Branch office registration
Register your foreign company to do business in the Philippines, and operate here the same way you do at home, without a Filipino partner.
What it is
A branch office is your foreign company, registered to operate in the Philippines. It carries out the same business as your head office and can earn revenue locally. It isn't a separate company, so your head office remains liable for it.
You'll need to remit USD200,000 (or USD100,000 in some cases) and appoint a resident agent. Our all-inclusive fee is PHP145,000.
Key requirements
| Ownership | 100% owned by the foreign parent company |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital | USD200,000 remitted during setup. Reduced to USD100,000 if the branch hires at least 50 direct local employees or is DOST-certified for advanced technology. The SEC needs proof of remittance before approval. |
| Resident agent | Required: an individual living in the Philippines, or a domestic corporation, to receive summons and legal notices |
| Liability | The foreign head office is fully liable |
| Revenue | Can sell to the Philippine market, except in Negative List industries |
| Taxes | 25% income tax and 12% VAT |
| Visa & work permits | Eligible |
| Registration time | Within about 35 days |
What our PHP145,000 fee covers
One clear price that includes government, legal, professional and notary fees, transport, Official Receipt printing and incidentals.
- Consultation with our legal team
- Company name reservation
- Preparation of registration documents
- Notarization
- Filing and registration with the SEC
- BIR registration in your city, including Official Receipt printing
- LGU registration: Barangay, Mayor's, Sanitary and Fire Safety permits
- Free 45-minute accounting consultation on compliance at hand-over
You'll need a registered office address
The SEC doesn't ask for one, but the BIR and your LGU need a lease contract or land title for your business address before registration is complete. A vOffice virtual office covers this, and you can move to a physical office and update your documents later.
Branch office questions
What is a branch office?
Your foreign company, registered to do business in the Philippines. It carries out the head office's activities locally, and the parent company is liable for it.
What's the minimum capital?
USD200,000, or USD100,000 if you'll hire at least 50 direct local employees or are DOST-certified for advanced technology.
Do I need a resident agent?
Yes: someone living in the Philippines, or a domestic corporation, who receives legal notices for your company.
What taxes apply?
25% income tax and 12% VAT.
Branch office or corporation?
A foreign-owned corporation limits liability to what you invest. A branch keeps your head office fully liable but lets you operate as one company. Compare all structures.
Bring your company to the Philippines.
Book a free consultation with our incorporation team.