The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines has transitioned to a fully online and paperless company registration process, eliminating the need for applicants to submit hard copies of physically signed or notarised documents.

This significant shift is mandated by SEC Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2024, issued on April 4, 2025.

The new process requires the mandatory use of the SEC Zuper Easy Registration Online (SEC ZERO) application. It is accessible through the existing Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company (eSPARC) portal.

SEC ZERO replaces physical signatures and notarisation with electronic authentication. It integrates with the Electronic SEC User Registration Environment (eSECURE) for user credentialing and the Electronic Submission Authentication Portal (eSAP). eSAP utilises one-time passwords (OTPs) sent to registered mobile numbers and emails for incorporators and officers to electronically authenticate registration documents.

According to Emilio B. Aquino, SEC Philippines Chairperson, this move of going online streamlines the process, making setting up a business “easier and faster than ever,” accessible anytime, anywhere.

“By allowing companies to authenticate their registration documents online, company registration can now be done anytime and anywhere,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said.

He also noted that the credentialing and authentication steps enhance security and accountability by clearly identifying those registering corporations.

The mandatory use of SEC ZERO began on April 7, 2025. It is mostly for domestic stock corporations, including those with foreign equity. Lending companies, financing companies, and foreign corporations will transition after a three-month period using the regular eSPARC process.

Applicants start by creating and credentialing an eSECURE account. They then use the eSPARC portal to input company details. After online submission, incorporators and officers authenticate the system-generated documents via eSAP.

Once all parties have authenticated and registration fees are paid online, the applicant can download the authenticated documents and a digital Certificate of Incorporation. They both hold the same validity as the traditional hard copy.

The SEC will also no longer issue physical certificates.

Featured image credit: Edited from Freepik.