For any aspiring business owner, SEC Philippines incorporation is the critical first step toward legal legitimacy . Whether you are setting up a domestic stock corporation , understanding the registration process is vital for a successful start.
The Benefits of Registration
Incorporating your business with the Securities and Exchange Commission offers several significant advantages:
Limited Liability Protection : This process separates your private wealth from the liabilities of the company .
Professional Reputation: An SEC Certificate of Incorporation acts as a seal of approval for banks .
Business Continuity: The entity continues even if management changes.
Step-by-Step Guide
As of 2026, the SEC has streamlined 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. Make sure the name is distinguishable and in line with SEC guidelines . If the name is available, you can reserve it for a small cost.
Step 2: Draft Your Charter The next phase involves drafting the Articles of Incorporation and internal rules. These files outline the business purpose , capital structure , and governance protocols . In many cases, a sworn statement is also necessary to certify the paid-up capital .
3. Digital Authentication and Submission With the rise of 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
Although the Revised Corporation Code eliminated the strict capital floor for general domestic corporations, specific sectors— such as financing or manpower—still mandate higher amounts. Filing costs are typically based on a scale of your declared capital.
Post-Incorporation Compliance
Obtaining your SEC Certificate is just the beginning . sec philippines incorporation To be legally operational, you must also:
Tax Registration: Obtain a COR from the tax office.
LGU Compliance: Obtain a permit and Business License from the local government.
Mandatory Contributions: Register with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG to cover your workforce .
Conclusion
Navigating SEC Philippines incorporation in 2026 is more efficient than ever due to automation. If you prepare your documents diligently , you can establish a strong base for your enterprise to flourish in the Philippines .