Permitly Guide: How to Register a Business (Partnership or Domestic Corporation) in the Philippines (2025 Edition)

Congratulations on taking a bold step towards building your company! Forming a corporation in the Philippines allows you to pool resources, limit liability, and operate with more credibility. While it may seem like a lot of paperwork, don’t worry—we’ve simplified the process for you. Here is your ultimate guide on registering a PARTNERSHIP or a DOMESTIC CORPORATION in the Philippines.

Step 1: Prepare Your Corporation Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• At least 2 incorporators (natural persons or entities) and up to 15

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

• Articles of Incorporation & By-Laws (prepared through eSPARC)

• Treasurer’s Affidavit

• Valid IDs of incorporators

• Proof of 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 2: Register with the SEC

All corporation registrations are filed online via the SEC eSPARC (Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company) system.

Process:

1. Reserve your corporate name.

2. Encode Articles of Incorporation & By-Laws.

3. Upload supporting documents (IDs, Treasurer’s Affidavit, office address).

4. Pay SEC filing fees online.

What you’ll receive:

• SEC Certificate of Incorporation – this officially creates your domestic corporation.

  
  

Step 3: Register with the BIR

Once incorporated, your corporation must register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Requirements:

• SEC Certificate of Incorporation

• Articles of Incorporation & By-Laws

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

• Treasurer’s Affidavit

• Valid ID of authorized signatory

• Proof of address

What you’ll receive:

• BIR Certificate of Registration (COR, Form 2303)

• Authority to Print Invoices/Receipts

• Corporate Tax Identification Number (TIN)

  
  

Step 4: Register Your Books of Accounts

Corporations must maintain books of accounts for tax compliance. Options:

• Manual books (journal, ledger, etc.)

• Loose-Leaf

• Computerized books

Register these at the BIR or via ORUS. E-stamps/QR codes will be provided.

Step 5: Apply for Authority to Print Invoices

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

Permitly Tip: Starting 2024, invoices are the official 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 corporation must also comply with local requirements.

Typical requirements:

• Barangay Clearance

• Mayor’s/Business Permit

• SEC Certificate of Incorporation

• BIR COR

• Lease contract or proof of office ownership (a reliable virtual office like MyOffice Philippines will come in handy!)

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

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

• All corporations must register as an employer with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.

At Permitly, we specialize in end-to-end corporate registration. From SEC filing to BIR and LGU compliance, our team ensures your corporation is set up smoothly. Book a free 15-minute consultation with us today and start building your business the right way!