How Foreigners Start a Business in the Philippines (2026)
2026 guide to registering a foreign-owned business: SEC/DTI, the 60/40 rule, BIR, mayor’s permit, AEP work visa, BOI/PEZA incentives, costs and timelines.
Community-written and moderated by volunteers. Based on real experiences and official sources — offices may interpret rules differently.
Processes may vary by office, city or province. Always confirm with your local agency before traveling.
Summary
2026 guide to registering a foreign-owned business: SEC/DTI, the 60/40 rule, BIR, mayor’s permit, AEP work visa, BOI/PEZA incentives, costs and timelines.
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What's included
- Downloadable checklist
- Contacts & official links
- Realistic timeline
- Expats' mistakes & shortcuts
- Updates when rules change
A glimpse
Foreigners can own 100% of a Philippine business in most sectors, but the rules, capital thresholds and paperwork sequence trip up even experienced entrepreneurs. Here is how the system actually works in 2026. The 60/40 rule and the negative list The famous "60/40 rule" only applies to specific…
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Edit history
1 revisions · every change is recorded and reversible
- v1CurrentPublishedAug 10, 2026
Rewrite 2026: full EN/ES content — 60/40 rule, FINL, SEC/eSPARC, BSP remittance, barangay/mayor's permit, BIR, AEP/9(g), BOI/PEZA incentives, costs, timeline, common mistakes; premium ES added
ATby Archipelago TeamEN: Original onlyES: Reviewed translation