https://ttfc.law/blog/ Legal insights, updates, and practical guidance on Philippine law for foreign investors and international clients. en-us Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:52:29 GMT https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-06-11-neunzig-sc-case-foreign-land-ownership-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-06-11-neunzig-sc-case-foreign-land-ownership-philippines/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Supreme Court's February 2025 ruling in G.R. No. 260983 (Klaus Peter Neunzig v. Hon. Court of Appeals and Rossana Balcom-Doring) declared simulated land contracts void ab initio, applied the in pari delicto doctrine to deny both parties any legal recourse, referred the case to the Solicitor General for possible escheat or forfeiture of the land, and referred the foreign investor, his Filipino nominee, and the notary to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution. This article analyzes the decision, the constitutional framework it applied, and the legitimate legal structures available to foreign nationals seeking Philippine real property in 2026. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-06-09-13th-foreign-investment-negative-list-eo-113-2026-foreign-investors/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-06-09-13th-foreign-investment-negative-list-eo-113-2026-foreign-investors/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Executive Order No. 113, Series of 2026, promulgates the Thirteenth Regular Foreign Investment Negative List. Signed on April 13, 2026, published on April 17, and effective May 2, 2026, it replaces the 12th list issued in 2022 and changes the rules for retail trade, telecommunications, renewable energy and defense materiel. This guide explains how the Negative List works, what changed, what stays restricted, how the Anti-Dummy Law and the SEC's HARBOR beneficial ownership registry apply alongside it, how BIR RMC No. 24-2026 treats cross-border service fees, and the practical steps for structuring an investment under the new rules. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-06-09-how-foreign-investors-set-up-philippine-holding-company-2026/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-06-09-how-foreign-investors-set-up-philippine-holding-company-2026/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT A legal guide for foreign investors on establishing a Philippine holding company — covering the tax optimization benefits of intercorporate dividends under the National Internal Revenue Code, the SEC's beneficial ownership disclosure rules and HARBOR registry, CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066) incentives for holding structures, thin capitalization considerations, anti-dummy law compliance, and practical structuring guidance for multi-jurisdiction investment vehicles in 2026. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-06-02-philippine-reits-foreign-investors-2026-guide/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-06-02-philippine-reits-foreign-investors-2026-guide/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT The SEC's January 2026 revisions to the REIT Rules — SEC Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2026 — are the latest revision of the Philippine REIT rules. For foreign investors seeking exposure to Philippine income-generating real estate, the new rules expressly list infrastructure and logistics assets as sources of REIT income, let REITs hold assets through unlisted special purpose vehicles and joint ventures, and give sponsors two years to reinvest. This article explains how foreign nationals and foreign-incorporated entities can legally invest in, sponsor, or structure a Philippine REIT in 2026 — covering the expanded qualifying assets, the 60/40 Filipino ownership rule and leasehold-only structures under RA 9856, beneficial ownership reporting under the separate HARBOR registry, tax treatment of REIT dividends and gains, the PSE brokerage account opening process, and a compliance checklist. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-30-foreign-divorce-recognition-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-30-foreign-divorce-recognition-philippines/ Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT A legal guide to the judicial recognition of foreign divorce decrees in the Philippines under Article 26 of the Family Code — covering the landmark Republic v. Ng (2024) and Republic v. Manalo (2018) rulings, the evolving limping marriage doctrine, the step-by-step procedure before the Regional Trial Court, documentary authentication requirements, annotation in the civil registry, and the practical implications for foreign investors married to Filipino citizens. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-28-srrv-vs-sirv-foreign-investors-philippines-2026/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-28-srrv-vs-sirv-foreign-investors-philippines-2026/ Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Philippines offers two flagship long-term residency programs for foreign nationals — the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) and the Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV). Both grant indefinite stay, but the differences in minimum investment, eligible uses of funds, work rights, and administrative requirements are substantial. This article compares the two to help foreign investors choose the right pathway — with verified legal citations, updated 2026 deposit requirements, and a practical decision framework for each investor profile. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-26-closing-foreign-company-philippines-2026/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-26-closing-foreign-company-philippines-2026/ Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT For foreign investors and multinational companies operating in the Philippines, the decision to wind down a Philippine subsidiary, branch office, or ROHQ is never simple — and until recently, the process could be protracted, opaque, and administratively punishing. The Bureau of Internal Revenue's issuance of Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 47-2026 on May 19, 2026 marks a meaningful inflection point: micro taxpayers, and taxpayers with gross sales of up to PHP 3 million or gross assets upon retirement of up to PHP 8 million (including small foreign-invested enterprises), can obtain a tax clearance within three working days of submitting complete documents and paying any outstanding liabilities, and micro taxpayers are not subject to a mandatory audit for closure. This article walks foreign investors step by step through the closure and dissolution procedure for foreign-owned entities in the Philippines — covering BIR registration cancellation under RMC 47-2026 and RA 11976 (the Ease of Paying Taxes Act), Securities and Exchange Commission voluntary dissolution procedures, PEZA or BOI deregistration if applicable, employee separation and DOLE compliance, post-closure tax obligations and the extended prescriptive periods under the McDonald's Philippines Realty Corp. v. CIR doctrine, and the practical checklist every foreign investor's Philippine counsel should run through before initiating wind-down. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-23-foreign-fintech-company-philippines-bsp-license-guide/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-23-foreign-fintech-company-philippines-bsp-license-guide/ Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Philippines has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic fintech markets — but for foreign founders and investors looking to build, scale, or launch digital financial services in the country, the regulatory path is a minefield of licensing requirements, moratoriums, capitalization thresholds, and compliance obligations that change year by year. This article explains the Philippine fintech regulatory landscape in 2026, covering the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) licensing framework, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration process for fintech entities, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) compliance regime, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) obligations, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (RA 12010) and BSP Circular No. 1213's expanded compliance mandates, and the practical roadmap for foreign investors seeking to establish a compliant fintech presence in the Philippines. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-19-data-privacy-act-foreign-companies-philippines-ra-10173/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-19-data-privacy-act-foreign-companies-philippines-ra-10173/ Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Philippines' Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) reaches well beyond companies with a Manila office. If you collect, process, or store personal data of people in the Philippines, you need to know how the law applies to you. This guide covers RA 10173's scope and extraterritorial reach, the obligations of personal information controllers and processors, data subject rights, Data Protection Officer registration, the 72-hour breach notification rule, cross-border transfers, the National Privacy Commission's 2024–2026 issuances on AI systems (NPC Advisory No. 2024-04) and data scraping (NPC Advisory No. 2026-01), the SEC's beneficial ownership rules, and the criminal and administrative penalties at stake — with a practical compliance checklist for foreign companies. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-14-visa-types-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-14-visa-types-foreign-investors-philippines/ Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT An overview of the Philippine visa and permit options for foreign investors, executives and business owners — the 9(g) work visa and AEP, the 47(a)(2) visa for PEZA- and BOI-registered enterprises, the SIRV, the SRRV, the 9(d) treaty trader visa, and short-term work permits — with the legal basis, requirements, costs and timelines for each. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-12-philippine-competition-act-foreign-investors-merger-notification/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-12-philippine-competition-act-foreign-investors-merger-notification/ Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Republic Act No. 10667 reaches foreign companies that do business in the Philippines — and foreign deals that affect Philippine markets. This guide covers what you need to know: the per se ban on price-fixing and bid rigging, the rules on abuse of dominant position, the PCC's investigative and penalty powers, and the compulsory merger notification regime, including the thresholds effective March 1, 2026 of PHP 9.1 billion (Size of Party) and PHP 3.8 billion (Size of Transaction), the 30-day filing deadline, the Phase 1 and Phase 2 review timeline, and the gun-jumping rules that can void a transaction. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-09-rohq-vs-branch-office-vs-subsidiary-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-09-rohq-vs-branch-office-vs-subsidiary-foreign-investors-philippines/ Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT A foreign company can enter the Philippines through a Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQ), a Branch Office, a Representative Office, or a Domestic Subsidiary. The choice is not merely administrative — it determines your tax liability, the activities you may legally conduct, the capital you must commit, the regulators that oversee you, and whether your parent company answers for Philippine liabilities. This guide compares all four structures under current Philippine law, including the end of the ROHQ preferential rate and the CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066), and offers a practical decision framework. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-07-vat-digital-services-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-07-vat-digital-services-foreign-companies-philippines/ Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Republic Act No. 12023 — the VAT on Digital Services Act — fundamentally changed the Philippines' tax treatment of digital services consumed within its borders. For foreign companies that provide software, streaming content, cloud infrastructure, or online advertising to Philippine consumers, or that purchase these services from foreign providers, understanding the new VAT framework is essential to staying compliant in 2025 and 2026. This guide covers the scope of covered digital services, registration requirements under the BIR's VDS Portal, B2B and B2C compliance pathways, VAT rates and exemptions, penalty exposure, and the practical steps foreign companies must take to address their digital services tax obligations. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-05-sec-annual-compliance-foreign-corporations-2026/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-05-sec-annual-compliance-foreign-corporations-2026/ Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Two SEC issuances shape annual compliance for foreign-invested enterprises in the Philippines this year: SEC Memorandum Circular No. 9, Series of 2026, which sets the 2026 filing rules for Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and the General Information Sheet (GIS), and SEC Memorandum Circular No. 15, Series of 2025, on beneficial ownership disclosure. This article covers both, the mechanics of filing through the SEC's Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST), the 2026 deadlines, and the penalties that can follow late or deficient filings. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-04-anti-dummy-law-compliance-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-04-anti-dummy-law-compliance-foreign-investors-philippines/ Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Commonwealth Act No. 108 — the Anti-Dummy Law — remains one of the most consequential and least understood statutes governing foreign business activity in the Philippines. Against the backdrop of the Philippines' liberalized investment climate and the Securities and Exchange Commission's Memorandum Circular No. 15, Series of 2025 establishing the Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Rules of 2026, beneficial ownership is now on the record with the SEC. This article explains the Anti-Dummy Law's statutory framework, the sectors it continues to affect despite recent reforms, the mechanics of beneficial ownership reporting under the new SEC rules, the criminal and civil consequences of violations, and a practical compliance roadmap for foreign investors seeking to establish or maintain a lawful presence in the Philippine market. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-04-bir-tax-audit-guide-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-05-04-bir-tax-audit-guide-foreign-companies-philippines/ Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT On January 27, 2026, the Bureau of Internal Revenue formally lifted its nationwide suspension of tax audits and field enforcement operations through Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 8-2026, which had been imposed under RMC No. 107-2025. For foreign companies with Philippine operations — whether operating as subsidiaries, branch offices, ROHQs, or representative offices — the resumption of BIR audit activity means that a compliance posture relaxed during the suspension is no longer adequate. This guide covers the revised audit policies, controls, and procedures under RMO 1-2026, with which audits conducted after RMC 8-2026 must comply, the types and phases of BIR tax audits, the rights and obligations of foreign taxpayers during examination, the most common audit findings affecting foreign companies, the penalties and assessment process, and the practical steps foreign investors should take now to prepare their Philippine operations for a renewed enforcement environment. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-30-create-more-act-foreign-investors-philippines-ra-12066/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-30-create-more-act-foreign-investors-philippines-ra-12066/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Approved on November 8, 2024, Republic Act No. 12066 — the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act — represents the most significant overhaul of the Philippine investment incentives framework since the CREATE Act of 2021. For foreign investors planning entry into the Philippine market, the changes are substantial: reduced income tax rates, extended incentive durations of up to 27 years, VAT exemptions for export enterprises, and a fundamentally restructured incentives architecture under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan. This guide breaks down everything a foreign investor needs to know about navigating the post-CREATE MORE landscape — with detailed analysis of the Enhanced Deductions Regime, the Special Corporate Income Tax option, the SIPP three-tier structure, BIR Revenue Regulations implementing the law, and the practical steps foreign companies should take to optimize their tax position from the moment they establish their Philippine presence. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-28-hiring-foreign-employees-philippines-legal-guide/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-28-hiring-foreign-employees-philippines-legal-guide/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT From Alien Employment Permits under the Labor Code and DOLE DO 248, Series of 2025, to 9(g) work visas under Commonwealth Act No. 613, BOI rules on foreign hires, tax obligations under the National Internal Revenue Code as amended by the TRAIN Law, and recently proposed changes to 9G visa rules — this guide covers the main rules foreign employers, HR directors, and investors should know about legally hiring and employing foreign nationals in the Philippines. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-23-international-commercial-arbitration-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-23-international-commercial-arbitration-foreign-investors-philippines/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT RA 9285 and the UNCITRAL Model Law, domestic arbitration under RA 876, the Special ADR Rules, enforcement of foreign awards under the New York Convention, PDRCI, CIAC and ICC arbitration, emergency relief, and the non-arbitral routes (mediation, the courts, and investor-state arbitration) that foreign investors should understand before a dispute arises. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-21-anti-money-laundering-compliance-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-21-anti-money-laundering-compliance-foreign-companies-philippines/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT From covered transaction reporting thresholds to FATF delisting milestones and BSP circular enforcement, this guide gives foreign investors a legal overview of AMLA compliance obligations in the Philippines — including who qualifies as a covered person, what transactions must be reported, the consequences of non-compliance, and the practical steps foreign companies can take to manage criminal and regulatory exposure under Republic Act No. 9160, as amended. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-16-foreign-ownership-rights-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-16-foreign-ownership-rights-foreign-investors-philippines/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT From 100% ownership in export enterprises to zero equity in mass media, Philippine foreign ownership rules are a patchwork of constitutional provisions, statutes, and administrative orders that have evolved significantly since RA 11647 and RA 11595. This guide breaks down exactly what foreign investors can own, in what percentage, and under what conditions — with detailed analysis of the Foreign Investment Negative List, public utility restrictions, retail trade thresholds, land ownership rules, and the sector-specific nuances that every foreign investor must understand before committing capital. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-14-bir-withholding-tax-foreign-corporations-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-14-bir-withholding-tax-foreign-corporations-philippines/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Every time a Philippine company pays a foreign service provider, royalty, or dividend to a non-resident foreign corporation, a withholding tax obligation is triggered. BIR RMC No. 24-2026, issued March 30, 2026, has significantly refined how the BIR applies these rules. This guide covers the legal framework, rates, tax treaty implications, and the compliance obligations that foreign investors and their Philippine counterparties must understand. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-04-environmental-compliance-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-04-environmental-compliance-foreign-investors-philippines/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Foreign companies operating in the Philippines must navigate a complex web of environmental laws — from the Environmental Compliance Certificate under PD 1586 to discharge permits under the Clean Water Act and emission permits under the Clean Air Act. This guide covers every environmental permit, compliance obligation, and penalty that foreign investors need to know. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-02-foreign-investment-renewable-energy-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-04-02-foreign-investment-renewable-energy-philippines/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Philippines now allows 100% foreign ownership in solar, wind, hydro, and ocean energy projects. This guide covers the legal basis under DOJ Opinion No. 21, DOE Circular No. DC2022-11-0034, the Revised Omnibus Guidelines, RA 9513 fiscal incentives, service contract requirements, and step-by-step entry strategies for foreign renewable energy investors. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-31-transfer-pricing-compliance-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-31-transfer-pricing-compliance-foreign-companies-philippines/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Foreign companies with Philippine subsidiaries or branches must comply with strict transfer pricing rules. This guide covers the arm's length principle, BIR documentation requirements, materiality thresholds, approved pricing methods, penalties, and advance pricing arrangements under Philippine law. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-29-annual-compliance-checklist-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-29-annual-compliance-checklist-foreign-companies-philippines/ Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT From SEC filings to BIR tax returns, here are the yearly deadlines and requirements every foreign-owned company in the Philippines must meet to stay in good standing. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-28-can-foreigner-run-ecommerce-business-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-28-can-foreigner-run-ecommerce-business-philippines/ Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT From ownership rules to the new DTI Trustmark, here are the most common questions foreigners ask about launching an online business in the Philippines. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-27-5-mistakes-foreigners-starting-business-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-27-5-mistakes-foreigners-starting-business-philippines/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT From ignoring capital requirements to using dummy arrangements, here are the top legal pitfalls foreign entrepreneurs fall into — and how to avoid them. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-26-tax-treaty-benefits-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-26-tax-treaty-benefits-foreign-companies-philippines/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Philippines has double taxation agreements with over 40 countries — but treaty relief isn't automatic. Here's a step-by-step guide to claiming reduced withholding tax rates on dividends, royalties, and interest. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-25-how-foreigner-buy-existing-business-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-25-how-foreigner-buy-existing-business-philippines/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Acquiring an established Philippine company can be faster than building from scratch — but the legal process involves nationality checks, tax clearances, and regulatory filings most foreigners don't expect. Here's a step-by-step checklist. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-24-new-aep-rules-foreign-workers-philippines-dole-do-248/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-24-new-aep-rules-foreign-workers-philippines-dole-do-248/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT DOLE Department Order No. 248 overhauled the Alien Employment Permit process with stricter requirements. Here is what changed and how it affects foreigners planning to work in the Philippines. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-23-can-foreigner-inherit-property-philippines-faq/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-23-can-foreigner-inherit-property-philippines-faq/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Philippine law generally bans foreign land ownership — but inheritance is the one constitutional exception. Here are the five questions foreign heirs ask most, answered plainly. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-22-can-foreigner-be-director-officer-philippine-corporation/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-22-can-foreigner-be-director-officer-philippine-corporation/ Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Yes — but with limits. Here's a quick breakdown of which corporate roles foreigners can hold, which are reserved for Filipinos, and how nationality caps affect board composition. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-20-can-foreigner-open-restaurant-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-20-can-foreigner-open-restaurant-philippines/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Yes — but the legal path depends on how much you plan to invest. Here's a concise breakdown of the ownership rules, capital requirements, and registration steps for foreign-owned restaurants in the Philippines. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-19-digital-nomad-visa-philippines-faq-foreigners/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-19-digital-nomad-visa-philippines-faq-foreigners/ Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Executive Order No. 86 authorized the Philippines' first Digital Nomad Visa. Here are answers to the five most common questions foreign remote workers ask before applying. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-17-bringing-dependents-philippines-foreign-worker-investor/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-17-bringing-dependents-philippines-foreign-worker-investor/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Answers to the five most common questions foreign nationals ask about bringing their spouse and children to the Philippines under work, investor, and special resident visas. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-14-hiring-filipino-remote-workers-foreign-company-no-entity/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-14-hiring-filipino-remote-workers-foreign-company-no-entity/ Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Many foreign startups and businesses hire Filipino talent remotely — but doing it legally requires understanding the line between independent contractors and employees under Philippine law. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-13-srrv-retirement-visa-foreigners-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-13-srrv-retirement-visa-foreigners-philippines/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Thinking about retiring in the Philippines? Here are seven frequently asked questions about the Special Resident Retiree's Visa — including the 2025 rule changes that lowered the minimum age to 40. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-12-local-permits-after-sec-registration-foreign-business-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-12-local-permits-after-sec-registration-foreign-business-philippines/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Registered your foreign-owned company with the SEC? That's just the beginning. Here's a step-by-step checklist of the local permits and registrations you still need before you can legally operate. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-11-sec-harbor-beneficial-ownership-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-11-sec-harbor-beneficial-ownership-foreign-companies-philippines/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT The SEC's new HARBOR platform for beneficial ownership disclosure went live on January 30, 2026. Here's what foreign corporations — branch offices, representative offices, and ROHQs — need to know to stay compliant. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-09-can-foreigner-be-sole-proprietor-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-09-can-foreigner-be-sole-proprietor-philippines/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Contrary to popular belief, foreign nationals can register a sole proprietorship in the Philippines — but only if they meet strict capital and regulatory requirements under the Foreign Investments Act. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-08-99-year-lease-law-ra-12252-foreigners-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-08-99-year-lease-law-ra-12252-foreigners-philippines/ Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Philippines now allows foreign investors to lease private land for up to 99 years under Republic Act No. 12252. Here's what changed, who qualifies, and what foreign businesses need to know. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-06-philippine-startup-visa-foreign-founders-ra-11337/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-06-philippine-startup-visa-foreign-founders-ra-11337/ Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Innovative Startup Act (RA 11337) provides for a dedicated startup visa for foreign entrepreneurs in the Philippines. Here are six common questions about eligibility, benefits, and how foreign founders can take advantage of the law. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-05-how-to-remit-profits-philippines-foreign-investor/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-05-how-to-remit-profits-philippines-foreign-investor/ Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Foreign investors can freely repatriate profits from the Philippines — but only if the right registrations and documentation are in place. Here's a step-by-step checklist covering BSP registration, tax clearances, and banking requirements. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-04-can-foreigners-open-bank-account-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-04-can-foreigners-open-bank-account-philippines/ Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT A concise FAQ for expats, foreign investors, and digital nomads on opening a Philippine bank account — what you need, which accounts are available, and what the law actually says. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-03-anti-dummy-law-foreigners-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-03-anti-dummy-law-foreigners-philippines/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT A practical checklist for foreign investors, expats, and business owners on how the Anti-Dummy Law (Commonwealth Act No. 108) restricts foreign participation in certain Philippine industries — and how to structure your investment legally. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-01-philippine-free-trade-agreements-foreign-investors/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-01-philippine-free-trade-agreements-foreign-investors/ Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT An in-depth legal analysis of the Philippines' free trade agreements — including RCEP, ATIGA, PJEPA, the PH-Korea FTA, and ASEAN dialogue partner agreements — and how foreign investors can leverage preferential tariffs, investment protections, and market access provisions to maximize their Philippine operations. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-28-corporate-governance-requirements-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-28-corporate-governance-requirements-foreign-companies-philippines/ Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A legal guide to corporate governance requirements for foreign-owned companies operating in the Philippines — covering the Revised Corporation Code (RA 11232), SEC Memorandum Circular No. 24 (2019), independent directors, beneficial ownership disclosure, reportorial obligations, related party transactions, and compliance best practices. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-27-foreign-ownership-retail-trade-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-27-foreign-ownership-retail-trade-philippines/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A legal guide to foreign ownership in Philippine retail trade — covering Republic Act No. 11595, the amended Retail Trade Liberalization Act, minimum paid-up capital requirements, reciprocity conditions, DTI and SEC registration, the IRR, penalties for non-compliance, and practical strategies for foreign retailers entering the Philippine market. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-25-import-export-regulations-foreign-businesses-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-25-import-export-regulations-foreign-businesses-philippines/ Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A detailed legal guide to Philippine import and export regulations for foreign businesses — covering the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), Bureau of Customs accreditation via the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS), tariff classification, import duties and VAT, restricted and prohibited goods, export requirements, ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) preferential tariffs, PEZA and freeport zone benefits, and compliance strategies for foreign investors.