Registering Your Company with the SEC in the Philippines

Registering Your Company with the SEC in the Philippines

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the primary registration authority for corporations and partnerships in the Philippines. SEC registration is the legal birth of your company — it precedes BIR registration, LGU business permits, and most sector-specific licences. For foreign investors, getting the SEC step right sets the foundation for every compliance obligation that follows.

eSPARC and OneSEC: The SEC’s Online Platforms

The SEC has largely moved corporate registration online through two platforms:

• eSPARC (Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company) — the standard portal for domestic stock corporations, non-stock corporations, and partnerships. Incorporators submit Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and supporting documents digitally.
• OneSEC — a streamlined fast-track system for One Person Corporations (OPCs) and qualifying standard stock corporations. OneSEC reduces manual processing steps and can shorten registration timelines for eligible filings.

Both platforms require a company name reservation through the SEC Name Verification System before filing proceeds. Name reservations are valid for a limited period, so filings should follow promptly.

What the SEC Reviews

The SEC reviews Articles of Incorporation for compliance with the Revised Corporation Code (RA 11232) and applicable special laws. For foreign-involved corporations, reviewers confirm that the equity structure complies with the Foreign Investment Negative List — foreign ownership percentages must not breach the applicable cap for the stated primary purpose.

A Treasurer’s Affidavit certifying the paid-in capital subscribed and paid is required for all stock corporations. If foreign capital is being remitted, the BSP-registered inward remittance supports the capital declaration.

Typical Documents Required

• Articles of Incorporation — names, nationalities, residences of incorporators; authorised, subscribed, and paid-up capital; principal office address; corporate term (now perpetual by default under the Revised Corporation Code).
• By-Laws — governance rules; waived for OPCs in favour of a written instrument.
• Treasurer’s Affidavit — signed by the appointed corporate treasurer certifying capital subscription and payment.
• Proof of inward remittance — for foreign-sourced paid-up capital, a bank certificate or BSP acknowledgement.
• Identification — valid IDs for all incorporators, directors, and officers.

For context on capital minimums, see our guide on minimum paid-in capital requirements for 2026.

After SEC Registration

Upon approval, the SEC issues a Certificate of Incorporation and a company registration number. This triggers the next compliance steps: BIR registration for the company TIN, LGU business permit applications, and any sector-specific agency registrations. Ongoing SEC obligations — General Information Sheet (GIS), audited financial statements — begin in the year following incorporation.

For a full picture of ongoing obligations, see our corporate compliance guide.

How Chamberlain Manages SEC Registration

Chamberlain prepares and files all SEC documents, coordinates name reservation, and manages the eSPARC or OneSEC submission on your behalf. We review the equity structure against the current FINL before filing to avoid rejections. All of this is covered at a fixed, transparent fee.

Book a consultation to start the process, or review our transparent pricing before you decide.