Start a Business in the Philippines: Foreign-Owned Company Registration
Setting up a company in the Philippines as a foreigner is very achievable with the right local guidance. Whether you’re launching your first venture here or expanding an established company, we keep the process simple and fully compliant from day one. We make business registration seamless by guiding you through every step of the process:
▸ Register your corporation online quickly and efficiently
▸Obtain work permits and hire employees, office as needed
Foreigners can own up to 100% of a company in the Philippines, subject to the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL) that limits certain sectors. Registration starts with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), then runs through Barangay clearance, the Mayor's business permit, BIR registration, and employer registration typically 4 to 8 weeks. A Corporate Secretary and Treasurer must be Philippine residents, and the President must be a Director. Philippine Hub Partners handles the full setup for foreign-owned companies.
Foreign Business Ownership
Enjoy 100% ownership and control of your business as a foreigner
Foreigners can own and operate a company in the Philippines with minimal restrictions. However, a Corporate Secretary and Treasurer must be local residents, and the majority shareholder(s) must also reside in the country. While foreign entities can efficiently manage their Philippine offshore limited company from abroad, the company’s President must be appointed as a Director.
In plain terms: you can hold full ownership of your company, but a few key roles the Corporate Secretary and Treasurer need to be filled by people who live in the Philippines. Your President can be a foreign national, as long as they also sit on the board as a Director. This setup lets you stay in control while meeting local requirements.
One thing to check early is your industry. Most business activities in the Philippines are open to full foreign ownership, but a small list of sectors known as the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL) limits or caps how much a foreigner can own. We’ll confirm where your business fits before you commit, so there are no surprises later.
Choose the Ideal Business Structure for your Company
Most foreign businesses choose one of three structures. Here’s each option, followed by a simple side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
Branch Office
Establishing a Physical Presence in the Philippines via a branch, sales office, or corporate office to expand your foreign business operations.
- Trading entity
- 1 Resident Agent
- USD 200,000
- Restricted to activities of HO
- 2-3 months finish setup
Private Limited Company
An ideal choice for both local and foreign entities, offering limited liability and flexibility. Depending on the target market, industry, and capitalization, the business can hold up to 100% equity.
- Trading entity
- 2+ shareholders, corporate secretary & treasurer
- USD 100 or USD 200,000 if >40% foreign owned
- Some activities restricted if foreign owned
- Registered office address
- 2-3 months finish setup
Representative office
A foreign company can earn income through lending, investments, or asset leasing without a physical presence in the Philippines- ideal for market research and business development.
- Non-trading entity
- 1 Resident Agent
- Capital USD 30,000 p.a.
- Restricted in activities
- Registered office address
- 6-10 weeks setup
The best structure comes down to what you actually plan to do in the Philippines. If you want to sell products or services and run your business as a separate legal entity with limited liability, a Private Limited Company is usually the right fit. If you already operate a company abroad and simply want to extend those operations here, a Branch Office lets you do that while staying tied to your head office. And if you only need a local base for research, coordination, or business development without trading a Representative Office is the lightest option.
You’ll also see “Resident Agent” listed for the Branch and Representative Office. In plain terms, a Resident Agent is simply a locally based person or company authorised to receive official documents and legal notices on your behalf. We can act as, or help you appoint, a Resident Agent so this requirement is one less thing to worry about.
How the Registration Process Works
Once you’ve chosen your structure, setting up your company happens in three clear stages. Don’t worry about the acronyms, here’s what each one means in plain terms. The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) is the government body that officially registers your company. The Barangay is your local community district, and the local Mayor’s office issues the permit that lets you operate in that area. The BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) is the tax authority you register with so your business can issue official receipts and pay taxes correctly.
Initial Preparations Before Incorporation
- Prepare your business name
- Establish a Registered Business Address
Business Incorporation Process
- Register your business with the SEC.
- Obtain clearance from the Barangay.
- Acquire company's business permit from the local Mayor's office.
- Register your company with the Bureau of
- Internal Revenue (BIR)
- Register as an employer.
- Establish Your Tax and Accounting Compliance Requirements
- Schedule the Annual General Meeting (AGM) Date
Incorporation itself usually takes around 4 to 8 weeks, while completing the full setup of certain entity types including all permits and registrations can take a little longer. We handle the filings, coordinate with each office, and keep the process moving so you don’t have to chase paperwork yourself.
Company Registration FAQs
From your first question to your final registration certificate, we manage the paperwork, liaise with each government office, and keep you updated at every stage. You get a single point of contact who understands both the local requirements and the needs of a foreign-owned business so nothing falls through the cracks.