For entrepreneurs and investors eyeing the Philippines, securing Board of Investments (BOI) registration can be a game-changer. The incentives are attractive—tax holidays, duty exemptions, VAT privileges, and more. But before you can enjoy these benefits, you must first ensure that your enterprise qualifies and that you submit the right documents.
As your legal guide, here’s a breakdown of the requirements, documents, and qualifications for BOI registration.
Who Can Qualify for BOI Registration?
Not all businesses are automatically eligible. The BOI grants incentives only to enterprises that align with the government’s economic priorities, specifically those listed in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP).
Qualified Enterprises:
Export-Oriented Enterprises – At least 70% of total output must be exported.
Pioneer Enterprises – Engaged in industries not yet widely practiced in the Philippines (e.g., advanced technology, renewable energy).
Domestic Market Enterprises – Allowed if within priority sectors of the BOI.
Foreign-Owned Enterprises – May register if they fall under export or pioneer activities.
💡 Lawyer’s Note: Certain industries restricted by the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL) cannot qualify unless exemptions apply.
General Qualifications
To qualify, a business must:
Be registered as a legal entity with the SEC (corporation/partnership) or DTI (sole proprietorship).
Operate within a BOI-priority industry.
Show financial, technical, and market feasibility of its project.
Comply with minimum export requirements (for foreign-owned entities).
Documentary Requirements
When filing for BOI registration, you will need to submit the following:
For Corporations / Partnerships:
SEC Certificate of Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
Audited Financial Statements (if existing)
List of Company Officers and Directors
For Sole Proprietorships:
DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration
Owner’s Identification Documents
For All Applicants:
Project Study / Business Plan, including:
Financial feasibility (capitalization, funding, projections)
Technical feasibility (process, manpower, equipment)
Market feasibility (supply, demand, competition)
BOI Application Form (accomplished and notarized)
Proof of Paid Filing Fee
Other supporting documents as may be required by BOI
💡 Lawyer’s Insight: The project study is the backbone of your application. A poorly prepared study is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or denied.
Post-Approval Obligations
After approval and issuance of the Certificate of Registration (COR):
You must submit regular compliance reports (production, sales, exports).
You must maintain separate books of accounts for BOI projects.
Continuous compliance is mandatory to retain incentives.
💡 Pro Tip: Registration is not the finish line—it’s the beginning of ongoing legal obligations.
Final Thoughts
BOI registration can unlock tremendous benefits for your business, but the process is highly technical and document-driven. From determining eligibility to preparing a project study and securing approvals, every step must be handled with legal precision.
With proper preparation, however, BOI registration becomes more than just compliance—it becomes a strategic advantage in the Philippine market.
Navigating the business landscape in the Philippines can be both rewarding and intricate. Whether you’re embarking on a new venture or scaling up, ensuring that your corporate endeavors are in line with local regulations is paramount.
At CBOS Business Solutions Inc., we pride ourselves on simplifying these processes for our clients. As a seasoned professional services company, we offer comprehensive assistance with SEC Registration, Visa processing, and a myriad of other essential business requirements. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that your business is compliant, well-established, and ready to thrive in the Philippine market.
Why venture into the complexities of business registration and compliance alone? Allow our team to guide you every step of the way. After all, your success is our commitment.
Get in touch today and let us be your partner in achieving your business goals in the Philippines.
Email Address: gerald.bernardo@cbos.com.ph
Mobile No.: +639270032851
You can also click this link to schedule a meeting.
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