When starting a new venture in Southeast Asia, SEC Philippines incorporation is the fundamental first step toward business formalization. Whether you are launching a small business, understanding the registration process is vital for a smooth start.
The Benefits of Registration
Incorporating your business with the Securities and Exchange Commission provides several strategic advantages:
Asset Protection: It separates your private wealth from the debts of the company .
Enhanced Credibility : An SEC Certificate of Incorporation acts as a badge of legitimacy for investors .
Perpetual Existence : The entity survives even if management changes.
The 2026 Digital Process
In the current year, the SEC has modernized the SEC Philippines incorporation procedure through platforms like eSPARC . Follow these steps:
Step 1: Secure Your Name To begin, you must check your proposed corporate name via the online portal. Ensure the name is distinguishable and in line with SEC regulations. If the name is available, you can reserve it for a minimal fee .
Step 2: Draft Your Charter This step involves preparing the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws . These stipulate the business purpose , share distribution, and leadership standards. In many cases, a Treasurer’s Affidavit is also required to certify the paid-up capital .
Step 3: Online Filing Utilizing eSecure, founders can now electronically authenticate their submissions. This eliminates the old requirement for physical notarization in many stock corporation filings. Once uploaded, the SEC reviews the data for accuracy .
Costs and Funding
While the Revised Corporation Code removed the minimum capital requirement for most domestic corporations, certain industries —like lending or recruitment —still require specific amounts. Registration fees are usually calculated on a percentage of your authorized capital stock .
Post-Incorporation Compliance
Obtaining your SEC Certificate is just the beginning . To be fully compliant , you must also:
Tax Registration: Obtain a COR from the tax office.
LGU Compliance: Obtain a Barangay Clearance and Mayor’s Permit from the city hall .
Employee Benefits: Register with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG to cover your staff.
Summary
Completing sec philippines incorporation SEC Philippines incorporation in the current market is more efficient than ever thanks to digital reforms . By prepare your requirements correctly, you can build a solid foundation for your enterprise to grow in the Philippines .