Start Your Business in Bohol with Confidence
Bohol’s growing tourism sector, developing infrastructure, and welcoming local market offer diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs. We guide you through every legal, financial, and operational step — from choosing the right structure to opening your doors.
Sole Proprietorship
Owned and operated by one individual. Full control, but the owner bears unlimited personal liability for all debts and obligations.
Best suited for small, locally focused businesses. Full foreign ownership is generally not permitted in many retail and service sectors.
DTI Registration Simple SetupPartnership
Two or more individuals share ownership, profits, and liabilities. A general partnership means all partners share unlimited liability.
A limited partnership allows passive investors to limit their exposure while active partners manage operations.
SEC Registration 2+ PartnersCorporation
A separate legal entity that shields personal assets from business liabilities. Preferred for foreign investors and larger ventures requiring foreign ownership.
Requires a minimum of five incorporators. Ideal for restaurants, tourism services, retail shops, and sports academies.
SEC Registration Asset Protection Up to 40% ForeignUnderstanding the 60/40 Ownership Rule
The Philippine Constitution limits foreign equity to 40% in many business sectors. Filipino nationals or entities must hold at least 60% of the company’s capital in these areas. Certain industries — such as export enterprises and those registered with PEZA or BOI — may qualify for up to 100% foreign ownership. We will advise on your specific situation.
Name Registration and Verification
Reserve and verify your business name to confirm it is unique and available for registration in the Philippines.
▸ DTI (Sole Prop) | SEC (Corp/Partnership)Articles of Incorporation or Partnership
Prepare and notarize founding documents. For corporations, this includes by-laws, treasurer’s affidavit, and proof of paid-up capital.
▸ Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)Local Government Unit (LGU) Permits
Obtain the Mayor’s Permit and Barangay Clearance from the municipality where your business will operate.
▸ Municipal Hall | Barangay OfficeBIR Registration and Tax Identification
Register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN), official receipts, and invoices.
▸ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) | Revenue District OfficeSSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Employer Registration
If you will hire employees, register as an employer with mandatory government agencies to ensure compliance with labor law.
▸ SSS | PhilHealth | Pag-IBIG FundSpecial Licenses and Industry Permits
Depending on your business type, additional permits may be required from the Department of Tourism, FDA, TESDA, or other agencies.
▸ Agency depends on business classification| Feature | Sole Proprietorship | Partnership | Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Owners | 1 | 2 or more | 5+ incorporators |
| Personal Liability | Unlimited | Shared / Limited | Limited (Protected) |
| Foreign Ownership Possible | ✗ Generally No | ✓ Up to 40% | ✓ Up to 40% |
| Recommended for Expats | ✗ Rarely | ✓ With local partner | ✓ Best option |
| Registered With | DTI | SEC | SEC |
| Minimum Capital | No minimum | Varies | Varies by sector |
| Setup Complexity | Low | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Ideal For | Filipino-led micro biz | Joint ventures | Larger foreign investment |
The Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL) outlines industries where foreign participation is restricted or prohibited. Understanding where your business falls is essential before investing.
| Sector | Max Foreign Equity | Governing Law |
|---|---|---|
| Mass Media | 0% (Fully Restricted) | Philippine Constitution |
| Small-Scale Retail (under ₱2.5M paid-up capital) | 0% | Retail Trade Liberalization Act |
| Tourism Accommodation & Tour Operations | 40% | Foreign Investment Act |
| Education & Sports Academies | 40% | Foreign Investment Act |
| Restaurant & Food Service | 40% | Foreign Investment Act |
| Export Enterprises (70%+ export) | 100% Allowed | RA 7042 / PEZA |
| IT-BPO (BOI / PEZA registered) | 100% Allowed | Omnibus Investments Code |
Elite Youth Baseball Academy Franchise
For those seeking a proven business model with brand recognition and built-in community support, franchising is a powerful entry into the Bohol market. Options range from international food and beverage brands to Philippine success stories in retail and education.
A standout opportunity we are proud to facilitate is the Elite Youth Baseball Academy franchise — developed in partnership with the Bohol Coconuts Baseball and Softball Club. This franchise allows you to launch a premium youth sports development center on an island where demand is growing and formal facilities are scarce.
Property and Title Due Diligence
Verify land titles, leasehold rights, encumbrances, and zoning compliance before any property commitment is made for your business location.
Financial and Operational Review
Comprehensive review of the books, operations, and liabilities of any existing business you are considering purchasing or acquiring a stake in.
Market Feasibility Analysis
Validate real market demand, customer segments, and competitive landscape before you commit capital to a concept or industry in Bohol.
Legal and Compliance Audit
Ensure the business meets all regulatory requirements and has no hidden legal liabilities, pending cases, or compliance violations.
Find a Trustworthy Filipino Business Partner
For businesses requiring Filipino equity under the 60/40 rule, finding a reliable and aligned local partner is more than a legal formality. It is a key strategic relationship that will shape your venture’s future.
Our Local Partner Matching service leverages deep community networks and the standing of our team — including Barangay Councilor connections — to link you with pre-vetted, reputable Filipino entrepreneurs and investors.
- ✓Pre-vetted local business owners and investors in our network
- ✓Facilitated introductions with business vision alignment sessions
- ✓Assistance drafting clear partnership and equity agreements
- ✓Defined roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements
- ✓Focus on synergistic, transparent, long-term relationships
Ready to Build Your Business in Bohol?
Schedule a consultation with our team. We will review your business goals, advise on structure, and map out your complete registration roadmap.
Schedule a Free Consultation