Let's Register Your Foreign Corporation

Key Features:

• Separate Legal Entity with Limited Liability
  A foreign corporation is a distinct legal entity from its owners, offering limited liability protection to its shareholders, similar to domestic corporations.

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• Licensing Requirement
  Foreign corporations must secure a license to do business from the SEC before engaging in commercial activities in the Philippines. Without this license, they cannot legally transact business or file lawsuits in Philippine courts.

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• Common Types
  Foreign corporations may establish:​

  • Branch Office: An extension of the parent company, not a separate legal entity. It can engage in activities allowed by its license but is liable for all obligations.

  • Representative Office: Limited to non-revenue-generating activities such as market research and promotion.

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• Foreign Ownership Restrictions
  Foreign ownership is subject to the Philippine Foreign Investments Negative List (FINL), which restricts foreign equity in certain industries.

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• General Requirements

  • Authenticated board resolutions

  • Financial statements

  • Articles of incorporation

  • Resident agent

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Registration Process:

1. SEC Registration

2. LGU Registration

3. BIR Registration

4. SSS, Philhealth, and PAGIBIG Registration

5. DOLE 1020 Registration

6. Secondary License Registration (Depending on the line of business)

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