Start a Business in the Philippines — World's #2 BPO Hub & English-Speaking ASEAN Powerhouse

Philippine company formation involves incorporating a Domestic Corporation through the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), followed by BIR registration, Mayor’s permit, and Barangay clearance. The Philippines is the world’s #2 BPO/IT-BPM destination after India a USD 33 billion+ industry employing 1.8 million workers with the advantage of being the 2nd largest English-speaking country globally. The CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066, January 2025) extended PEZA and BOI incentives with FIRB central management. Standard CIT is 25% (MSME 20% for net income ≤PHP 5M), but PEZA-registered companies enjoy Income Tax Holidays of 4-7 years followed by just 5% Gross Income Earned. Foreign ownership is generally capped at 40% under the Foreign Investment Negative List, but 100% is achievable in PEZA zones, export enterprises, and liberalised sectors. With 115 million consumers, young demographics (median age 25), and deep English-language capability, the Philippines is ideal for Indian companies seeking BPO/captive centres and regional market access. Comply Globally has helped 1,080+ entrepreneurs across 45+ countries.

500+

Companies launched

45+

Countries served

4.9

Client rating

+12 today

Founders onboarded

Incorporated in 7 days

Average turnaround time

25%

CIT (MSME 20%)

4-7 Yrs

PEZA ITH

#2

BPO Globally

115M

English-Speaking

PEZA

5% GIE Post-ITH

OUR SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES

What We Help You With in the Philippines

Leverage our expertise for company formation, EXIM, IOR/EOR, visas,
banking, and ongoing compliance  all from a single point of contact.

Most Popular

Company Formation

Register a Philippines domestic corporation, branch office, or representative office through the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We handle company name verification, Articles of Incorporation, nominee requirements (if applicable), SEC registration, BIR tax registration, local permits, and post-incorporation compliance — remotely from India.Foreign investors can own up to 100% equity in many sectors, subject to the Foreign Investments Negative List (FINL). Minimum capital requirements vary based on industry and foreign ownership structure. Average Comply Globally turnaround: 2–4 weeks. Starting from ₹65,000.

Tax & Compliance Advisory​

Navigate the Philippines’ 25% corporate income tax (20% for qualified MSMEs), 12% VAT, withholding taxes, transfer pricing rules, annual SEC filings, and BIR compliance requirements.We help optimise your structure using the India–Philippines DTAA, reducing withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties while ensuring efficient repatriation and tax compliance. We also assist with bookkeeping, payroll, and audit coordination under Philippine regulations.Source: BIR Philippines.

Most Popular

FEMA & RBI Compliance

We handle BOTH sides simultaneously: Philippines incorporation AND Indian FEMA compliance.Our team assists with ODI filings through your AD bank, Annual Performance Reports (APR), RBI FLA returns, overseas investment structuring, and Foreign Tax Credit claims under Section 90. This dual-country compliance capability is one of our strongest differentiators for Indian businesses expanding into Southeast Asia.

Visas & Immigration

We assist with 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visas, Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV), Alien Employment Permits (AEP), dependent visas, and work authorisations.Our experts manage applications, renewals, documentation, and Bureau of Immigration compliance for entrepreneurs, professionals, and foreign employees relocating to the Philippines.

EXIM & Logistics

Import/export permits, customs coordination, IOR/EOR services, warehousing support, and ASEAN trade facilitation.The Philippines offers strategic access to Southeast Asian markets with strong maritime connectivity, growing manufacturing capabilities, and expanding trade links with India, China, Japan, and the United States.

Cross-Border Banking

Corporate account opening support with major Philippine and international banks including BDO, BPI, Metrobank, HSBC, and Standard Chartered.We prepare business plans, KYC documentation, compliance paperwork, and banking support for foreign-owned companies. Depending on the bank, video KYC or a single in-person visit may be required.

Why Partner With Comply Globally?

Our 4 Brand Promises — Backed by Results

These are not marketing claims. They are measurable operational standards tracked
and verified across 1,080+ client engagements worldwide.

Speed of Action

We respond within 4 hours. Average Philippines company incorporation timeline: 2–4 weeks depending on SEC approvals, licensing, and business activity.

Fast-track support available for priority filings

Accuracy & Competence

Zero compliance failures across 1,080+ engagements. Every filing is reviewed by a dedicated country specialist before submission.

100% filing accuracy · 4.7★ rating

Ease of Doing Business

One contact for everything — Philippines incorporation AND Indian FEMA compliance handled simultaneously, without vendor coordination hassles.

Single Point of Management · 45+ countries

Cost Competitiveness

Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with zero hidden fees. Consistently 30–40% lower than Big 4 firms for comparable scope and service quality.

Cost-efficient Philippines market entry solutions

“Initially I thought the process of setting up in the Philippines would be complicated, especially with foreign ownership and compliance requirements. But the Comply Globally team handled everything smoothly from incorporation to banking and FEMA support.”

Deepak Nirwan

Philippines

TAX FRAME WORk

What Is the Corporate Tax Rate in the Philippines?

The Philippines corporate income tax rate is generally 25%

According to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the standard corporate income tax (CIT) rate in the Philippines is 25%, while qualified small domestic corporations with taxable income below statutory thresholds may benefit from a reduced 20% CIT rate under the CREATE Act. The Philippines also imposes a 12% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods and services. Dividends, royalties, and interest payments to non-residents may be subject to withholding tax, although relief is available under the India Philippines Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). The Philippines offers incentives for businesses operating in export-oriented sectors, economic zones, manufacturing, IT-BPM, and renewable energy through agencies such as PEZA and BOI.

Sources: BIR Philippines · CREATE Act · India–Philippines DTAA · Updated May 2026.

Philippines vs Indonesia vs Vietnam vs Thailand— Tax Comparison

Philippines Tax Comparison Table
Factor🇵🇭Philippines🇮🇩Indonesia🇻🇳Vietnam🇹🇭Thailand
CIT Rate
25% (20% for small corps)22%20%20%
Capital Gains Tax
15% (listed); 5–15% (unlisted)0.1% final tax (listed)20% (individuals)0% (listed shares)
Dividend WHT
15% (non-resident)10%0%10%
VAT / GST
12%11%10%7%
DTAA Network
~43 treaties~70 treaties~80 treaties~60 treaties
Ease of Doing Business
#95 (World Bank)#73#70#21
BPO / Digital Services Sector
PEZA: 5% GIT; 0% CIT on registered activitySEZ: 0% CIT 10–25 yrsIT Parks: 10% CIT; VAT-exemptBOI: 0% CIT up to 13 yrs
Investment Incentives
CREATE Act: ITH 4–7 yrs; 5% GIT thereafterSuper deduction: 200–300% R&DSEZ: 0% CIT yr 1–4; 50% next 9 yrsBOI: 0% CIT up to 13 yrs; IBC regime

Free Resource

Get Your Personalised Singapore Compliance Calendar

Tell us about your company and we’ll prepare a customised compliance calendar
with every key date — delivered via WhatsApp and email within 24 hours.

    📅

    Request Your Free Compliance Calendar

    We'll map ALL applicable compliance deadlines for your Singapore entity and your Indian FEMA obligations — in one personalised document.

    🏢 Your Singapore Company









    📨 Where should we send the calendar?





    What Our Clients Say

    Our Latest Insights

    Stay ahead with expert guidance on global expansion trends and regulatory updates.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Expand Your Business in Philippines

    How do I register a company in the Philippines?

    Company incorporation is done through the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), followed by BIR tax registration, local government permits (Mayor’s Permit), and Barangay clearance to legally operate.

    Can foreigners own 100% of a company in the Philippines?

    Yes, but with conditions. Foreigners can own up to 100% in export-oriented businesses, PEZA-registered companies, and liberalised sectors. Some industries under the Foreign Investment Negative List restrict ownership to 40%.

    How long does it take to set up a company in the Philippines?

    On average, company incorporation takes 2–4 weeks, depending on SEC approval, document readiness, and licensing requirements.

    What is PEZA and why is it important?

    PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) offers major incentives such as 4–7 years Income Tax Holiday (ITH) and a reduced 5% Gross Income Tax after the holiday for export-oriented and IT-BPM companies.

    What is the corporate tax rate in the Philippines?

    The standard corporate income tax rate is 25%, while MSMEs may pay 20%. PEZA-registered companies may enjoy tax holidays and reduced long-term taxation.

    Do I need to travel to the Philippines to start a company?

    Not always. Many steps like SEC registration, documentation, and compliance can be handled remotely, although banking or visa processing may require physical presence depending on the institution.

    Why is the Philippines attractive for BPO businesses?

    The Philippines is the world’s #2 BPO hub, with a large English-speaking workforce, low labor costs, strong government incentives, and a 115M consumer market, making it ideal for outsourcing and captive centers.

    What visas are available for foreign investors in the Philippines?

    Foreign investors can apply for visas such as the 9(g) Employment Visa, Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV), and Alien Employment Permit (AEP) depending on their business structure and role.

    Start Your Business in the Philippines with
    End-to-End Setup Support

    From SEC incorporation to BIR registration, PEZA incentives, tax compliance, visas, and banking
    we help you launch your Philippines company remotely in 2–4 weeks.