Income tax holiday
An initial period of years in which the registered activity pays no corporate income tax.
Business setup & company support
PEZA Registration
PEZA registration is the process of registering a business with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority so that it can operate in a government-approved economic zone and receive the tax incentives and privileges that come with it.
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120+ businesses registered since 2019
- Who it is for
- Export and IT-BPO enterprises
- Location
- PEZA economic zones
- Staff visa
- PEZA Visa, up to 2 years
- Financials
- 20-year projection
Service overview
Key Benefits of PEZA Registration
PEZA-registered enterprises benefit from fiscal incentives such as income tax holidays and duty-free importation, along with simpler customs procedures and visa facilitation for foreign staff. It suits export-oriented manufacturers, IT and business process outsourcing companies and other businesses serving overseas markets.
Special tax rate afterwards
A reduced rate on gross income in place of national and local taxes once the holiday ends.
Duty-free importation
Capital equipment, raw materials and supplies for the registered activity can be imported free of duties.
VAT relief
Zero-rated VAT on qualifying local purchases of goods and services.
Simpler import and export
Customs procedures are handled through PEZA's one-stop processing.
Visas for foreign staff
PEZA facilitates visas for foreign investors, executives and technical personnel of registered companies.
Requirements and details
PEZA Eligibility Criteria
These types of business typically qualify for PEZA registration.
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Export-oriented enterprises that sell most of their output abroad.
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IT, business process outsourcing and knowledge process outsourcing companies.
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Manufacturing and industrial firms.
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Logistics and warehousing operators serving PEZA locators.
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Agro-industrial businesses.
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Tourism and medical tourism projects located within economic zones.
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Developers and operators of economic zone facilities.
How it works
Registration Process
The exact requirements and timing depend on your circumstances, but most applications follow these stages.
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Feasibility check
We review your business model, activities and intended location to confirm that the project can qualify and advise on the setup. -
Company registration
If the company does not yet exist, we incorporate it with the SEC and register it with the BIR first. -
Application preparation
We prepare the PEZA application, the notarized undertakings and the financial projections that support it. -
Online filing
The enterprise is registered and the requirements are submitted through PEZA's online portal. -
Evaluation and approval
We deal with PEZA's follow-up questions and technical review through to board approval. -
After approval
We help you secure the PEZA certificate of registration and the permits, visas and work permits that follow.
What the C&G PEZA Registration Service Includes
Since 2019 we have registered more than 120 businesses for local and foreign founders. Our service fee covers everything below, from the first document to the final approval.
- Documents prepared and notarizedWe prepare every document your application needs, and our in-house attorneys notarize them.
- With you at government officesOur staff assist you on site at your government appointments, so you never face an agency alone.
- We deal with the agenciesWe coordinate with the agencies, follow up on your application and keep you updated at every step.
- Accredited with DOLE and BIC&G is accredited with the Department of Labor and the Bureau of Immigration.
- An experienced teamOur team, including two attorneys, has more than 10 years of experience in business and immigration consulting.
- No hidden feesYour quote shows our service cost and the government fees separately, so you know the full cost before we begin.
- Manila, Cebu or remoteMeet us at our Manila or Cebu office, or work with us remotely from anywhere.
In detail
PEZA document checklist
SEC certificate of registration, with articles of incorporation and by-laws
BIR certificate of registration (Form 2303)
Resumes or biodata of the principal officers
Company profile of the parent company, where applicable
20-year projected financial statement, prepared without fiscal incentives
Notarized applicant's undertaking
Secretary's certificate with anti-graft attestation
Notarized affidavit of option
We draft the undertakings, certificates and affidavits and register the enterprise on PEZA's online portal for you.
In detail
Visas for foreign staff
PEZA-registered companies can employ foreign investors, officers, executives, supervisors, technical staff and advisers on the PEZA Visa, previously known as the 47(a)(2) visa. It is filed through the employer, PEZA and the Bureau of Immigration, is generally issued for up to two years and can be renewed. The employee's spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as dependents.
The employee needs an Alien Employment Permit or DOLE certificate of exclusion first, and PEZA expects non-resident foreign employees to make up no more than about 5% of the company's workforce. PEZA's processing fee is PHP 5,000 for the principal applicant and PHP 3,000 for each dependent, and its target for approving a complete application is about 10 days. Outside PEZA, foreign employees are normally covered by the 9G working visa.
The incentives and timeline for your project depend on its activity and location. We go through both during your consultation.
FAQs
PEZA Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. PEZA incentives apply to registered activities carried out in a PEZA economic zone or a PEZA-registered IT park or building.
Yes. PEZA registration is open to both foreign-owned and Filipino-owned companies.
Yes. PEZA asks for your SEC certificate of registration, articles of incorporation and by-laws, and your BIR registration. We can handle incorporation as part of the same project.
PEZA asks for a 20-year projected financial statement for the project, prepared without fiscal incentives, along with the profile of the parent company where there is one.
A special work and residence visa for foreign nationals employed by a PEZA-registered enterprise, such as investors, officers, executives, supervisors, technical staff and advisers. It was previously known as the 47(a)(2) visa, is generally issued for up to two years and can be renewed.
Yes. The principal applicant needs an Alien Employment Permit from DOLE, or a certificate of exclusion where one applies, before the PEZA Visa is filed. The two serve different purposes: one authorizes the employment, the other the stay.
Yes. A PEZA Visa holder's lawful spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included. Their visas run only as long as the principal's and do not allow them to work.
PEZA's processing fee is PHP 5,000 for the principal applicant and PHP 3,000 for each dependent, for both new applications and renewals. DOLE and Bureau of Immigration fees are separate.
PEZA's target is about 10 days for a complete application. That is a target, not a guarantee, and the Alien Employment Permit, which takes one to two months, has to be in place first.
Generally, non-resident foreign employees should not exceed 5% of a PEZA-registered company's total workforce. Above that, DOLE clearance and a justification may be needed.
A PEZA Visa renewal should be started at least 30 days before the visa expires. We start earlier, because the Alien Employment Permit has to be renewed first. Renewal is not automatic.
Yes. A valid PEZA Visa generally allows multiple entries, and holders are exempt from the re-entry permit, the Special Return Certificate and the ECC-B. Do not travel on an expired visa or a pending renewal.
Not freely. A PEZA Visa is tied to the sponsoring enterprise and the approved position, so a transfer or a material change of role needs approval first and may require a new permit or a new visa.
When employment ends, the employer starts canceling the PEZA Visa promptly, and dependents' visas are canceled with the principal's. The employee then goes through a visa downgrade and, if leaving, obtains an exit clearance.
Written and reviewed by the C&G business services team. Last updated . Government requirements and fees change, so confirm the details for your case before filing.
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