Company Set-Up
Establish your business foundation in the Philippines with expert guidance through company registration, bank account setup, and all necessary compliance requirements.
Back to ServicesYour Gateway to Business in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic investment destinations — offering a highly skilled English-speaking workforce, a strategic geographic location, and a rapidly growing consumer market. We guide you through every step of setting up your legal entity, so you can focus on what matters: growing your business.
117M+ Consumer market
Top 5 ASEAN economy
2 paths Legal entity types
4 offices foreign expansion options
Choose your business structure
Local and foreign nationals may register two types of legal entities in the Philippines. The right choice depends on your ownership structure, revenue source, and long-term expansion plans.
Domestic Corporation
A separate legal entity from its shareholders, suitable for both Filipino and foreign investors. Also known as a Subsidiary Corporation when foreign equity is involved. Requires at least two incorporators of legal age who subscribe to at least one share of capital stock.
2+ incorporators, SEC registered, foreign equity allowed
One Person Corporation (OPC)
A streamlined corporate structure designed for solo entrepreneurs. A single individual can form and fully own a corporation — combining limited liability protection with simplified governance. Ideal for professionals and independent business owners.
Single owner, Limited liability, Simplified setup
DOMESTIC CORPORATION — OWNERSHIP STRUCTURES
100% Filipino-ownedFully owned by Filipino nationals. Eligible for industries fully reserved under the FINL. | 60% Filipino / 40% ForeignA common joint-venture structure for industries with partial foreign ownership limits. | 40%–100% Foreign-ownedAvailable for export-oriented or FINL-exempt industries open to foreign capital. |
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Expanding an existing foreign entity?
Foreign companies looking to establish a presence in the Philippines without incorporating a new domestic company can register one of four office types — each with distinct operational and tax implications.
Branch OfficeOperates as an extension of the foreign parent. Can generate income locally and remit profits abroad. | Representative OfficeLimited to liaison activities. Cannot generate income in the Philippines — funded entirely by the head office. | Regional Headquarters (RHQ)Coordinates and supervises regional operations. Does not earn income from Philippine-based transactions. | Regional Operating HQ (ROHQ)Provides qualifying services to affiliates and earns income from foreign clients within the region. |
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Branch Office
Income-generating · Extension of parent company · No independent legal identity
A branch office represents its foreign parent company's operations in the Philippines and is authorized to generate income locally. It does not hold a separate legal identity — all liabilities remain with the head office abroad.
Can earn income in the Philippines
Can conduct commercial transactions
No separate legal entity from parent
Must post securities deposit of ₱500,000
Standard minimum capital: USD 200,000
Reduced to USD 100,000 — if the branch uses technology-based activities or employs at least 50 direct employees
Reduced to USD 100 — if registered as an export-market enterprise generating income primarily from outside the Philippines
Remains at USD 200,000 — if operating as a domestic market enterprise selling exclusively within the Philippines
Representative Office
Non-income-generating · Liaison and support activities only · Funded by head office
A representative office may not earn income or deal directly with clients in the Philippines. It exists purely to support the parent company's international operations through promotional, administrative, and liaison activities.
Marketing and product promotion
Facilitation of orders from abroad
Quality control for export products
Cannot offer services to third parties
Regional Headquarters (RHQ)
Non-income-generating · Administrative oversight · Annual remittance required
An RHQ allows a multinational corporation to establish an administrative hub in the Philippines to oversee its regional subsidiaries, branches, and affiliates. It is strictly prohibited from generating income or engaging in commercial activities locally.
Oversees regional subsidiaries and affiliates
Conducts R&D, training, and procurement
Cannot generate income or serve third parties
Parent may not sell or market through RHQ
USD 50,000 must be remitted annually by the parent company to cover operating expenses.
What we offer
End-to-end company set-up assistance
From choosing the right entity type to completing all post-registration requirements, we handle the complexities so you can enter the Philippine market with confidence
Company incorporationFull assistance in registering domestic corporations, OPCs, and foreign office types with the SEC and relevant government agencies. | Corporate secretarial servicesOngoing corporate housekeeping — board resolutions, minutes, annual reports, and governance documentation. | Post-incorporation complianceGeneral compliance filings and registrations with BIR, LGUs, and other regulatory bodies after incorporation. |
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We also help you evaluate
Ownership structure
Capital requirements
Special or secondary licenses
Business location
Ready to establish your Philippine presence?
Our advisory team works with foreign investors across all industries — from technology and manufacturing to professional services and retail. We'll identify the right structure, handle the paperwork, and keep you compliant from day one.
Start your consultation ↗
Entity registered? The next step is making your brand visible.
Building a compliant entity is only the beginning. To win in the Philippine market, you need a brand that resonates locally — from strategy and identity to digital and KOL execution.
Explore our Corporate Branding services