Starting Up a Business in the Philippines: GEOS Guide for Global Expansion

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Starting a business in the Philippines can help if you’re scaling service delivery, customer operations, finance teams, or technical support, the Philippines offers deep talent and competitive costs.

This article is apart of our weekly series associated with the The Global Subsidiary Index. The series is designed to help businesses identify the best countries for establishing a subsidiary based on key operational factors. GEOS provides a data-driven ranking of jurisdictions worldwide, assessing across 40+ criteria to bring you insights into global expansion opportunities.

Each country on the index is scored on an overall score out of 100, with each individual criterion out of 5 or 10. Higher scores indicate a more favorable environment for businesses. By leveraging these insights, companies can make informed decisions on where to establish a legal presence.


The Philippines is now one of the world’s leading service hubs. More than 1.3 million people work in the BPO sector, and the and the talent base is known for strong communication skills, dependable performance, and bilingual fluency. Global companies rely on the country for customer support, finance operations, and technical teams because the workforce consistently delivers.

The economy is holding steady as well. Growth sits near 4%, supported by low inflation and strong consumer demand. Unemployment remains close to historic lows, and regulators continue opening more sectors to foreign investment. There are still friction points—slower public spending and uneven agency processing among them—but the broader climate supports expansion.

If you’re scaling service delivery, customer operations, finance teams, or technical support, the Philippines offers deep talent and competitive costs. This guide breaks down what to expect when starting up a business in the Philippines and how GEOS helps you move through the process.

Why Should You Expand to the Philippines?

The Philippines has become Southeast Asia’s English-speaking services powerhouse. Companies looking to scale customer operations, software support, finance teams, or shared services often see the country as a natural fit. Its GEOS Global Subsidiary Index Score of 57.6 reflects this balance of talent depth, cost efficiency, and overall stability.

When starting up a business in the Philippines, it is important to understand the different business types available for both foreign and local entrepreneurs, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. The business owner plays a crucial role in navigating the regulatory landscape, ensuring all legal requirements are met. Understanding the specific requirements for setting up a new business, including securing permits, licenses, and clearances, is essential before commencing operations.

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Southeast Asia’s English-Speaking Services Powerhouse

Hiring comes easy in the Philippines. The market earns a 10/10 Difficulty of Recruiting Score because businesses can draw from one of the largest English-speaking talent pools in the world. The country’s long-standing BPO sector means you’ll find well-trained professionals in:

  • Customer service and contact centers
  • Finance, accounting, and operations
  • Marketing, sales, and administrative roles
  • Technical support and software services

This strong pipeline supports fast hiring at scale, which is why the Philippines holds a 5/5 score for Marketing, Sales & Finance Talent Availability.

A young population (4/5) also helps companies grow without worrying about workforce shortages.

Cost Efficiency That Supports Scale

The Philippines remains one of the most cost-effective hiring markets globally. It scores 8/10 for salary benchmarking because compensation levels are competitive across most business functions. For companies expanding shared services or support teams, this cost profile lets you grow headcount while keeping budgets under control.

Stable, Incentive-Friendly Tax Environment

The country’s corporate tax rate sits at 25%, and many industries can qualify for additional government incentives. That places the Philippines at a 6/10 Corporate Tax Rate Score. Political conditions remain generally stable, though different government agencies can vary in speed and consistency, which gives the country a 3/5 Political Risk Score.

Broader country assessments also show low commercial risk and low short-term financing risk, which gives foreign companies a clearer runway to plan. Economic risk stays manageable too, helped by strong domestic consumption and a resilient banking sector.

Local Expert Insight

If your Philippines-based team will directly contribute to revenue, such as through client-facing support, contact centers, or bespoke software development, a Philippine subsidiary is the right structure. It gives you limited liability protection and prevents the parent company from taking on local legal exposure. A subsidiary is considered a separate legal entity from the parent company, meaning it can enter contracts, own property, and be sued independently of its shareholders.

When starting up a business in the Philippines, it is important to choose the right business entity and corporate structure to ensure legal compliance and operational efficiency.

Tax & Regulatory Environment

The Philippines runs a structured tax system with clear rules but heavy compliance requirements. The regulatory framework in the country sets out the legal environment and regulations that govern business registration, licensing, permits, and ongoing operations. Companies face a 25% corporate tax rate under the CREATE Law, and export enterprises may qualify for VAT zero-rating.

Understanding and adhering to legal requirements and regulatory requirements is essential for compliance and to ensure smooth business operations. These features support shared services, software development, and export-driven operations. This balance gives the Philippines a 6/10 Corporate Tax Rate Score.

Tax Compliance and Reporting

Tax compliance takes consistent effort. Monthly VAT filings, withholding tax reports, and quarterly income tax returns form the core of the system. Obtaining a tax identification number (TIN) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is required for tax compliance and legal business operation.

Depending on your business’s revenue, you may also be required to pay percentage tax. Issuing official receipts for taxable transactions is a mandatory part of BIR compliance. That workload leads to a 6/10 Tax & Accounting Score.

The country also earns a 3/5 Compliance Reporting Score because several agencies are involved in regulatory oversight. Businesses often report to:

  • The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  • The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
  • Investment promotion agencies like BOI and PEZA

Digital filing has expanded under the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, but the overall system still requires careful management.

Foreign Ownership Rules

Foreign ownership rules trace back to the 1987 Constitution, which sets limits in nationally sensitive sectors. The most notable restriction is the 60-40 rule, which requires at least 60% Filipino ownership in areas like land ownership, mass media, and public utilities. However, certain sectors are subject to special regulations or restrictions that may further limit or prohibit foreign participation.

Foreign ownership restrictions vary by industry and can significantly impact business registration and ownership structures, so it is important for foreign investors to understand the specific rules that apply to their chosen sector.

Several industries allow up to 100% foreign ownership, including:

  • Export-oriented manufacturing
  • IT and BPO services
  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Wholesale trade that meets capital requirements

Recent reforms also opened more sectors. The Public Service Act amendments (2022) now allow full foreign ownership in telecommunications, shipping, and railways. At the same time, sectors like water and electricity distribution remain protected under constitutional rules. This mix gives the Philippines a 7/10 Openness to Foreign UBOs Score.

Data Privacy and Regulatory Oversight

When starting up a business in the Philippines, it’s important to keep in mind that data protection rules are strict. The Data Privacy Act requires companies to register certain processing activities, maintain internal security measures, and report breaches. This earns the country a 3/5 Data Management Laws Score.

Several proposed amendments aim to:

  • Expand the definition of sensitive data
  • Increase penalties and fines
  • Clarify extraterritorial reach
  • Add new lawful bases for processing sensitive information

These bills remain pending, so no changes are expected in the near term.

Investment Incentives and Reform Momentum

The CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066), enacted in late 2024, expanded the incentives landscape. It introduced:

  • Longer income tax holidays
  • Deductions for R&D, power costs, and net operating losses
  • Broader VAT zero-rating for qualifying activities

With implementing rules finalized in 2025, the Philippines is positioning itself to attract more investment in innovation, green infrastructure, and export manufacturing. BOI and PEZA continue to guide companies through registration and incentive qualification.

Foreign investors use several entry routes depending on the sector:

  • Joint ventures with Filipino partners in restricted industries
  • Domestic corporations that meet ownership thresholds. It is crucial to ensure that the required capital is met and properly documented to comply with SEC registration and legal requirements.
  • Long-term land leases (up to 50 years, renewable)
  • Condominium ownership, as long as foreign equity stays within the 40% limit

Nominee shareholder arrangements, where a Filipino holds shares on behalf of a foreign investor, are illegal and increasingly monitored by regulators.

The Philippines has become Southeast Asia’s English-speaking services powerhouse. Companies looking to scale customer operations, software support, finance teams, or shared services often see the country as a natural fit.

Ongoing Tax Obligations and Audits

Businesses must file monthly, quarterly, and annual returns. Many taxpayers must use eFPS or eBIRForms, and late filing comes with penalties. Larger companies must undergo an annual statutory audit, based on thresholds set by the SEC and BIR.

The BIR often focuses on:

  • VAT compliance
  • Cross-border transactions
  • Withholding taxes
  • Digital and e-commerce revenue

Local Expert Insight

Transfer pricing rules are important to keep in mind when starting up a business in the Philippines. Philippine subsidiaries must keep at least a 10% profit margin and bill their parent company in USD. Every incoming fund transfer needs a Certificate of Inward Remittance to maintain VAT zero-rating. Missing these steps can cost a company its incentives, so clear internal processes are essential.

Incorporation & Compliance Essentials

Setting up a subsidiary in the Philippines takes 1.5 to 2.5 months on average. This timeline covers SEC approval, capital verification, opening the TITF account, tax registration, and securing local government permits.

The registration process involves submitting the following documents to the SEC and BIR, such as Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, Treasurer’s Affidavit, and other documentary requirements. The process is structured but moves at different speeds depending on the city, especially once Barangay Clearance and Mayor’s Permit steps begin.

For business registration, you will need to prepare documentary requirements including valid IDs, proof of address, and SEC or DTI registration certificates. When securing local permits, it is necessary to obtain a business permit from the relevant local government unit, which includes applying for a mayor’s permit and ensuring compliance with local ordinances. Securing all necessary permits is essential for legal operation in the Philippines.

Most GEOS clients starting up a business in the Philippines form subsidiaries rather than branches. Subsidiaries limit liability to the entity’s Philippine capital, while branches extend liability to the parent company and require heavier reporting. Export enterprises also benefit from lower capitalization requirements if 60% or more of revenue comes from foreign customers.

Capital Requirements and Practical Considerations

The standard minimum paid-up capital for a foreign-owned corporation is USD 200,000. As part of the SEC registration process, you must submit a treasurer’s affidavit to verify that the required capital has been paid. Additionally, submitting the company’s by-laws is essential, as these documents outline the organizational structure and operational rules of your business.

The rules allow this to drop to USD 100,000 if the business uses advanced technology or hires 50 or more full-time employees.

Export enterprises can bypass capital rules entirely if they earn at least 60% of revenue from overseas clients. Many companies still choose to start with about PHP 1,000,000 in capital. It doesn’t affect regulatory fees and helps reduce the need for frequent remittances in the first year.

Required Board and Officer Structure

A foreign-owned Philippine corporation must follow strict rules for shareholders, directors, and officers.

Shareholders:

  • One corporate parent holding about 99.99% of shares (with a designated natural-person representative)
  • One natural person holding 1 share
  • One natural person who is a Philippine resident holding 1 share and serving as Chairman

Directors:

  • All must be natural persons
  • At least one must be a Philippine resident

Officers:

  • President: Must be a natural person
  • Corporate Secretary: Must be a Philippine citizen
  • Treasurer: Must be a Philippine resident
  • The President cannot serve as Corporate Secretary or Treasurer

This structure is mandatory, even if the corporation has only a single foreign parent. Alternatively, for single shareholders, the Philippines allows the formation of a One Person Corporation (OPC), also referred to as a person corporation. This business structure enables a single individual to register a corporation as the sole shareholder, with simplified legal requirements compared to traditional corporations.

The TITF (Treasurer-In-Trust-For) Account

The TITF account is a unique requirement to keep in mind when starting up a business in the Philippines. It must be opened before incorporation is approved. The bank holds 25% of the authorized capital stock, and the account remains in trust until the SEC finalizes the incorporation. To open a TITF account, banks require a minimum deposit, which is typically equivalent to 25% of the authorized capital stock.

Opening the TITF requires:

  • Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
  • Board resolution appointing the Treasurer-in-Trust
  • IDs of all incorporators
  • A physical office address

Processing usually takes 20+ days. A full corporate bank account can only be opened once the TITF process is complete and the SEC issues the Certificate of Incorporation.

FIA, FINL, and Foreign Ownership Screening

The SEC reviews every incorporation under the Foreign Investments Act (FIA). Part of this review is checking the Foreign Investments Negative List (FINL) to confirm whether the business activity is open to full foreign ownership or subject to restrictions.

Companies must also provide proof of inward remittance before the SEC issues final approval. For foreign businesses, required documents such as certificates of incorporation or board resolutions often need to be authenticated and notarized by the Philippine embassy to ensure their validity for use in the Philippines. This step confirms that the capital came from a legitimate foreign source.

Local Expert Insight

City-level compliance can affect timelines more than national rules. Some municipalities require in-person interviews, site inspections, or additional supporting documents before issuing Barangay Clearances or Mayor’s Permits. Having a valid business address within the local jurisdiction is essential, as it is a key requirement for obtaining these permits.

Two cities only a few kilometers apart may have completely different processes. Planning for these local variations helps avoid delays in the final stages of incorporation.

If your Philippines-based team will directly contribute to revenue, such as through client-facing support, contact centers, or bespoke software development, a Philippine subsidiary is the right structure.

Workforce & Employment Considerations

Starting up a business in the Philippines can be straightforward, but managing employees comes with structured rules. The country earns a 6/10 Employment Law Complexity Score because the Labor Code is detailed and employee protections remain strong. Documentation matters at every step, especially during hiring, performance management, and termination.

Employers are legally obligated to register employees with the social security system and contribute to social security. Additionally, businesses must contribute to the home development mutual fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as part of mandatory employee benefits. The Pag-IBIG Fund plays a key role in providing housing benefits for employees.

Labor courts also tend to favor employees. This is why the “Too Employee Friendly?” score sits at 2/5. Even small procedural errors can lead to reinstatement orders or back-pay penalties, so employers need clean paperwork and consistent HR processes.

Employer Costs and Mandatory Benefits

Employer payroll contributions are modest by regional standards. The country earns a 4/5 Employer Payroll Contributions Score because required payments to SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG remain manageable.

One standout rule is the mandatory 13th-month pay, required for all employees. This drives a lower 2/5 Benefits Score, as it adds a fixed annual cost no matter the industry or role.

Pension reporting also requires close attention. Monthly SSS submissions are strictly enforced, which explains the 2/5 Pension Management Score.

What’s New: 2025 SSS Contribution Increase

Starting January 2025, SSS contributions increased from 14% to 15% of monthly salary credits. The split now sits at:

  • 10% employer share (up from 9.5%)
  • 5% employee share (up from 4.5%)

The minimum and maximum Monthly Salary Credits also increased to:

  • PHP 5,000 minimum
  • PHP 35,000 maximum

This change slightly raises employer costs and reduces employee take-home pay, but it strengthens long-term pension benefits. Employers should update payroll systems, adjust their budgets, and issue notices explaining the change.

Unions and Worker Representation

Union activity exists but remains limited in scope. The Philippines earns a 4/5 Union Score, reflecting lower union influence compared to regional peers.

Key points to remember when starting up a business in the Philippines:

  • About 600 registered unions operate nationwide.
  • Union membership covers less than 10% of the workforce.
  • Unions focus on decent work, job security, and labor protections.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) works with both employer groups and unions to support policy dialogue, improve labor-mobility protections, and address issues like gender inequality, youth unemployment, and child labor.

Employer Organizations

The Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) represents employer interests in labor relations, wage policy, and national workforce issues. ECOP also collaborates with the ILO to strengthen labor-policy research, improve employer participation in social and economic reforms, and support business groups in challenging regions.

Termination Rules and Practical Considerations

Termination in the Philippines requires both procedural and substantive due process. This means:

  • Clear documentation
  • Proper notices
  • Valid grounds
  • A documented hearing or opportunity to be heard

A missing step, even a minor one, can lead to reinstatement or financial penalties. This is why companies invest heavily in HR compliance from day one.

Local Expert Insight

Remember, when starting up a business in the Philippines, keeping your documentation clean and your HR workflows structured goes a long way. But even experienced companies run into trouble when they overlook procedural steps. Termination cases are especially sensitive, and labor courts rarely excuse incomplete records.

Talent Availability & Salaries

You’ll find a deep and reliable talent market when starting up a business in the Philippines. Companies can hire across service, technical, and business functions without running into major shortages. This depth supports the country’s 10/10 Difficulty of Recruiting Score. Medium enterprises play a significant role in the Philippine economy, providing substantial employment opportunities and contributing to the overall strength of the talent market.

Sales, marketing, and finance teams are especially easy to scale. The shared-services sector has shaped a workforce that works well with global processes and high-volume operations. This drives the 5/5 Sales, Marketing & Finance Talent Score.

The country’s rise in the Global Innovation Index, from 100th in 2014 to 50th in 2025, also reflects how quickly business and digital skills are expanding.

Developer talent looks a bit different:

  • Strong availability at the junior level
  • Limited supply of senior engineers
  • Higher salaries required for experienced technical roles

This mix results in a 3/5 Developer Talent Score. The growing startup ecosystem—now home to 1,200+ startups and dozens of incubators—helps build technical skills, but demand for senior engineers still outpaces supply.

English fluency remains a major advantage. Most professionals write and speak English confidently, which supports global teams. But some government filings still require Filipino-language forms, which brings the Language Score to 2/5.

Government support for innovation also strengthens the long-term talent pipeline. Agencies like DTI, DOST, and DICT aim to expand tech capabilities through new Technology Business Incubators and startup programs, which will widen access to engineering and product talent over time.

Regional Cost Differences

Metro Manila still leads in talent supply, but other cities are quickly becoming strong alternatives:

  • Cebu: established BPO hub with strong service and tech talent
  • Clark: fast-growing workforce supported by modern infrastructure

Both hubs offer up to 40% lower compensation costs than Manila, making them attractive for companies starting up a business in the Philippines who want to control salary budgets while still hiring skilled teams.

Financial & Banking Considerations

The Philippine banking system works reliably, but it stays cautious with foreign-owned entities. This drives the 2/5 Financial Infrastructure Score. Companies can expect more steps and longer review periods than in other Southeast Asian markets.

When opening a corporate bank account, businesses must meet regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with legal standards. Maintaining clear financial records through a business bank account is essential for tax reporting, legal compliance, and enhancing business credibility.

KYC and AML Expectations

Banks apply strict KYC and anti–money laundering rules. These rules follow the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) and its updated regulations. Most foreign founders feel this early in the process.

  • Directors often need to appear in person.
  • Banks verify identity using face-to-face interviews and require a government issued ID for identity verification.
  • Beneficial owners must be disclosed in detail.
  • Third-party KYC support is allowed, but banks still maintain full responsibility.

These requirements support the 3/5 KYC Requirements Score.

Economic Context That Shapes Compliance

The Philippines has grown quickly over the last decade. GNI per capita has tripled. More than 11 million jobs were created. Unemployment and underemployment hit historic lows. This job-driven growth encouraged regulators to tighten AML controls, making the financial system more resilient as foreign investment increases.

Starting up a business in the Philippines can be straightforward, but managing employees comes with structured rules.

Operating Costs and Budget Planning

When starting up a business in the Philippines, you’ll find that operating costs are relatively moderate. Office space is significantly cheaper than in Singapore or Hong Kong, which helps companies manage early-stage budgets. This mix earns the Philippines a 6/10 Average Budget Score.

VAT and Expense Management

VAT rules require strict accuracy. Invoices must follow specific formats, include mandatory details, and match filing timelines. Businesses must also apply for authorization to print receipts from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and use accredited printers for official receipts and invoices. Any mismatches can affect VAT zero-rating eligibility.

  • Local invoicing rules are detailed.
  • Timing matters for VAT reporting.
  • Errors can trigger additional reviews or delays.

These factors explain the 3/5 Expense Management Score.

Local Expert Insight

Subsidiaries must keep both USD and PHP accounts:

  • The USD account supports monthly transfer pricing adjustments.
  • The PHP account is needed for local payments and compliance.

Maintaining both is essential for retaining VAT zero-rating privileges.

Immigration & Work Permits

Immigration in the Philippines follows a strict, multi-step sequence. This structure gives the country a 2/5 Immigration Complexity Score, since expat hiring depends on completing each step in the right order. The required path when starting up a business in the Philippines looks like this:

Foreign nationals engaging in business activities, such as negotiations, conferences, or investment-related purposes, are required to obtain a business visa for extended stays in the Philippines.

When companies break the sequence or file documents too early, processing slows down. Some applications even restart. Timing also depends heavily on the local DOLE and Immigration offices involved. Some move quickly. Others add interviews or extra verification.

Provisional Work Permit (PWP)

A Provisional Work Permit helps bridge the gap while the 9(g) visa is still pending. Foreign nationals can begin working once this permit is issued, but only during the visa processing period.

  • Issued by the Bureau of Immigration
  • Requires the standard application form and supporting documents
  • Process includes document screening and fee payment
  • Cost is roughly PHP 4,040

The PWP is temporary. It expires once the 9(g) visa is approved.

Small but notable regulatory updates

DOLE issued new rules in early 2025 that will adjust how AEPs are filed and reviewed. The changes are not yet effective, but they signal tighter oversight. Key shifts include a longer filing window (now 15 calendar days) and broader publication requirements for the labor market test. Corporate officers remain exempt from publication.

For up to date information on visa and permit requirements, always consult official government sources.

Unique Insights for Expanding Into the Philippines

Starting up a business in the Philippines comes with a few structural rules that foreign companies need to understand early. These rules affect everything from dividend planning to permitting timelines, and they often catch new entrants off guard.

Retained Earnings and Dividend Requirements

The Philippines takes a strict view on retained earnings. If a company’s retained earnings exceed its paid-in capital, regulators expect dividends to be declared unless the business has a clear justification Common grounds for retaining earnings include:

  • Board-approved expansion projects
  • Loan covenants that restrict dividend payments
  • Documented contingencies that require financial reserves

For US companies, dividends generally face a 15% withholding tax under the US-PH tax treaty. The old IAET penalty tax has been repealed under the CREATE Act, but the retained-earnings rule itself remains fully enforceable under SEC Rule 68. Companies still need clear documentation to defend any excess retention.

Governance Is Highly Relationship-Driven

Many regulatory processes work faster when decision-makers are physically present. This is not formal policy, but it is a well-known reality. Government offices often respond more quickly when representatives show up in person, build rapport, and follow up directly.

Compliance Varies by City

Local governments (LGUs) have autonomy. This means requirements shift from one city to the next. Common differences include:

  • Physical inspections before issuing business permits
  • Extra barangay-level clearances
  • Longer queues in major cities vs. faster processing in emerging hubs

Foreign companies planning multiple sites should expect uneven timelines across municipalities.

PEZA & BOI Incentives Offer Strong Upside

Both PEZA and BOI offer generous incentives, but approval is never automatic. The evaluation process is detailed, documentation-heavy, and involves ongoing compliance once approved.

PEZA incentives often include:

  • 4–7 years of Income Tax Holiday
  • Option for 5% Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT) or Enhanced Deductions
  • Tax- and duty-free importation of equipment and materials
  • VAT zero-rating on local purchases
  • Up to 30% domestic sales allowance
  • Long-term land lease (up to 75 years)
  • PEZA visa options for foreign employees

These programs remain major expansion drivers, but companies should budget time for reviews, site qualification, and repetitive compliance filings.

Bottom Line

The Philippines offers strong incentives and a welcoming business environment, but expansion isn’t plug-and-play. Dividend rules, local government variations, and relationship-based governance all shape the operating experience. Companies that plan for these factors early gain a smoother path from incorporation to full operation.

How GEOS Simplifies Your Expansion into the Philippines

Starting up a business in the Philippines comes with layers of rules. You deal with SEC filings, foreign-ownership reviews, banking requirements, local government permitting, officer appointments, and ongoing compliance that shifts depending on the city. GEOS handles that entire lifecycle so nothing slips. GEOS also supports a wide range of business activities and business operations, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.

GEOS coordinates every major step, including:

  • SEC registration and drafting compliance-ready documents
  • Foreign Investments Act (FIA) review and capital-structure alignment
  • Processing your Treasury Investment Trust Fund (TITF) deposit
  • Appointing local corporate officers and managing their filings
  • Business permits from both the city and barangay
  • Ongoing entity maintenance across all Philippine agencies

Because GEOS manages these pieces as one workflow, you avoid the common traps: misaligned capital requirements, delayed officer notarizations, missed permit renewals, and multi-week back-and-forth with local offices.

AI-Powered Global Expansion Support

GEOS also gives you Geovanna, an AI assistant trained on jurisdiction-specific rules. She tracks permit deadlines, organizes your documents, and keeps you updated on agency processing queues, including the notoriously unpredictable timelines at the SEC, BIR, and local city halls. You always know what’s outstanding and what the next step is.

Is the Philippines the Right Fit for Your Business?

With a GEOS Global Subsidiary Index Score of 57.6, the Philippines fits companies looking to scale service delivery, customer support, finance, and shared-services operations. Talent is deep and affordable, but the jurisdiction comes with procedural friction.

Foreign entities must navigate capital-structuring rules, city-by-city compliance differences, and multi-stage immigration workflows. Choosing the right business structure, such as a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship, is crucial for legal compliance and operational efficiency during the registration process.

GEOS removes that friction. You get a fully managed setup, clear sequencing, and an operating entity that stays compliant from day one.

📩 Contact GEOS for a customized expansion strategy.

This article does not constitute legal advice.

About the Author

Shane George

Based in Toronto, Shane has spent his career scaling international revenue teams. As a Co-Founder of GEOS, he’s now focused on helping clients set up their own fully owned foreign subsidiaries along with the appropriate employment infrastructure.

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