90 days subject to renewal. For domestic companies, a company named should not be confusingly similar or identical to a registered and protected name, while a similar name of a foreign entity with added suffix is required for those securing a license to do business in the Philippines.

Treasurer-in-trust account

Using the initial registration papers executed, a treasurer-in-trust (TITF) account with the required paid-up capitalization shall be maintained with the bank as proof of such capitalization evidenced by the bank certificate and inward remittance, if applicable. TITF account is for deposit only and restricted for withdrawal except upon approval of the SEC of the registration papers.

SEC application and approval

Initial registration papers carefully prepared for the purpose will undergo initial evaluation of the SEC, and finding the same in order will be assessed filing and other fees based on the proposed capitalization. Payment of the filing and other fees marks the formal filing of the application and normal approval procedures would immediately follow. Approval normally comes in a couple of days to not more than ten days.

Tax Authority Registration

SEC will assign a tax identification number (TIN) upon release of the Certificate of Incorporation or License to Do Business in the Philippines and such TIN shall be formally registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Certain registration fees and taxes will be paid and other registrations for books of accounts, and official receipts or invoices will follow.

Business Permits & Licenses

For the legality of its local operations, business permit has to be secured with the local government unit of business location. Certain fees and other registrations are likewise required such as community tax certificate, barangay clearance, fire permit, occupancy permit, and the likes.

Employee safeguards registrations

Employer registration with the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), and Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) is likewise mandatory and will proceed independent of the above.

Complete Processing Timetable

With the improved processing system of the government agencies, complete processing of the above will take three (3) to four (4) weeks from filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We suggest you secure the services of professionals to assist you in the complete registration of your Philippine Company that you may be able to simply concentrate on operational matters.

Disclaimer: This article is for general conceptual guidance only and is not a substitute for an expert opinion. Please consult your preferred tax and/or legal consultant for the specific details applicable to your circumstances. For comments, you may please send mail at in**@ta************.org.)

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