---
title: The incorporation process
description: A step-by-step walkthrough of what happens from the moment you submit your request until your company is registered.
section: Incorporation
slug: incorporation-process
updated: 2026-07-08
source: https://docs.korp.ph/incorporation-process
format: text/markdown
---

# The incorporation process

> A step-by-step walkthrough of what happens from the moment you submit your request until your company is registered.

Last updated: 2026-07-08 · [HTML version](https://docs.korp.ph/incorporation-process) · Korp Docs

Here's the full journey of your incorporation, stage by stage. Your dashboard tracks it live with a progress bar and status pills — the same ones shown throughout this page. For what the SEC step itself involves, see [SEC incorporation](/sec-incorporation); for the full catalogue of statuses see the [request status guide](/request-statuses); and for timeline options see [processing options](/processing-options).

```progress
awaiting_signature
```

## Stage 1 — You submit your request

You complete the guided incorporation form: company details, incorporators, share structure, and business purpose. Everything saves as you go.

Once submitted, your request enters our review queue and your dashboard shows `status:request_received`.

**What we need from you:** nothing yet — just make sure your contact details are correct so we can reach you.

## Stage 2 — We review and prepare your documents

Our team takes your request through preparation:

1. `status:review_in_progress` — we check your details for completeness and confirm your company is eligible for the [processing option](/processing-options) that fits your timeline.
2. `status:package_confirmed` — we validate the scope of your incorporation and confirm your Korp service payment.
3. `status:name_verification` — we check your company name against the SEC registry and reserve it for you. If your first choice isn't available, we'll contact you about alternatives.
4. `status:documents_in_preparation` — we draft your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supporting documents based on your answers. Your [incorporation checklist](/incorporation-checklist) opens during this phase so you can review and confirm the filing details.
5. `status:awaiting_signature` — your documents are ready. For most companies this is fully electronic: you authenticate online, with no printing or notarization. We'll guide you through it.

**What we need from you:** respond promptly if we ask about your company name or details, and complete the electronic signing when your documents are ready. This is usually the biggest factor in how fast your incorporation moves.

## Stage 3 — Filing and SEC registration

1. `status:filed_with_sec` — your signed application is submitted to the SEC.
2. `status:sec_review` — the SEC examines your application. If they request corrections, we handle them and keep you posted. With rush processing this review is nearly instant; see [processing options](/processing-options).
3. `status:awaiting_sec_payment` — the SEC has approved your application and issued its official fee assessment. All SEC fees are included in your package, so we settle this payment with the SEC on your behalf — nothing for you to do.
4. `status:digital_certificate_issued` — the SEC issues your digitally signed Certificate of Incorporation. It has the same legal validity as a paper original. **Your company now legally exists.**
5. `status:company_registered` — registration is complete and all documents are available in your dashboard.

A small number of company types (lending companies, financing companies, and foreign corporations) still follow the SEC's older paper process, which adds a hard-copy document submission step after the digital certificate. If that applies to you, we'll walk you through it.

**What we need from you:** nothing — all SEC fees are covered by your package. We handle the payment and keep you posted until your certificate is issued.

## If something needs attention

At any point, your request may show one of these statuses:

- `status:action_required` — we need something from you, or the SEC has asked for a correction. Check your dashboard and messages; we'll always spell out exactly what's needed.
- `status:cancelled` — the request was withdrawn. If you cancelled by mistake or want to restart, contact us.

## After registration

Your Certificate of Incorporation and company documents stay available in your dashboard. Incorporation is the first step of your company's life — tax registration, permits, and bank accounts typically come next. Start with [BIR registration](/bir-registration), which makes your company a recognized taxpayer and lets you legally issue receipts and run payroll.