Library and archives activities
This sub-class covers activities related to libraries and archives, including the provision of documentation and information services to the public and specific clientele, as well as the management and organization of collections.
Includes
- Documentation and information activities of libraries
- Reading, listening, and viewing rooms
- Public archives providing service to the general public or special clientele
- Operation of government archives
- Organization of a collection, whether specialized or not
- Cataloguing collections
- Lending and storage of books, maps, periodicals, films, records, tapes, works of art, etc.
- Retrieval activities to comply with information requests
- Stock photo libraries and services
Foreign ownership
This activity is not on the 12th Foreign Investment Negative List. A foreign investor may hold up to 100%, subject to the minimum-capital rules below.
Recommended route
Foreign-owned corporation
Up to 100% foreign equity (SEC)
One Person Corporation
A single foreign owner
Branch office
Extension of a foreign parent
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 corporationFits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 200k |
| One Person CorporationFits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 200k |
| Branch officeFits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 200k |
| Representative officeFits | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 30k |
| Local corporation, minority foreign | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | 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.