https://ttfc.law/blog/ Legal insights, updates, and practical guidance on Philippine law for foreign investors and international clients. en-us Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:10:36 GMT 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 comprehensive 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 comprehensive 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 comprehensive 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/2026-03-21-how-to-close-foreign-company-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-21-how-to-close-foreign-company-philippines/ Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Exiting the Philippine market? Dissolving a foreign-owned corporation requires clearances from the BIR, SEC, and LGU — in the right order. Here's a practical checklist so you don't leave loose ends behind. 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 created 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/2026-03-16-create-more-act-tax-incentives-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-16-create-more-act-tax-incentives-foreign-investors-philippines/ Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT The CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066) overhauled the Philippines' tax incentive framework in late 2024. Here are five key benefits every foreign investor should know before registering with BOI or PEZA. 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/2026-03-10-branch-office-vs-representative-office-vs-rohq-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-10-branch-office-vs-representative-office-vs-rohq-philippines/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Foreign corporations can enter the Philippines through a branch office, representative office, or regional operating headquarters — each with different powers, capital requirements, and tax treatment. Here's how they compare. 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/2026-03-07-foreign-divorce-recognition-philippines-guide/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-07-foreign-divorce-recognition-philippines-guide/ Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Got divorced abroad? Here's what foreigners and their Filipino spouses need to know about getting a foreign divorce legally recognized in the Philippines — from Article 26 requirements to recent Supreme Court rulings. 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) created 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/2026-03-02-philippine-competition-law-foreign-investors/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-03-02-philippine-competition-law-foreign-investors/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT An in-depth legal analysis of the Philippine Competition Act (RA 10667), covering anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, merger notification requirements, PCC enforcement powers, and practical compliance strategies for foreign businesses entering and operating in the Philippine market. 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 comprehensive 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 comprehensive 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/2026-02-26-dispute-resolution-arbitration-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-26-dispute-resolution-arbitration-foreign-investors-philippines/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A detailed legal guide to dispute resolution and arbitration for foreign investors in the Philippines — covering Republic Act No. 9285 (ADR Act of 2004), Republic Act No. 876 (Arbitration Law), the Special ADR Rules, enforcement of foreign arbitral awards under the New York Convention, the PDRCI and CIAC, mediation requirements, and practical strategies for structuring dispute resolution clauses in cross-border agreements. 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. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-24-anti-money-laundering-compliance-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-24-anti-money-laundering-compliance-foreign-companies-philippines/ Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A thorough legal guide to Philippine anti-money laundering compliance for foreign companies — covering RA 9160 (AMLA) as amended by RA 11521, covered persons and institutions, Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements, covered and suspicious transaction reporting (CTR/STR), AMLC enforcement powers, beneficial ownership disclosure, penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment, and the Philippines' post-FATF gray list compliance landscape. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-23-employment-law-foreign-employers-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-23-employment-law-foreign-employers-philippines/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A complete legal guide to Philippine employment law for foreign employers — covering the Labor Code (PD 442), alien employment permits, mandatory benefits (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG), 13th month pay, termination procedures, leave entitlements, and compliance obligations that every foreign company hiring in the Philippines must understand. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-21-intellectual-property-trademark-registration-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-21-intellectual-property-trademark-registration-foreign-companies-philippines/ Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive legal guide to protecting intellectual property and registering trademarks in the Philippines as a foreign company — covering the IP Code (RA 8293 as amended by RA 10372), the Madrid Protocol, IPOPHL registration procedures, patent and copyright protections, trade secret safeguards, enforcement mechanisms, and practical strategies for foreign businesses securing their IP rights in the Philippine market. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-20-joint-venture-partnership-structures-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-20-joint-venture-partnership-structures-foreign-investors-philippines/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A detailed legal guide to structuring joint ventures and partnerships in the Philippines as a foreign investor — covering the Civil Code partnership framework, the Revised Corporation Code (RA 11232), Foreign Investments Act (RA 7042 as amended by RA 11647), Anti-Dummy Law (CA 108), equity restrictions, corporate governance, and practical structuring strategies for foreign-Filipino business collaborations. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-19-franchise-regulations-foreign-brands-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-19-franchise-regulations-foreign-brands-philippines/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive legal guide to Philippine franchise regulations for foreign brands — covering the regulatory framework, IP Code technology transfer rules, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, intellectual property protection, withholding tax on royalties, corporate structuring options, and practical compliance steps for international franchisors expanding into the Philippine market. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-18-boi-peza-incentives-foreign-investors-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-18-boi-peza-incentives-foreign-investors-philippines/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive legal guide to investment incentives available through the Board of Investments (BOI) and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) under the CREATE Act (RA 11534) and CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066) — covering income tax holidays, special corporate income tax rates, enhanced deductions, duty exemptions, the Strategic Investment Priority Plan, and practical application steps for foreign investors. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-17-data-privacy-compliance-foreign-companies-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-17-data-privacy-compliance-foreign-companies-philippines/ Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive legal guide to the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) for foreign businesses operating in or targeting the Philippine market — covering extraterritorial scope, NPC registration, breach notification, cross-border data transfers, penalties, and practical compliance steps. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-16-philippine-visa-types-foreign-business-owners/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-16-philippine-visa-types-foreign-business-owners/ Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive legal guide to the visa options available to foreign entrepreneurs and investors in the Philippines, covering the 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, Section 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa, Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV), Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV), and Treaty Trader Visa — with verified legal citations and practical guidance. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-15-sec-registration-foreign-corporations-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-15-sec-registration-foreign-corporations-philippines/ Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive legal guide to registering a foreign corporation with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, covering branch offices, representative offices, regional headquarters, capital requirements, and the documentary process under the Revised Corporation Code and Foreign Investments Act. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-14-real-estate-ownership-foreigners-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-14-real-estate-ownership-foreigners-philippines/ Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive legal guide to property ownership restrictions for foreign nationals in the Philippines, covering land prohibitions, condominium ownership under RA 4726, long-term leasing under RA 7652, and special rules for former Filipino citizens. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-13-foreign-investment-negative-list-philippines-guide/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-13-foreign-investment-negative-list-philippines-guide/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive guide to the Philippine Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL), explaining ownership restrictions, liberalized sectors, and how foreign investors can navigate equity limitations under Philippine law. https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-13-philippine-corporate-tax-foreign-companies/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2026-02-13-philippine-corporate-tax-foreign-companies/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive guide to Philippine corporate taxation for foreign companies, covering income tax rates under the CREATE and CREATE MORE Acts, branch profit remittance tax, withholding taxes, VAT obligations, transfer pricing rules, and BIR registration requirements. https://ttfc.law/blog/2025-12-05-how-to-start-a-business-in-the-philippines-as-a-foreigner/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2025-12-05-how-to-start-a-business-in-the-philippines-as-a-foreigner/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT A comprehensive guide for foreign investors on setting up a business in the Philippines, covering investment vehicles, capital requirements, retail trade regulations, and tax implications under Philippine law. https://ttfc.law/blog/2025-12-05-money-services-business-licensing-philippines-fintech-guide/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2025-12-05-money-services-business-licensing-philippines-fintech-guide/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Comprehensive guide to BSP licensing requirements for Money Services Businesses in the Philippines, including E-Money Issuers, Remittance Agents, and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). https://ttfc.law/blog/2025-12-01-bsp-merchant-acquisition-license-requirements/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2025-12-01-bsp-merchant-acquisition-license-requirements/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Payment system operators looking to engage in merchant acquisition activities must obtain a Merchant Acquisition License from the BSP. This guide covers the requirements, application process, and compliance obligations under the latest 2024-2025 regulations. https://ttfc.law/blog/2025-11-20-labor-contracting-vs-labor-only-contracting-in-the-philippines/ https://ttfc.law/blog/2025-11-20-labor-contracting-vs-labor-only-contracting-in-the-philippines/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Outsourcing can expose businesses to significant liabilities if not properly structured. Learn the difference between legitimate job contracting and prohibited labor-only contracting under DOLE Department Order 174-17, and how to protect your company.