PEZA registration is often described as complex—but legally speaking, it is only complex if you start unprepared.
As a lawyer assisting new companies and investors, I always emphasize this:
PEZA registration is a process, not a single application—and each step must be done in the correct order.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step PEZA registration process for new companies, so you understand what to expect, what to prepare, and where most businesses go wrong.
Step 1: Confirm If Your Business Is PEZA-Eligible
Before anything else, determine if your business qualifies.
PEZA generally accepts:
Export manufacturing companies
IT-BPM, software, and shared services
Export-oriented service providers
Logistics and warehousing supporting exports
📌 Businesses serving purely the local market usually do not qualify.
Step 2: Register Your Company With the SEC
PEZA registration cannot proceed without SEC registration.
New companies must first register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as:
A Corporation, or
A One Person Corporation (OPC)
Your Articles of Incorporation must clearly state:
Export or PEZA-aligned business activities
Authority to operate inside economic zones
📌 Incorrect business purpose wording is a common cause of PEZA delays.
Step 3: Secure a PEZA-Accredited Location
PEZA requires your business to be physically located inside:
A PEZA-accredited economic zone
A PEZA-registered IT park or building
This involves:
Lease negotiations
Location endorsement from the zone developer
📌 Virtual or purely home-based setups are generally not allowed.
Step 4: Prepare the PEZA Application Documents
Once SEC registration and location are secured, you prepare your PEZA application, which typically includes:
PEZA application form
Project brief (business model, operations, projections)
SEC documents
Lease contract or location endorsement
Capitalization and employment projections
📌 Accuracy and consistency across documents are critical.
Step 5: Submit Application to PEZA and Attend Evaluation
After submission:
PEZA reviews your documents
Clarifications or revisions may be requested
Your project may be endorsed for board approval
📌 This stage determines whether incentives will be granted.
Step 6: PEZA Board Approval
Once approved by the PEZA Board:
You receive a Board Resolution of Approval
Approved incentives and conditions are specified
📌 Incentives are conditional—you must meet performance and compliance commitments.
Step 7: Register With BIR and Other Agencies
After PEZA approval, you must complete:
BIR registration
Books of accounts and official receipts
Employer registrations (if hiring employees)
📌 PEZA does not replace BIR—it works alongside it.
Step 8: Start Operations and Maintain Compliance
After registration:
Begin operations under PEZA supervision
Submit periodic reports
Comply with export, employment, and audit requirements
📌 Non-compliance can lead to suspension or cancellation of incentives.
Common Mistakes That Delay PEZA Registration
🚫 Applying before SEC registration
🚫 Choosing a non-accredited location
🚫 Poorly written project brief
🚫 Inconsistent financial projections
🚫 Underestimating compliance obligations
📌 PEZA favors prepared and compliant applicants.
How Long Does PEZA Registration Take?
Timelines vary, but for well-prepared applications:
Several weeks to a few months, depending on complexity
📌 Incomplete submissions significantly extend processing time.
Final Thoughts
PEZA registration is not just about incentives—it is about long-term compliance and strategic positioning.
📌 For new companies, following the correct step-by-step process is the difference between smooth approval and costly delays.
When done properly, PEZA registration gives your business tax efficiency, credibility, and global competitiveness from day one.
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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