Philippines · Company Incorporation
Company incorporation in the Philippines
Understanding incorporation
What incorporating in the Philippines involves
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets: a young, English-speaking workforce of over 110 million people and an economy that welcomes foreign participation across most industries. Incorporating a Philippine entity gives you a legal presence to hire, contract, invoice and own assets in your own name.
Incorporation itself runs through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but a company is not ready to operate on SEC registration alone. It must also register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), secure local government permits, and register as an employer before hiring. The entity type you choose determines your ownership limits, minimum capital and ongoing obligations, which is why structure is decided before anything is filed.
Foreign ownership is permitted up to 100% in most activities, subject to the Foreign Investment Negative List, which reserves or caps certain industries. Getting this analysis right at the start prevents expensive restructuring later.
How we support you
Every entity type, registered end to end
We advise on the structure that fits your ownership, industry and growth plans, then handle the registration from name reservation through to your certificate of incorporation.
One Person Corporation (OPC) registration
Incorporate as a single stockholder with full limited liability and no board requirement. The fastest route for solo founders and wholly owned subsidiaries.
Domestic Corporation (60% PH Local / 40% Foreign)
The standard structure for ventures with Filipino majority ownership, giving access to industries where foreign equity is capped by law.
Domestic Corporation (100% Foreign)
Full foreign ownership where industry laws allow it. We confirm your activity against the Foreign Investment Negative List before you commit capital.
Domestic Corporation (100% PH Local)
Fully Filipino-owned corporations registered with the SEC, with bylaws and capital structure drafted for how you actually intend to operate.
Partnership registration
General and limited partnerships registered with the SEC, with partnership agreements that set out capital, profit sharing and liability clearly.
Branch Office and Representative Office registration
Operate as an extension of your foreign parent. A branch can earn revenue in the Philippines; a representative office supports liaison and market development.
Regional Headquarters / ROHQ registration
Establish a regional administrative or operating headquarters for your multinational group, registered with the SEC and aligned with BOI requirements.
How it works
From decision to operating company
1
Consultation and structuring
We assess your activity, ownership and capital plans against Philippine regulations and recommend the entity type that fits.
2
Name reservation and documentation
Company name verified and reserved with the SEC while we prepare the articles of incorporation, bylaws and supporting documents.
3
SEC registration
Your application is filed and prosecuted with the SEC through to the issuance of your Certificate of Incorporation.
4
Post-registration compliance
BIR registration, books of account, official receipts, local government permits and employer registrations completed.
5
Handover and ongoing support
You receive the complete corporate record, and we stay on for compliance, permits and expansion as you grow.
Why incorporate with ILA
The right structure first
Entity choice affects ownership, tax and licensing for years. We get it right before you register, not after.
SEC process handled
Name reservation, documentary requirements and filings managed end to end by our Philippine team.
Ready for what follows
Incorporation connects directly into our permits, compliance and tax services, one partner throughout.
