Registering a non-profit organisation (NPO) in the Philippines is a strategic step toward gaining legal personality. It allows your group to enter into contracts, hire employees, and apply for tax-exempt status. Most NPOs are registered as non-stock corporations under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Core Requirements for how to register a non profit organization in the philippines SEC Registration
To begin the process, you must prepare several primary documents. These ensure the organisation adheres to the Revised Corporation Code.
Name Verification Slip: You must reserve and verify your organisation’s name through the SEC’s eSPARC portal.
Articles of Incorporation (AOI): This document must clearly state that the organisation is non-stock and non-profit. It should outline your primary purpose, such as charitable, religious, or educational goals.
By-Laws: These are the internal rules of the organisation, covering board elections, membership meetings, and duties of officers.
List of Members and Contributors: This must be certified by the Corporate Secretary or Treasurer.
Treasurer’s Affidavit: An acknowledgment by the elected Treasurer regarding the contributions received.
Minimum of 5 Incorporators: You need at least five (but no more than 15) natural persons to act as incorporators. A majority must be residents of the Philippines.
Special Requirements for Foundations
If you intend to use the word «Foundation» in your name, additional rules apply:
Minimum Contribution: A foundation requires an initial capital contribution of at least SGD 25,000 (approximately PHP 1,000,000).
Bank Certificate: A notarized certificate of bank deposit proving the existence of this capital.
Modus Operandi: A written statement of your willingness to allow the SEC to audit your books and records.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
The SEC has modernised the application through the Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company (eSPARC).
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Online Account Creation: Register an account on the eSPARC portal.
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Name Reservation: Submit your proposed name. Once approved, pay the reservation fee (roughly SGD 3 or PHP 120).
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Data Entry: Input details of your incorporators, trustees, and the organisation’s purpose.
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Document Generation: The system will generate your AOI and By-laws. You must download, print, and have these documents notarized.
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Payment of Fees: Pay the filing fees through the SEC’s online payment portal or via Landbank. Fees typically start around SGD 50 to SGD 125 depending on the entity type.
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Submission and Approval: Upload the signed and notarized copies. Once reviewed and approved, the SEC will issue a Digital Certificate of Incorporation.
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Securing SEC registration is the foundational step, but it is not the end of the journey. To fully operate, I recommend proceeding immediately to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and applying for a Mayor’s Permit in your local municipality. For long-term sustainability, you may also seek accreditation from the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) to allow your donors to claim tax deductions.
Would you like me how to register a non profit organization in the philippines draft the «Primary Purpose» clause for your Articles of Incorporation based on your specific mission?