Foreign-owned Domestic Corporation
For foreign owners who want to enter the Philippines' large, growing market with a company of their own.
Learn moreSetting up a foreign company in the Philippines
If foreigners or a foreign company will own more than 40% of your Philippine business, you need one of five structures. We've helped over 500 foreign individuals and companies choose the right one and set it up.
100%foreign ownership possible
~35 daystypical registration
500+foreign set-ups
The short answer
To sell to Philippine customers, choose a foreign-owned domestic corporation (liability limited to what you invest) or a branch office (your head office stays liable). To support your business abroad without earning locally, choose a representative office.
If foreign ownership will stay at 40% or less, a regular domestic corporation is simpler.
Side by side
Key differences between the five structures
All five allow up to 100% foreign ownership, need just one incorporator and qualify for visas and work permits.
| Foreign-owned corporation | Branch office | Representative office | RHQ | ROHQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital to remit | USD200,000 | USD200,000, or USD100,000 with 50+ local staff | USD30,000 at setup, then yearly | USD50,000 at setup, then yearly | USD200,000 |
| Earn revenue in the Philippines | Yes | Yes | No | No | Only from its own affiliates, branches or subsidiaries |
| Liability | Limited to the amount invested | Foreign head office is fully liable | |||
| Corporate officers | At least 3: President (any nationality), Treasurer (PH resident), Secretary (Filipino) | Resident agent required | |||
| Registration time | Within 35 days | Within 35 days | Within 35 days | Within 50 days | Within 50 days |
| vOffice all-in fee | PHP150,000 | PHP145,000 | PHP145,000 | Temporarily suspended | |
The structures
Which one is for you?
Branch Office
For foreign companies expanding into the Philippines without a Filipino partner, operating as they do at home.
Learn moreRepresentative Office
For foreign companies that want a local presence to serve their business at home or elsewhere.
Learn moreRegional Headquarters (RHQ)
An administrative office for a foreign company trading internationally across Asia-Pacific.
Learn moreRegional Operating Headquarters (ROHQ)
An office that earns income by providing qualifying services to its own group across Asia-Pacific.
Learn more40% foreign or less?
A domestic corporation with Filipino majority ownership is simpler and starts at PHP75,000.
See local options
FAQ
Foreign company questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Philippine company?
Yes. All five structures allow up to 100% foreign ownership, as long as your business activity isn't restricted by the Foreign Investment Negative List.
What's the minimum capital?
USD200,000 for a foreign-owned corporation or branch office (a branch can go down to USD100,000 with at least 50 direct local employees), USD30,000 a year for a representative office, USD50,000 a year for an RHQ and USD200,000 for an ROHQ.
How long does registration take?
Within about 35 days for a foreign-owned corporation, branch or representative office, and about 50 days for an RHQ or ROHQ.
Which structures can earn revenue locally?
A foreign-owned domestic corporation and a branch office. A representative office and an RHQ can't, and an ROHQ can only earn from services to its own group.
Can I get a visa through my company?
Yes. All five structures qualify for visa and work permit applications.
Not sure which structure fits?
Book a free consultation with our company incorporation experts, in person or by phone.