How Much Capital Is Needed to Start a Corporation in the Philippines?
You’ve decided to incorporate in the Philippines, and the first number you need is the one nobody seems to agree on: how much money do you actually need in the bank? The honest answer is—it depends on who owns the company and what it does. Here’s the breakdown. The short version: the Revised Corporation Code … Read more
How Exporting Services Exempts Foreign Firms from $200k Capital Requirements
The $200,000 Capital Threshold and the Export Exemption Under the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7042, as amended by RA 11647), foreign investors seeking 100% ownership of a Domestic Market Enterprise (DME) must contribute a minimum paid-in capital of US$200,000. While RA 11647 allows this requirement to be reduced to US$100,000 for … Read more
US Companies Expanding to the Philippines: Why BIR and SEC Compliance Should Be Your First Priority
Expanding internationally is a strategic milestone for any organization. For many U.S. companies, the Philippines has become one of the most attractive destinations for growth in Southeast Asia. With its highly skilled English-speaking workforce, competitive labor costs, and strong service sector, the Philippines offers a compelling environment for outsourcing, shared services, tech operations, and regional … Read more
5 Essential Truths About Navigating FDA Registration in the Philippines
1. The High Stakes of Market Entry The Philippines represents a high-growth frontier for global brands, offering a massive consumer base and an appetite for international goods. However, many investors find their progress halted by an “invisible wall”—the complex web of regulatory compliance. This wall is not a mere bureaucratic hurdle but a critical infrastructure … Read more
Beyond the Sole Proprietor: 5 Surprising Truths About Starting a One Person Corporation in the Philippines
One Person Corporation in the Philippines For nearly four decades, the Philippine entrepreneurial journey was limited by a 39-year-old Corporation Code that barred the “company of one”. To gain corporate protection, solo founders had to recruit “dummy” incorporators—usually friends or relatives—just to meet the mandatory five-person threshold. The enactment of Republic Act No. 11232, also … Read more
Doing Business in the Philippines: Foreign Ownership, Capital Requirements, and Legal Framework
Philippines Foreign Investment Law A Practical Guide for Foreign Investors (RA 7042, as amended by RA 8179 and RA 11647) Introduction The Philippines continues to pursue a more liberal and competitive foreign investment regime, aligned with regional ASEAN standards. Legislative reforms over the past decades have reduced entry barriers, clarified ownership rules, and strengthened investor … Read more
Understanding the Revised Corporation Code (R.A. 11232) and What It Means for Your Business
If you’re planning to register a business in the Philippines, or already running one and thinking about expansion, there’s one law you need to know: Republic Act No. 11232, or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (RCC). Signed into law in February 2019, the RCC replaced the outdated Corporation Code of 1980, marking one … Read more
The Simplified Roadmap: How Foreign Companies Register in the Philippines
How to start your business in the Philippines Why the Philippines? The Philippines has become one of Asia’s most promising investment destinations. With its young, English-speaking workforce, competitive costs, and strategic location, it’s no wonder foreign investors are drawn here. But here’s the truth: navigating Philippine business registration can feel like trying to read a … Read more
FDA PH Breakdown
The Philippine FDA Maze: 5 Surprising Rules That Can Make or Break Your Business The Golden Opportunity with a Hidden Gatekeeper Let’s start with the good news — the Philippines is a booming market. Consumers here are spending more, the middle class is expanding, and there’s a real hunger for new brands. But before you … Read more
PH Payroll Outsourcing
The Ultimate Guide to Payroll in the Philippines (2025 Update) Why Payroll in the Philippines Is More Complex Than It Looks At first glance, payroll seems simple: calculate hours, deduct taxes, and pay employees. But for businesses in the Philippines, payroll is far from routine. With constantly changing government regulations, complex contribution tables, outdated banking … Read more
The Philippines Just Rewrote the Rules for Online Business
5 Urgent Changes from the Internet Transactions Act You Can’t Ignore No More Shortcuts E-Commerce Compliance Is Now Non-Negotiable The rapid rise of e-commerce in the Philippines has been exciting, but it also created a digital “Wild West.” Scams, fake sellers, bogus buyers—you name it, we had it. That’s over. With Republic Act No. 11967, … Read more
- Business Consultant | Business Permits | Business Registration | Doing Business in the Philippines | General | Services
Registration of Cosmetic Products in the Philippines Made Easy
The Philippines is a growing market for cosmetics, with analytics company GlobalData forecasting the industry to be worth PhP 228.8 billion (USD 4.2 billion) by 2023. Contributing to this potential for an upswing is the country’s increasing population as well as lower unemployment rates. The archipelagic nation’s citizens appreciate beauty and social interactions, driving the … Read more
SEC MC No. 28 – 2020
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC/Commission) issues new requirement for corporations, partnerships, associations, and individuals to create and/or designate e-mail account address and cellphone number for transaction of business with the commission under SEC Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 28-2020. Every corporation, association, partnership, and person under the jurisdiction and supervision of the Commission shall submit a … Read more
Fees and Requirements for FDA-Approved Food Supplements in the Philippines (Part 2)
If you are interested to sell, import, and distribute FDA-approved food supplements in the Philippines, then the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is your first stop. This article, Part 2 of this series, discusses the detailed requirements you need to prepare to get FDA approval as well as the corresponding fees and charges. What kind … Read more
Frequently Asked Questions for Bookkeeping in the Philippines
COVID-19 or not, bookkeeping is a taxing but necessary endeavor for any business. Regardless of scale, businesses need to know the current state of their finances. Company owners and management members should at least have a working knowledge of the most commonly-used accounting jargon. This way, they can make decisions and allocate resources with an … Read more
FDA-Approved Food Supplements in the Philippines: A Quick Guide (Part 1)
As the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to loom, the adage “health is wealth” has never been more true. People are starting to invest more seriously in the physical well-being of their families and loved ones. This is where FDA-approved food supplements in the Philippines come in. With experts saying that a vaccine is … Read more
FDA CPR Certificate of Product Registration Requirements and Application Process in the Philippines
Before you can start selling food items, cosmetics, or drugs in the Philippines, you need to secure first a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Obtaining a CPR for your product involves knowing if it needs one, having the proper documents and requirements, and applying for it using the … Read more
Here’s Why You Should Retire in the Philippines
Did you know that you can migrate to and retire in the Philippines as early as 35 years old? Yes, you can! This is just one of the reasons why retiring in the Philippines could—and should—be on your bucket list. But before you pack your suitcases, it would be wise to research and weigh the … Read more
How to Apply for FDA LTO (License to Operate) in the Philippines
Interested in FDA LTO application (License to Operate from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration) but don’t know where to start? This new guide gives you a complete step-by-step process on how to apply for an FDA LTO in 2020. While there are quite a few articles online on FDA LTO application, they are mostly … Read more
The Complete FAQ Guide on How to Renew Your Business Permit in the Philippines for 2020
Having a business registered in the Philippines requires you to renew its business permits annually. It doesn’t matter if the company is a Single Proprietorship, a One Person Corporation, a Partnership, a Corporation, a Branch Office, or a Regional Headquarter (ROHQ). All business establishments, per Philippine law, must renew their permits or face possible closure … Read more
Pros and Cons of Starting Foreign Companies in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Here is a list of pros and cons of starting your own business there as a foreigner.
A Quick Guide to the One Person Corporation (OPC) in the Philippines
Republic Act No. 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines now allows for the registration of a simplified version of a corporation. Currently, the majority of corporations registered in the Philippines use nominee incorporators and directors. The new legal entity called One Person Corporation (OPC) will now allow for a sole shareholder, thus … Read more
Event Report – Public Relations Crash Course (Sept. 4, 2019)
Last September 4, DAYANAN held the first run of “Public Relations for Government and Civil Society: A Crash Course for Professionals” at One Cafe and Events Place in Ortigas. Facilitated by Mr. Darwin Masacupan, the seminar aims to equip members of public information, marketing, and corporate communications departments with the knowledge and skills of an … Read more
From Zero to Hero: A Crash Course on Online Reputation Management
Do you know what people are saying about you online? Is it positive? What can you do about it? Keeping your online reputation intact may seem like a daunting task in a vastly interconnected world filled with viral content, memes, and Internet trolls. A single negative comment can damage your credibility and impair your operations … Read more
Public Relations for Business and Government: A Crash Course for Professionals
Ever wonder how to handle public relations (PR) for business development, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and social advocacy programs? Here’s your chance to learn the basics of the trade! DAYANAN brings you “Public Relations for Business and Government: A Crash Course for Professionals.” It will be held on October 24, 2019 (Thursday) from 8:30 AM … Read more
The Apostille: Simpler Authentication for Documents To Be Used Abroad
Bringing documents from one state to another and having their validity recognized has always been difficult. A foreign corporation that wants to establish a Philippine subsidiary has to go through several steps just to authenticate its articles of incorporation from abroad. But with the Philippines recently joining the Apostille Convention, things are bound to get … Read more
