Service activities incidental to water transportation
This sub-class covers activities that support water transportation, including the operation of terminals and navigation services.
Includes
- Activities related to the water transport of passengers, animals, or freight
- Operation of terminal facilities such as harbors and piers
- Operation of waterway locks
- Navigation, pilotage, and berthing activities
- Lighterage and salvage activities
- Lighthouse activities
Foreign ownership
Foreign equity in this activity is capped at 40% under the Negative List. A local corporation with structured local control is the usual route to the local market.
Legal basis: FINL A.18 · Section 11, Article XII of the Constitution; Section 13 of CA No. 146, as amended by Section 4 of RA No. 11659; Section 2(a), 2(b) and 2(m) of RA No. 7718
Your exact activity may fall inside or outside this restriction. Confirm the classification with Emerhub before you rely on it.
Recommended route
Local corporation, structured control
Foreign equity up to 40%, with a structured local-control arrangement
Joint venture
A Filipino partner holds the balance above the 40% ceiling
Entity types
Which structure fits depends on your goal. Rows that suit this activity are highlighted. Open a row for the full detail.
| Structure | 100% foreign | Sell locally | No PH partner | No capital floor | No entity | Min. capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic corporation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 200k |
| One Person Corporation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 200k |
| Branch office | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 200k |
| Representative officeFits | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 30k |
| Local corporation, minority foreignFits | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | Lower / none |
| Employer of RecordFits | – | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | None |
| Product holdingFits | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | None |
Registration path
- 1
SEC
Incorporate the entity
- 2
BIR
Tax registration and books
- 3
LGU
Barangay clearance and Mayor’s permit
- 4
Regulator
Sector license, if the activity needs one
Emerhub files each step with the government; you provide the documents and information.
Minimum paid-up capital
| Situation | USD | PHP |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic-market enterprise (>40% foreign)Paid-up capital for foreign equity above 40% serving the local market. Legal basis: FIA (RA 7042 as amended). | $200,000 | ≈ ₱11.4M |
| Reduced thresholdAt least 50 direct employees, or advanced technology. Legal basis: FIA (RA 7042 as amended). | $100,000 | ≈ ₱5.7M |
| Export enterpriseExports at least 60% of output. Legal basis: Corporation Code (RA 11232). | ≈ $88 | ₱5,000 |
| Retail trade enterpriseMinimum paid-up capital for foreign retail. Legal basis: RA 11595. | ≈ $439k | ₱25,000,000 |
Bold is the figure the law sets; the other column is an approximate conversion at ₱57 to USD 1.