Business Guide
Practical information for foreigners and entrepreneurs doing business in the Philippines, covering business registration, foreign ownership, permits, taxes, investment opportunities, suppliers, partnerships, and other key considerations for starting and operating a business.
-
Business Tax Registration in the Philippines: BIR Guide for Corporations 2026
Registering a corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is only one part of establishing a business in the Philippines. Once the company has been incorporated, it must also enter the Philippine tax system. This means registering with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), obtaining the proper tax registration, setting up books of accounts,…
-
One Person Corporation vs Regular Corporation in the Philippines: Which Is Better for a Foreign Investor?
A One Person Corporation allows a single investor to establish a Philippine corporation without additional shareholders. This guide compares an OPC with a regular corporation, including foreign ownership, control, liability, officers, capitalization, adding investors, and when each structure makes sense.
-
Mud Crab Fattening and Export Business in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Foreign Investors
Can a foreign investor build a profitable mud crab export business in the Philippines? This guide examines a 4,000-box RAS facility, crab fattening and conditioning, Bicol sourcing, export grading, setup costs and projected profitability.
-
Mud Crab in the Philippines: A High-Value Species for Investment and Export
Mud crab or Mangrove crab, locally known as alimango, is one of the Philippines’ most valuable aquaculture species. Found naturally in mangrove, estuarine, brackishwater, and coastal environments, mud crabs belong to the genus Scylla and are widely cultured and traded throughout Southeast Asia. According to the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), three mud crab…
-
Can a Foreigner Open a Restaurant in the Philippines? Complete 2026 Guide
Yes, a foreigner can open and invest in a restaurant in the Philippines. However, the answer becomes more complicated when you ask: How much of the restaurant can the foreigner own? A foreign investor may be able to own 100% of a Philippine restaurant company, but the permitted ownership structure depends on the amount of…
-
Foreign Ownership in the Philippines: What Businesses Can Foreigners Own in 2026?
Foreigners can legally own 100% of many businesses in the Philippines, while other industries impose 40%, 30%, or 25% foreign ownership limits. This practical 2026 guide explains the current rules, capitalization requirements, retail thresholds, and the 13th Foreign Investment Negative List.
-
How to Register a Business in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for 2026
Starting a business in the Philippines can be relatively straightforward, but business registration in the Philippines often feels more complicated than expected, especially for first-time entrepreneurs and foreign investors. The main reason is simple: there is no single “business registration.” Depending on the type of business you are establishing, you may need to deal with…
-
10 Best Businesses Retirees Can Start in the Philippines
The best businesses for retirees in the Philippines are usually not the largest or most expensive businesses to start. They are businesses that use the retiree’s experience, knowledge, network, and available time without putting retirement savings at unnecessary risk. For many retirees and expatriates who settle in the Philippines, retirement becomes the beginning of a…
-
How to Choose the Right Retirement Business in the Philippines
Choosing the right retirement business in the Philippines requires more than finding an idea that looks profitable. A pension can provide financial stability while an expat or retiree builds a business, but that steady income should not become an excuse to invest recklessly. The best retirement business should protect the owner’s capital while making good…
-
Planning a Business in the Philippines? A Practical Guide for Foreigners
The Philippines offers many opportunities for small businesses, but opportunities need to be viewed realistically. A good business idea is not simply about finding a product or service that appears to be in demand. The business must also match the location, available capital, skills, management capacity, government requirements, competition, and—most importantly—the people who will actually…
