Register and Open a Representative Office in the Philippines

Setting up and registering a representative office in the Philippines is a process that involves different procedures and documentation requirements. We specializes in assisting foreign companies set up and register representative offices in the Philippines. We will provide consultancy services to you and your company, and assist in processing pertinent documents and permits.

What is a Representative Office?

A representative office is a foreign-owned corporation established by its parent company to conduct non-transactional operations in the Philippines. Representative offices are easier to set-up than both branches and subsidiaries, since they do not engage in transactional operations.

What you need to know before registering a Representative Office in the Philippines

• Representative offices exist under foreign laws, and are fully subsidized by their head offices
• Representative offices are not qualified to register with either PEZA or BOI
• Representative offices are not subject to income taxes, but are not allowed to generate income from any services performed in the Philippines.
• Representative offices in the Philippines are suitable for these types of industries:
  • Information dissemination
  • Communication centers
  • Customer Service centers
  • Quality Control centers
  • Product promotion
  • Marketing
• Representative offices are not allowed to offer their services to third parties

What are the requirements for registering a Representative Office?

Listed below are the documentation requirements for registering a representative office in the Philippines:

• Form F-104;
• Name verification slip;
• Authenticated copy of a board resolution, which must:
  • authorize the establishment of the representative office
  • designate the office's resident agent
  • stipulate that in the absence of the agent, summons may be served to the SEC
• Financial Statements;
  • Of a date not exceeding 1 year immediately prior to the application
  • Certified by an independent CPA from the home country;
• Affidavit of solvency;
• Authenticated articles of incorporation;
• Proof of inward remittance;
• Registration Data Sheet;
• Resident Agent's acceptance of appointment

What are the procedures in setting up a Representative Office in the Philippines?

Enumerated below is the complete procedure in registering a representative office in the Philippines:

• Company must reserve a name for its representative office from the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
• Company must present all documentation requirements for pre-processing at the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);
• Company must present verification of paid-up capital from a local bank;
• Company must present their resident agent's appointment confirmation;
• Company must pay all filing fees to the designated cashier;
• Company must obtain registration from the records division of the SEC;
• Company must complete all licensing procedures with the pertinent government agencies