Inquire Foreign Corporation
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Foreign companies must first register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and choose from the following corporate entities.
In the Philippines, a branch office is an extension of the main office of a foreign company. It’s allowed to engage in income-generating activities in the country but is subject to the laws of the origin country. A resident agent must be appointed to act as the company’s legal representative in the Philippines.
In the Philippines, a representative office is not allowed to do income-generating activities. Due to this limitation, a representative office is limited to activities that fall under the categories of marketing, quality assurance, and customer support.
Another type of business entity that is prohibited from generating revenue is an RHQ. Administrative tasks, product research and development, and staff training are among the permitted activities for this type of corporate entity.
An ROHQ is revenue-generating and is allowed to expand business activities in the Philippines. This type of corporate entity is commonly established by multinational companies.
It is also possible for a foreign company to invest in a Philippine domestic company. Depending on the industry, the foreign equity mix may be 40–100% foreign or 60% Filipino and 40% foreign, subject to certain limitations.
Corporate Services for Foreign Corporations
Launchpad has several value-add services for foreign companies doing business in the Philippines.
Foreign Taxpayer TIN Application
Get a Taxpayer Identification Number for compliance with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Alien Employment Permit
Secure an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Visa Application for Dependents
Get visa applications for your dependents done quick and worry-free.
Authority to Employ
Make sure you have an Authority to Employ from the Department of Justice.
Provisional Working Permit
Work visa application is pending? Get a provision working permit fast.
Importer Accreditation from the Bureau of Customs
Legally import goods into the Philippines without a hitch.
What Makes Launchpad the Best Option to Register Your Company?
Launchpad has assisted thousands of foreign companies and investors that want to expand in the Philippines.
Deep Regulatory Knowledge
We specialize in selecting the best corporate entity that fits your business objectives—thanks to our decades of expertise establishing businesses in the Philippines.
Hassle-Free Service
We do all the heavy lifting when processing your requirements to legally operate in the Philippines.
Strategic Business Locations
We’ve registered businesses in key economic hubs in the Philippines, from Makati to Cebu City.
What are the types of foreign companies in the Philippines?
There are mainly two types: non-resident foreign corporations and resident foreign corporations
A company without a physical business address in the Philippines is known as a non-resident foreign corporation. It can generate revenue in several ways, such as, but not limited to investing in domestic equities, earning interest from loans, and leasing out real estate.
In contrast, a resident foreign corporation has a physical presence in the Philippines. Branch offices, representative offices, regional headquarters, and regional operating headquarters are types of resident foreign corporations.
Additionally, physical and legal presence can also be established through investment in a domestic corporation, which is subject to Philippine laws
Yes. Specifically, there are quite a few conditions that must be met to allow for 100% foreign ownership in a domestic corporation.
- The paid-up capital is at least US$ 200,000 for a domestic market enterprise or ₱5,000 for an export-oriented enterprise.
- The domestic corporation’s business activities are not listed on the Foreign Investments Negative List (FINL).
In addition, there are some industries where 100% foreign stock is allowed, such as manufacturing, exporting, business process outsourcing, IT services, lending and investing, and wellness.
Call us at (63) 917 899 1111 or send us an email.
Due to limitations imposed by the Philippine Constitution, no degree of foreign ownership is allowed in the following industries:
– Ammunition, explosives, and firearms (production, storage, and maintenance)
– Small-scale mining operations
– Mass media, with the exception of recording and internet-based companies
– Cooperative organizations
– Professional practices (engineering, medical, law etc.)
– Retail trade (if it’s less than $US 2.5 million in paid-up capital)
– Production of pyrotechnics and firecrackers
– Cockpit ownership, management, and operation
– Utilization of marine resources in territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and archipelagic waters
– Utilizing natural resources on a small scale in bays, lagoons, lakes, and rivers
However, there are some industries that have restrictions of up to 40% foreign ownership due to ethical and health reasons, as well as to safeguard small and medium-sized businesses.
– Networks for private radio communications
– Saunas, massage parlors, and steam rooms
– Gambling operations
– Network for private radio communications
– Condo ownership
– Public service operations, such as power generation
– Commercial deep-sea fishing
– Natural resource development and exploration
This list is not exhaustive. The FINL is updated every few years. Learn more from our team. (63) 917 899 1111
or send us an email.
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If you have other questions that are not answered in the FAQs above, please feel free to get in
touch with us via email at [email protected], via call +63-917-899-1111 or using our website’s contact form.