Foreign entrepreneurs have set up in the Philippines for decades — and the regulatory environment has meaningfully liberalised in recent years. The key is knowing which rules apply to your specific business before you commit.
What you can own
The Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL) is the definitive reference. If your activity is not on it, you can own up to 100% of a Philippine company. The current version — the 13th Regular FINL issued as Executive Order 113, effective 2 May 2026 — reflects the most recent liberalisation wave following the amended Public Service Act, Retail Trade Act, and Foreign Investments Act.
Restricted sectors include mass media, small-scale mining, private security, and the practice of certain licensed professions, among others. Many sectors that were previously capped at 40% or 60% foreign equity are now fully open. See 100% foreign ownership for sector-by-sector context.
Choosing your structure
Most foreign entrepreneurs start with one of these:
- One Person Corporation (OPC): Single foreign shareholder, no partner needed, full liability protection. Simpler governance.
- Domestic corporation: For businesses with co-founders, employees with equity, or those planning investment rounds. Requires at least two shareholders and a Board of Directors.
- Branch office: If you already have a foreign parent company and want to extend operations into the Philippines rather than create a separate legal entity.
The right choice depends on your capital, sector, and long-term plans. We help you decide before anything is filed — wrong entity types are expensive to unwind.
Minimum capital
For domestic market enterprises with majority foreign ownership, the general requirement is USD 200,000 paid-in capital. This drops to USD 100,000 for businesses using advanced technology or maintaining a majority-Filipino direct workforce of at least 15 Filipino employees. Export enterprises are generally exempt. See minimum paid-in capital.
What the process looks like
- Confirm FINL status and entity type
- Reserve company name with the SEC
- Draft and file Articles of Incorporation
- SEC registration via eSPARC / OneSEC
- BIR registration (TIN, books, e-invoicing enrollment)
- LGU business permit and barangay clearance
Typical timeline for a standard domestic corporation: 2–4 weeks.
Why Chamberlain
We give foreign entrepreneurs a single point of contact and a fixed fee — no billable-hour ambiguity. We handle the filings, the government offices, and the ongoing compliance so you can focus on the business itself.
Book a consultation or see transparent pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner start and own a business in the Philippines?
Yes, in most sectors. Any business activity not on the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL) can be 100% foreign-owned, subject to the applicable minimum paid-in capital. The 13th Regular FINL (EO 113, effective 2 May 2026) is the current list.
Do I need to be in the Philippines to register a company?
Not necessarily. Most incorporation steps can be handled remotely with properly notarised and apostilled documents, or via a duly authorised representative. Chamberlain manages this for clients based overseas.
What ongoing obligations does a foreign entrepreneur have after registration?
An annual General Information Sheet (GIS) with the SEC, Audited Financial Statements (AFS), BIR tax filings, and an annual business permit renewal with the LGU every January, among others.