Permitly Guide: How to Register a Business (One Person Corporation or OPC) in the Philippines (2026 Edition)

Congratulations on taking the step to start your very own company! The One Person Corporation (OPC) is a great option for solo entrepreneurs who want the flexibility of running a business with the benefits of a corporation—without needing multiple incorporators. While the steps may look overwhelming at first, we’re here to make it simple. Here is your ultimate guide on registering an OPC in the Philippines.

Step 1: Prepare Your OPC Requirements

Before filing, make sure you have these ready:

• Proposed company name (check name availability via SEC’s eSPARC system)

• Articles of Incorporation for OPC (prepared through eSPARC)

• Written consent of the nominee and alternate nominee (who will take over if the single stockholder becomes incapacitated)

• Valid government-issued ID of the incorporator (you)

• Treasurer’s Affidavit (if applicable)

• Proof of principal office address (lease, land title, or barangay certificate)

 Permitly Tip: For proof of office address, subscribing to a reliable virtual office such as MyOffice Philippines, is a cost-effective and efficient solution. You’ll save both money and time versus renting out an entire office.

Step 1A: Create and Credential Your eSECURE Account

Before registering with the SEC through eSPARC, you need a credentialed eSECURE account, the SEC’s secure online identity system for all digital corporate services.

Process

1. Go to eSECURE portal.

2. Click “Register Now” and fill in your personal details (email, mobile number, name, address).

3. Verify your account via OTP sent to your email and mobile.

4. Complete the registration form and accept the Terms of Service.

5. Proceed to credentialing:

Pay the credentialing fee (₱400, valid for 2 years).

Upload a government-issued ID (PhilSys, Passport, Driver’s License, etc.).

Complete a live photo / liveness verification.

Once approved, your account status will be Active, allowing you to access SEC online platforms like eSPARC, eSAP, and eAMEND.

Permitly Tip: Each incorporator and nominee must also have an active eSECURE account to digitally authenticate documents in eSPARC. This replaces wet signatures and allows fully online company registration.

Step 2: Register Your OPC with the SEC

All OPC registrations are filed online via the SEC eSPARC system, which now requires a credentialed eSECURE account.

Process

1. Reserve your company name.

2. Fill out the online Articles of Incorporation for OPC.

3. Upload supporting documents (ID, consent forms, office address).

   1. Pay the filing fees online.

What you’ll receive

SEC Certificate of Incorporation — this legally creates your One Person Corporation.

Step 3: Register with the BIR

After incorporation, your OPC must register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Requirements

• SEC Certificate of Incorporation

• Articles of Incorporation

• Valid ID

• Proof of address

• BIR Form 1903 (Application for Registration of Corporations/Partnerships)

Permitly Tip: Using a reliable virtual office can serve as proof of address, saving time and cost.

What you’ll receive

• BIR Certificate of Registration (COR, Form 2303)

• Authority to Print Invoices/Receipts

• Corporate TIN (separate from your personal TIN)

Step 4: Register Your Books of Accounts

Every OPC must maintain books of accounts. Options include:

• Manual books (journal, ledger, etc.)

• Loose-leaf

• Computerized books

Register these at the BIR or via ORUS. You’ll get e-stamps/QR codes as proof of registration.

Step 5: Apply for Authority to Print Invoices

File BIR Form 1906 (Authority to Print) to secure the right to issue official invoices. Have these printed by a BIR-accredited printer.

Update: Starting 2024, invoices are the primary receipts for both goods and services. Official Receipts (O.R.s) are supplementary only.

Step 6: Register with Your Local Government Unit (LGU)

Your OPC must secure local permits from the city or municipality where it operates.

Typical Requirements

• Barangay Clearance

• Mayor’s/Business Permit

• SEC Certificate of Incorporation

• BIR COR

• Lease contract or proof of office ownership

• Sanitary, Fire, and other compliance permits depending on LGU

Permitly Tip: Not only will a virtual office be able to fulfill the requirements for a lease contract or proof of ownership of office space, they usually can help with sanitary and fire permit requirements as well.

Step 7: Register with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG

• If your OPC has no employees, you may register only yourself as a member.

• If you plan to hire employees, you must register your OPC as an employer and remit mandatory contributions for SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.

At Permitly, we make OPC registration hassle-free. From SEC filing to BIR registration and LGU permits, our team handles everything end-to-end. Book a free 15-minute consultation with us today and let us set up your One Person Corporation smoothly!