Private security activities
This subclass covers private security activities that involve protecting people and property, including services like guarding, transporting valuables, and providing personal security.
Includes
- armored car services
- bodyguard services
- polygraph services
- fingerprinting services
- security guard services
Excludes
- public order and safety activities 8423
Foreign ownership
This activity is reserved for Filipino ownership under the Negative List. Emerhub can map a compliant alternative structure.
Legal basis: FINL A.5 · Section 4 of RA No. 5487, as amended by Section 4 of PD No. 11 and PD No. 100, s. 1973
Recommended route
No foreign-equity route
Emerhub can advise a compliant local structure, or an alternative activity that reaches your goal
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.
Licenses & product holding
Alongside SEC incorporation, this activity needs the following regulatory license or product registration before it can legally operate in the Philippines.
- Sector license
PNP-SOSIA License to Operate - Private Security Agency
Operating a private security agency requires a License to Operate from the PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) under the Private Security Agency Law (RA 5487), plus firearms and personnel-licensing compliance for each deployed guard.