SEC Registration Requirements & Online Registration Guide for Partnerships & Corporations (Philippines)
Complete guide to SEC registration requirements, the eSPARC online registration process, document checklist, fees, SEC registration search and verification, and how to receive your SEC certificate of registration for partnerships and corporations in the Philippines.
What you’ll learn in this SEC registration requirements guide
This SEC registration requirements guide for partnerships and corporations in the Philippines explains how the eSPARC online registration process works, what documents you need, how fees are computed, how to receive your SEC certificate of registration (Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Recording), and how to perform a SEC registration search and verification to check any company's SEC registration status.
For related steps, also see our Business Registration and Bank Account Guide , SEC eSECURE Credentialing Guide , VAT vs Non-VAT Tax Type Guide , and TRAIN Law Compliance Guide .
To plan your SEC registration budget, paid-up capital, and follow-on costs (DST, notarial, and BIR registration fees), you can also use our Budget Calculator as part of your overall startup cost planning.
The SEC registration requirements for a Partnership or Corporation in the Philippines are processed primarily online through the SEC Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company (eSPARC) system. The steps below reflect the most current online process, from name verification to receiving your SEC certificate of registration.
📝 Step-by-Step SEC Registration Process (Partnership/Corporation)
The following steps apply to both domestic stock corporations (including One Person Corporations) and partnerships via the eSPARC system. The official website is the primary hub for this process.
1. Online Name Verification and Application Filing (eSPARC)
- Go to the SEC eSPARC website.
- Sign up and log in to the system.
- Select your company type (Corporation or Partnership) and the processing method (for example, Regular or OneSEC, if applicable for your type).
- Verify and reserve your proposed business name. The system will check if the name is available and compliant with SEC rules.
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Fill out the online application form with all the necessary details, including:
- Primary purpose or nature of the business.
- Principal office address.
- Capital structure (Authorised, Subscribed, and Paid-Up Capital for Corporations; Total Capital Contribution for Partnerships).
- Details of the incorporators or partners, directors, and officers.
- Review the application and submit it through the eSPARC system.
2. SEC Review and Payment Assessment
- Wait for the SEC to review your application (status will be sent via email). This usually takes a few business days.
- Once approved for payment, the SEC will issue a Payment Assessment Form (PAF) detailing the exact registration fees.
3. Payment of Fees
- Pay the fees indicated on the PAF using the available payment gateways (eSPAYSEC, Landbank, or other over-the-counter options).
4. Document Submission and SEC Certificate of Registration Issuance
- For Regular Processing: Download the generated documents (Articles of Incorporation or Partnership, By-Laws, Treasurer’s Affidavit). Have these documents signed and notarised by the incorporators or partners. Submit the hard copies along with the proof of payment to the designated SEC Processing Office via courier or registered mail within the specified period (usually 30 calendar days).
- For ZERO Processing (Zuper Easy Registration Online, for certain company types): The system issues a digitally signed SEC certificate of registration (Certificate of Incorporation or Recording) upon payment, eliminating the need for physical signing and submission of hard copies.
- Once all SEC registration requirements are met, the SEC will issue your official SEC certificate of registration — formally called the Certificate of Incorporation (for a Corporation) or Certificate of Recording (for a Partnership). This document serves as proof that your entity is legally registered with the SEC and is authorized to operate as a corporation or partnership in the Philippines.
✅ SEC Registration Requirements: Document Checklist
The specific SEC registration requirements vary based on the type of entity (stock, non-stock, general partnership, limited partnership, and so on), but the core documents you need to prepare are:
- Name Verification Slip (generated in eSPARC).
- Articles of Incorporation (AOI) (for a Corporation) or Articles of Partnership (AP) (for a Partnership).
- By-Laws (for a Corporation).
- Treasurer's Affidavit (for a Stock Corporation).
- Joint Affidavit of Two or More Incorporators (if the AOI does not contain a statement that the incorporators have substantially met the legal requirements).
- Proof of Paid-up Capital (Bank Certificate of Deposit for the Paid-Up Capital). Note: The minimum paid-up capital is often not required for a corporation, except for certain regulated industries.
- Cover Sheet .
- Endorsement or Clearance from other government agencies, if the business is in a regulated industry (for example, financial, educational, and so on).
💰 Estimated Basic SEC Registration Fees (Philippines)
The fees are calculated based on a formula tied to the authorised capital stock or capital contribution. The Payment Assessment Form (PAF) will have the final, accurate amount.
| Fee Component | Stock Corporation (with Par Value) | Partnership |
|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation Fee | ₱100.00 (per 30 days) | ₱100.00 (per 30 days) |
| Filing Fee (Articles of Inc./Part.) | 1/5 of 1% of the Authorised Capital Stock (min. ₱2,000.00) | 1/5 of 1% of the Total Contributed Capital (min. ₱2,000.00) |
| Legal Research Fee (LRF) | 1% of the Filing Fee (min. ₱10.00) | 1% of the Filing Fee (min. ₱10.00) |
| By-Laws Fee | ₱1,010.00 (fixed) | N/A (By-Laws are optional for a Partnership) |
| Stock & Transfer Book Fee | ₱470.00 (fixed) | N/A |
Example Estimation for a Stock Corporation:
If a corporation has an Authorised Capital Stock of ₱1,000,000.00:
- Filing Fee: ₱1,000,000 x 0.002 = ₱2,000.00
- LRF: ₱2,000.00 x 0.01 = ₱20.00
- Name Reservation: ₱100.00
- By-Laws: ₱1,010.00
- Stock & Transfer Book Fee: ₱470.00
- Estimated SEC Total: ₱3,600.00
Important Note:
The fees above are for the SEC registration only. You will have additional costs for:
- Documentary Stamp Tax (DST) on the original issuance of shares (approximately ₱20.00 per ₱200.00 par value of shares, or 1/5 of 1% of the capital for Partnerships).
- Notarial fees for the documents (varies).
- BIR Registration Fee (₱500.00 per year, paid annually).
📜 Your SEC Certificate of Registration: What It Is and How to Use It
After completing all SEC registration requirements and paying the required fees, the SEC issues your SEC certificate of registration — officially called the Certificate of Incorporation (for corporations) or Certificate of Recording (for partnerships). This is the primary legal document proving your business entity exists and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The SEC certificate of registration typically contains your SEC Registration Number, corporate name, date of registration, principal office address, and the term of existence of the entity. You will need this certificate for opening a corporate bank account, securing local government permits (Mayor's Permit, Barangay Clearance), registering with the BIR, and transacting with clients, suppliers, and government agencies.
For businesses that completed registration through the eSPARC ZERO processing path, a digitally signed electronic copy of the SEC certificate of registration is issued directly through the system. For regular processing, you will claim the physical certificate from the SEC Processing Office after submitting your notarized documents.
To verify the authenticity of a SEC certificate of registration or to check the status of a registered corporation or partnership, you can use the SEC eSPARC portal or the SEC eSECURE system for credentialing and document verification.
🔍 How to Check & Verify SEC Registration (SEC Registration Search)
One of the most common questions we receive is "how to check SEC registration" — whether you're verifying your own company's status or checking if a business you're dealing with is legitimately registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines. Here's how to do a SEC company search and SEC registration verification:
1. SEC Company Search via the SEC Website (Philippines)
The official SEC website Philippines is www.sec.gov.ph. You can check with SEC by using their online verification tools to search for registered corporations and partnerships. The SEC maintains a searchable database where you can look up a company by name or by SEC registration number.
2. SEC Registration Search through eSPARC
The SEC eSPARC portal also allows you to verify the status of a pending or completed registration. If you have your transaction reference number, you can track your SEC online registration application status online.
3. SEC Registration Verification via SEC eSECURE
For credentialing and document verification, the SEC eSECURE system provides an additional layer of verification. This is useful when you need to confirm the authenticity of a SEC certificate of registration or verify the credentials of a registered entity.
Tip: Always check with SEC directly before transacting with any company claiming to be SEC-registered. A legitimate SEC registration number can be verified through the official SEC website Philippines. Be cautious of entities that cannot provide verifiable SEC registration details.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About SEC Registration
What does SEC mean in the Philippines?
SEC stands for the Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines. It is the government agency responsible for registering, regulating, and supervising all corporations and partnerships in the Philippines, including the registration of securities and the enforcement of corporate compliance. The SEC operates under the Revised Corporation Code (Republic Act No. 11232).
What is the official SEC website in the Philippines?
The official SEC website Philippines is www.sec.gov.ph . For online registration of corporations and partnerships, the SEC uses the eSPARC portal at esparc.sec.gov.ph . Always make sure you are on the official government website to avoid scams.
How do I do a SEC company search?
You can perform a SEC company search by visiting the official SEC website (www.sec.gov.ph) and using their online verification or search tool. You can search by company name or by SEC registration number. This allows you to check if a corporation or partnership is registered, active, or has been revoked. You can also verify registration status through the eSPARC portal for recently filed applications.
How to check SEC registration of a company?
To check SEC registration of a company, go to the SEC website Philippines and use the company search or verification tool. Enter the company name or SEC registration number. The results will show whether the entity is registered, its registration date, status (active, suspended, revoked), and other basic corporate information. You can also request a certified true copy of the SEC registration documents from the SEC office if you need official records.
What is a SEC registration number?
A SEC registration number is a unique identification number assigned by the Securities and Exchange Commission to each registered corporation or partnership. It appears on your SEC certificate of registration (Certificate of Incorporation for corporations, Certificate of Recording for partnerships). You will need this number for bank account opening, BIR registration, local government permits, and other official transactions. You can verify any SEC registration number through the SEC website.
Can I do SEC online registration?
Yes. SEC online registration is done through the eSPARC (Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company) system at esparc.sec.gov.ph. The entire process — from name verification, document submission, fee payment, to receiving your SEC certificate of registration — can be completed online. Some documents may still require notarization and physical submission depending on your processing path.
How do I verify a SEC registration?
SEC registration verification can be done through the SEC website Philippines using their online search tool, through the eSPARC portal for application status tracking, or through the SEC eSECURE system for credentialing and document authentication. If you need to verify the authenticity of a SEC certificate of registration, you can also visit the SEC main office or email their verification division with the SEC registration number and company name.
What is the difference between SEC and DTI registration?
SEC registration is for corporations and partnerships, while DTI registration is for sole proprietorships (business names). If you are registering a corporation, partnership, or One Person Corporation (OPC), you register with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If you are a sole proprietor, you register your business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). See our DTI Business Name Registration Guide for more details.