Question 1

What are the requirements to register a business in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your business structure. For a sole proprietorship, you'll need a DTI registration, BIR registration, and Mayor's Permit. For a corporation, you'll need SEC incorporation, BIR registration, and local government permits. We handle the complete end-to-end process for all structure types — so you don't have to figure out the requirements yourself.

Question 2

How long does it take to register a corporation with the SEC?

Accepted Answer

Standard SEC registration typically takes 5–15 business days once all documents are in order. Delays usually happen due to incomplete documents, name conflicts, or system backlogs at SEC. With Estluxe, we pre-screen all requirements and track your application actively to ensure the fastest possible turnaround.

Question 3

What is the difference between SEC and DTI registration?

Accepted Answer

DTI registration covers sole proprietorships — it registers your trade name only. SEC registration is for corporations and partnerships — it creates a separate legal entity. The right choice depends on your business goals, liability exposure, and future plans. We help you decide before you file anything.

Question 4

Can a foreigner own a business in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with restrictions depending on the industry. Under the Foreign Investment Negative List, some industries have caps on foreign equity (e.g., 40% for most industries, 60% in others, and some are fully restricted). We help foreign investors identify the right structure — whether that's a wholly-owned subsidiary, joint venture, or ROHQ — that's legally compliant and operationally sound.

Question 5

Do I need a lawyer to register my business?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Estluxe handles all regulatory filings, document preparation, and government liaising. For certain corporate structures or special circumstances, we coordinate with our legal partners. You won't need to hire a separate law firm for standard registrations.

Question 6

What is corporate structuring and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Corporate structuring is how your business is legally organized — which entity type you use, how ownership is divided, how subsidiaries are set up, and how assets are held. A poorly structured business can lead to unnecessary tax exposure, personal liability, and difficulty raising capital. Good structuring protects you, your investors, and your assets from day one.

Question 7

When should I set up a holding company?

Accepted Answer

A holding company makes sense when you have multiple business units, want to protect assets from operational risk, plan to bring in investors to specific subsidiaries, or are building toward an exit or succession. We'll assess your situation and recommend whether a holding structure adds real value — or whether it's unnecessary complexity.

Question 8

What is a feasibility study and do I really need one?

Accepted Answer

A feasibility study evaluates whether your business idea is viable from a market, technical, and financial perspective. It's required for certain government permits, investor presentations, and bank financing. Even when not required, it gives you a clear financial model and risk assessment before you spend capital. We prepare feasibility studies that are both compliance-ready and genuinely useful for decision-making.

Question 9

What does Estluxe's investment advisory cover?

Accepted Answer

We advise on property acquisition and portfolio strategy, investment structuring (holding structures, REITs, SPVs), business valuation, and capital structuring for fundraising or expansion. We don't sell financial products — we give objective, conflict-free advisory based on your wealth and business goals.

Question 10

Can Estluxe help me acquire property for my business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We assist with due diligence, acquisition structuring, title verification, and optimal ownership arrangements (direct vs. corporate ownership). We also advise on lease vs. buy decisions from both a financial and tax standpoint.

Question 11

How is a business valuation done?

Accepted Answer

We use a combination of methods depending on the business type: asset-based, income-based (DCF), or market comparable approaches. Valuations are used for buy-sell agreements, investor negotiations, estate planning, partnership disputes, and bank financing. Our valuations are objective and defensible.

Question 12

Where is Estluxe based and do you serve clients outside Metro Manila?

Accepted Answer

We serve clients nationwide across the Philippines. While our team operates primarily in Metro Manila, we handle registrations and advisory for businesses in all regions — Visayas, Mindanao, and provincial areas included. Most of our work can be done remotely with no need for in-person visits.

Question 13

How much does a consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

Initial consultations are complimentary. We assess your needs first, then provide a clear, flat-fee proposal for the scope of work — no hourly billing surprises. You'll know exactly what you're paying before we start.

Question 14

How long does a typical engagement take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the scope. A straightforward DTI + BIR registration can be done in 1–2 weeks. A full corporate setup with structuring advisory typically takes 3–6 weeks. We provide a clear timeline at the start of every engagement and keep you updated throughout.

Question 15

Is my information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. All client information — business plans, financial data, personal details — is handled with strict confidentiality. We do not disclose client identities, share information with third parties, or use your data for any purpose other than delivering your engagement.

Questions we get often.

Business Registration

Corporate Structuring & Advisory

Investment & Asset Advisory

Working with Estluxe

Let's talk about your specific situation.