The standard corporate structure, and RA 11647's 2022 liberalization
Foreign investors commonly use a domestic corporation under the Revised Corporation Code, or a branch
office, subject to the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 (RA 7042) as significantly liberalized by RA
11647 in 2022. This platform found a widely and consistently cited minimum paid-up capital of USD 200,000
for a foreign-owned (more than 40% foreign equity) domestic-market enterprise, reduced to USD 100,000 if
the enterprise involves advanced technology certified by the Department of Science and Technology or
employs at least 15 direct Filipino employees -- sourced from multiple independent secondary legal
sources rather than RA 11647's primary implementing rules directly, and flagged for a final direct-statute
check before relying on a specific figure. Certain sectors remain restricted or capped under the
periodically updated Foreign Investment Negative List, and this platform recommends checking the current
list directly before entering a specific sector.
Visa categories relevant to an Indian entrepreneur or investor
The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is the standard route for business or employment, typically
paired with a Department of Labor and Employment Alien Employment Permit. The Special Investor's Resident
Visa (SIRV), granting indefinite residency for a minimum investment this platform found cited variably at
around USD 75,000 to USD 150,000, is a longer-stay option for an investor specifically -- this platform
recommends confirming the current threshold directly with the Board of Investments before relying on a
specific figure.
Deepening India-Philippines bilateral ties
Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made a State Visit to India around
4-8 August 2025, during which India and the Philippines elevated bilateral relations to a “Strategic
Partnership,” with nine MoUs reportedly signed covering defence, digital technology, space, maritime
cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchange. On the defence side, India delivered the first batch of
BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines around April 2024, under a reported USD 375 million
export contract, with a second batch delivered around April 2025; media reports as of mid-2025/2026
indicate the Philippines is reportedly in discussions with India about acquiring additional units, though
this platform could not confirm any signed follow-on contract from a primary source and presents this as
reportedly in discussion rather than confirmed.
Common mistakes NRIs and Indian businesses make when entering the Philippines:
- Relying on outdated minimum-capital figures rather than confirming current thresholds against
RA 11647's implementing rules directly.
- Not checking whether the intended sector is restricted under the current Foreign Investment
Negative List.
- Confusing the employer-sponsored 9(g) work visa with the investment-based SIRV, which serve
different purposes.
