How to Reserve a Company Name with SEC
Reserving a company name is the very first step before registering any business entity with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Whether you are forming a corporation, partnership, or a one-person corporation (OPC), you must secure an approved and reserved company name before you can proceed with the rest of the registration process. The name reservation ensures that your proposed company name is unique, not identical or confusingly similar to any existing registered entity, and complies with the naming guidelines set by the SEC under the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 11232).
The SEC's name reservation system allows applicants to check the availability of their desired company name and reserve it for a period of thirty (30) days. During this reservation period, no other applicant may use or register the same name. This gives you ample time to prepare all the required documents for your company registration. The process can be completed online through the SEC Company Registration System (CRS) or by visiting any SEC office nationwide.
Name Reservation Basics
Validity Period
A reserved company name is valid for 30 days from the date of approval. If you do not complete your registration within this period, the reservation expires and the name becomes available to other applicants again.
Reservation Fee
The name reservation fee is ₱100 per proposed name. If you submit three (3) name choices, you will pay a total of ₱300. Payment can be made online or at the SEC cashier.
Renewable Once
If your reserved name expires before you complete registration, you may renew the reservation one (1) time for another 30 days by paying the same reservation fee. After the second expiration, you must file a new application.
Required Before Registration
You cannot proceed with company registration (whether corporation, partnership, or OPC) without first obtaining an approved name reservation from the SEC. This is a mandatory prerequisite.
Name Restrictions and Prohibited Names
The SEC strictly enforces naming guidelines to protect the public and prevent confusion. The following names will be rejected during the reservation process:
- Identical names — Names that are exactly the same as an existing registered corporation, partnership, or association
- Confusingly similar names — Names that are so similar to an existing entity that they could mislead or confuse the public (e.g., "Jollibee Foods Inc." vs. "Jolibee Food Corp.")
- Misleading names — Names that suggest a purpose or function different from what the company actually does
- "Bank" or "Banking" — Cannot be used without prior approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
- "Insurance" or "Assurance" — Cannot be used without prior approval from the Insurance Commission (IC)
- "Financing" or "Lending" — Requires prior SEC approval and compliance with Financing Company Act or Lending Company Regulation Act
- Government-related words — Names that imply government affiliation (e.g., "National," "Philippine," "Republic") may require special clearance
- Offensive or immoral names — Names that are obscene, scandalous, or contrary to public morals, good customs, or public policy
- Names using initials only — The SEC generally does not approve names composed solely of initials or abbreviations unless they have acquired a secondary meaning
Company Name Guidelines
When choosing your company name, follow these naming conventions set by the SEC. Your proposed name must be distinguishable and must include the appropriate suffix based on the type of entity you are registering.
| Guideline | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Name | Must not be identical or confusingly similar to any existing registered entity | "Sunrise Digital Solutions Inc." |
| Corporation Suffix | Must end with "Corporation," "Corp.," "Incorporated," or "Inc." | "ABC Trading Corporation" or "ABC Trading Inc." |
| Partnership Suffix | May use "& Co.," "Partners," "Partnership," or the surname of at least one partner | "Santos & Cruz Partners" or "Reyes & Co." |
| OPC Designation | Must include "OPC" in the company name as required by the Revised Corporation Code | "Maria's Bakeshop OPC" or "JR Tech Solutions OPC" |
| Non-Stock / Non-Profit | Must include "Foundation," "Association," or "Institute" | "Hope Philippines Foundation Inc." |
| Prohibited Names | Cannot use "Bank," "Insurance," "Financing" without regulatory approval | "ABC Bank Inc." (needs BSP approval) |
| Confusingly Similar | Names too close to existing entities will be rejected even with different suffixes | "SM Prime Inc." (too similar to SM Prime Holdings) |
| Filipino / English | Names may be in Filipino or English; foreign language names require an English translation | "Bagong Pag-asa Trading Corp." |
Step-by-Step: How to Reserve a Company Name
Follow these steps to successfully reserve your company name with the SEC. The process can be completed either online through the SEC Company Registration System (CRS) or by personally visiting an SEC office.
Search for Name Availability
Before submitting a name reservation, check if your desired company name is available using the SEC Name Verification System (iRegister) or the SEC Company Registration System (CRS). The online name search tool allows you to instantly verify whether your proposed name is already taken or is confusingly similar to an existing registered entity.
Tip: Visit crs.sec.gov.ph and use the "Company Name Search" feature. Enter your proposed company name and check if it returns any results. If no matching entity appears, your name is likely available for reservation.
Prepare at Least 3 Name Choices
The SEC requires applicants to submit at least three (3) proposed company names ranked in order of preference. This ensures that if your first choice is already taken or is deemed confusingly similar, the SEC can evaluate your alternative names without requiring you to file a new application. Each name must comply with the SEC naming guidelines and include the appropriate suffix for your entity type.
Example name choices for a tech corporation:
- First Choice: "NovaTech Solutions Inc."
- Second Choice: "NovaTech Digital Corporation"
- Third Choice: "NovaTech Innovations Corp."
Submit Reservation via SEC CRS (Online) or Walk-In
You have two options for submitting your name reservation application:
Option A: Online via SEC CRS
- Go to crs.sec.gov.ph
- Create an account or log in to your existing SEC CRS account
- Select "Name Reservation" from the services menu
- Enter your three (3) proposed company names
- Select the entity type (Corporation, Partnership, OPC, etc.)
- Submit the application and proceed to payment
Option B: Walk-In at SEC Office
- Visit the nearest SEC main office or extension office
- Obtain the Name Reservation Form from the Information Desk
- Fill out the form with your three (3) proposed names and other required information
- Submit the form together with a valid government-issued ID
- Proceed to the cashier window for payment
Pay the Reservation Fee (₱100 per Name)
The name reservation fee is ₱100 per proposed name. Since the SEC requires a minimum of three (3) name choices, the total fee is typically ₱300. Payment can be made through the following channels:
- Online payment — via the SEC CRS portal using credit/debit card, GCash, PayMaya, or online bank transfer
- Over-the-counter — at the SEC cashier window (cash or manager's check payable to SEC)
- Authorized payment centers — selected banks and payment centers as designated by the SEC
Note: The reservation fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your proposed names are approved or rejected. Make sure to conduct a thorough name search before paying.
Receive Name Reservation Confirmation
After payment and processing, the SEC will evaluate your proposed names and issue a Name Reservation Confirmation if at least one of your choices is approved. The confirmation notice will indicate:
- The approved company name
- The reservation date and expiration date (30 days from approval)
- The reservation reference number for tracking
- The entity type associated with the reserved name
For online applications, the confirmation is sent via email and is also viewable in your SEC CRS dashboard. For walk-in applications, you may claim the confirmation at the SEC office within 1-2 working days.
Proceed to Registration Within 30 Days
Once your company name has been reserved, you have thirty (30) calendar days to complete your company registration with the SEC. Use this time to prepare and submit all required documents, including the Articles of Incorporation (or Articles of Partnership), By-Laws, Treasurer's Affidavit, and other supporting requirements.
Warning: If you fail to complete your registration within the 30-day reservation period, your name reservation will automatically expire and the name will become available for other applicants. You may renew once, but a second expiration means you must file a completely new application.
Requirements for Name Reservation
Prepare the following documents and information before filing your name reservation application with the SEC.
| # | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name Reservation Application Form | The SEC-prescribed form for name reservation, which may be downloaded from the SEC website or obtained from the SEC Information Desk. For online filing, the form is integrated in the SEC CRS portal. |
| 2 | Three (3) Proposed Company Names | At least three proposed names listed in order of preference. Each name must comply with SEC naming guidelines and include the proper entity suffix. |
| 3 | Valid Government-Issued ID | Any valid government ID of the applicant/reserving party (e.g., passport, driver's license, PhilSys/National ID, SSS, GSIS, PRC ID, Voter's ID). For online filing, a scanned copy may be uploaded. |
| 4 | Payment of Reservation Fee | ₱100 per proposed name (minimum ₱300 for 3 names). Payment is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application. |
| 5 | Special Clearance (if applicable) | If the proposed name contains regulated words (e.g., "Bank," "Insurance," "Financing"), you must submit a prior clearance or approval letter from the relevant regulatory agency (BSP, IC, or SEC specialized division). |
| 6 | Authorization Letter (if applicable) | If the applicant is filing on behalf of another person (e.g., a lawyer or authorized representative), a notarized authorization letter or Special Power of Attorney (SPA) must be submitted together with the valid IDs of both the principal and the representative. |
Required Name Suffixes by Entity Type
The SEC requires specific suffixes or designations in company names depending on the type of business entity being registered. Using the correct suffix is mandatory for name reservation approval.
| Entity Type | Required Suffix / Designation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Corporation | "Corporation," "Corp.," "Incorporated," or "Inc." | Sunrise Digital Solutions Inc. |
| Non-Stock Corporation | "Foundation," "Association," "Institute," or "Inc." | Hope Philippines Foundation Inc. |
| General Partnership | "& Co.," "Partners," "Partnership," or partner surnames | Santos & Cruz Partners |
| Limited Partnership | "Limited Partnership" or "Ltd. Partnership" | Reyes Capital Limited Partnership |
| One-Person Corporation (OPC) | Must include "OPC" in the name (required by RA 11232) | JR Tech Solutions OPC |
| Foreign Corporation (Branch) | Must use the exact name of the foreign parent company, with "Philippine Branch" or "Manila Branch" | XYZ International Corp. — Philippine Branch |
Note: The suffix or designation requirement is strictly enforced. A name reservation application that does not include the appropriate suffix for the intended entity type will be denied. Make sure to append the correct suffix to all three of your proposed company names.
Complete Example: Pedro Reserves a Name for His Tech Startup
Let's walk through a complete example of how Pedro, an aspiring entrepreneur, reserves a company name for his technology startup through the SEC online system.
Scenario: Pedro's Tech Startup
Background: Pedro wants to register a stock corporation for his technology consulting business. He has already identified three potential company names and wants to reserve his preferred name with the SEC before preparing his Articles of Incorporation.
Pedro's Three Proposed Names:
- First Choice: "CloudBridge Technologies Inc."
- Second Choice: "CloudBridge Digital Solutions Corporation"
- Third Choice: "CloudBridge IT Consulting Corp."
Step 1 — Name Search: Pedro visits the SEC CRS website at crs.sec.gov.ph and uses the "Company Name Search" tool. He types in "CloudBridge" and finds that no existing entity uses a similar name. He proceeds with confidence.
Step 2 — Online Submission: Pedro logs in to his SEC CRS account and selects "Name Reservation" from the services menu. He enters his three proposed names, selects "Stock Corporation" as the entity type, and provides his contact information and a scanned copy of his Philippine passport as his valid ID.
Step 3 — Payment: Pedro pays the reservation fee of ₱300 (₱100 x 3 names) via GCash through the SEC CRS payment gateway. He receives an electronic receipt confirming his payment.
Step 4 — Confirmation: After one (1) working day, Pedro receives an email notification from the SEC confirming that his first choice — "CloudBridge Technologies Inc." — has been approved and reserved. The confirmation includes:
- Approved Name: CloudBridge Technologies Inc.
- Reservation Date: January 15, 2025
- Expiration Date: February 14, 2025
- Reference Number: NR-2025-001234
Step 5 — Proceed to Registration: With his name secured, Pedro now has 30 days to complete his corporation registration. He immediately begins drafting his Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, preparing his Treasurer's Affidavit, and gathering all required documents. He submits his full registration package via SEC CRS within two weeks, well before the expiration date.
Result: Pedro successfully registered "CloudBridge Technologies Inc." and received his Certificate of Incorporation from the SEC within 5 working days of submission.
Online vs. Walk-In Name Reservation
Compare the two methods of filing a name reservation application with the SEC.
| Feature | Online (SEC CRS) | Walk-In (SEC Office) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 (system may have scheduled maintenance) | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Processing Time | 1-2 working days | 1-3 working days |
| Payment Methods | Credit/debit card, GCash, PayMaya, bank transfer | Cash, manager's check payable to SEC |
| Confirmation | Email notification + CRS dashboard | Claim at SEC office |
| ID Requirement | Scanned copy uploaded during application | Original ID presented at the office |
| Recommended For | Applicants who prefer convenience and faster processing | Applicants who need personal assistance or have questions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happens if my name reservation expires?
If your name reservation expires after 30 days and you have not completed your company registration, the reserved name will be released and become available for other applicants to use. You may renew the reservation one (1) time by paying the reservation fee again (₱100 per name). If the renewed reservation also expires, you must file a completely new name reservation application.
Q: Can I renew my name reservation?
Yes, you can renew your name reservation one (1) time for another 30-day period. To renew, submit a renewal request through the SEC CRS portal or visit an SEC office before or shortly after the expiration of your original reservation. You must pay the same reservation fee (₱100 per name) for the renewal. Note that only one renewal is allowed — if the renewed reservation expires, you cannot renew again and must file a fresh application.
Q: Can I transfer my reserved name to another person or entity?
No, a reserved company name is non-transferable. The name reservation is tied to the applicant who filed the reservation. If a different person or group of incorporators wants to use the same name, they must file their own name reservation application after the original reservation has expired or been released.
Q: Can two companies in different regions have the same name?
No. The SEC maintains a nationwide database of all registered entities. A company name must be unique across the entire Philippines, regardless of the region or city where the company's principal office is located. This is different from DTI business name registration, which only covers sole proprietorships and may have regional scope.
Q: Can I change my company name after registration?
Yes, but it requires a formal amendment process. To change your company name after SEC registration, you must file an Amendment of Articles of Incorporation with the SEC. This requires a board resolution (or stockholders' resolution for corporations), a new name reservation for the proposed new name, amended Articles of Incorporation, and payment of the corresponding amendment filing fees. The process can take several weeks depending on SEC processing times.
Q: How do foreign companies reserve a name with SEC?
Foreign companies that wish to establish a branch or representative office in the Philippines must use their exact foreign corporate name when registering with the SEC. They cannot adopt a different name for their Philippine operations. The name reservation application must be filed by the authorized resident agent of the foreign corporation, together with authenticated copies of the company's articles of incorporation from the country of origin, and other SEC requirements for foreign corporation registration.
Q: What if all three of my proposed names are rejected?
If all three of your proposed company names are rejected by the SEC (e.g., they are all identical or confusingly similar to existing entities), you will be notified of the rejection via email (for online applications) or by the SEC officer (for walk-in applications). You must then file a new name reservation application with three different proposed names and pay the reservation fee again. Unfortunately, the previously paid fee is non-refundable. To avoid this, always conduct a thorough name search before filing.
Processing Timeline and Fees Summary
| Transaction | Fee | Processing Time | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation (New) | ₱100 per name (min. 3 names = ₱300) | 1-2 working days | 30 calendar days |
| Name Reservation (Renewal) | ₱100 per name (same as new) | 1-2 working days | 30 calendar days (one-time renewal) |
| Name Verification / Search | Free (via SEC CRS online tool) | Instant (real-time results) | N/A |
| Name Change (Amendment) | Amendment fee + new name reservation fee | 5-15 working days | Permanent (upon approval) |
Important Reminders
- Always conduct a thorough name search using the SEC Company Registration System (CRS) before filing your reservation to avoid wasting the non-refundable fee.
- Prepare at least three (3) proposed company names ranked in order of preference — the SEC requires a minimum of three choices per application.
- Ensure each proposed name includes the correct suffix or designation for your entity type (e.g., "Inc.," "Corp.," "OPC," "Partners," "Foundation").
- The name reservation fee of ₱100 per name is non-refundable, regardless of whether your names are approved or rejected.
- Your reserved name is valid for 30 calendar days from the date of approval. Prepare all your registration documents within this period.
- You may renew an expired reservation only once. After the renewed reservation expires, you must file a new application.
- Avoid using regulated words such as "Bank," "Insurance," or "Financing" in your company name unless you have obtained prior clearance from the BSP, Insurance Commission, or other relevant regulatory body.
- The reserved name is non-transferable — only the original applicant or their authorized representative may use it for registration.
- For online applications, make sure your SEC CRS account information is accurate and up-to-date. Double check your email address as confirmations are sent electronically.
- If you need help, visit the nearest SEC office or call the SEC hotline. Do not rely on fixers or unofficial third parties for your name reservation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants encounter delays or rejections in the name reservation process due to these common errors. Avoid them to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.
Not Searching Before Reserving
Submitting a name reservation without first checking the SEC database often leads to rejection. Always use the free online name search tool before paying the reservation fee.
Using Only One or Two Names
The SEC requires a minimum of three (3) proposed names. Submitting fewer than three will result in the application being returned or delayed.
Forgetting the Required Suffix
Each proposed name must include the proper suffix for the entity type (e.g., "Inc." for corporations, "OPC" for one-person corporations). Omitting the suffix will result in rejection.
Delaying Registration After Reservation
Waiting too long to prepare your registration documents can cause the 30-day reservation to expire. Start preparing your AOI, By-Laws, and other documents immediately after receiving confirmation.
Using Regulated Words Without Clearance
Including words like "Bank," "Insurance," or "Financing" without prior approval from the relevant regulatory agency will result in automatic rejection of the name.
Submitting Names That Are Too Similar
Submitting three names that are virtually identical (e.g., just changing "Inc." to "Corp.") defeats the purpose. Make each alternative name meaningfully distinct while still reflecting your brand.
Where to File Your Name Reservation
You may file your name reservation at any of the following SEC offices, or submit it online through the SEC CRS.
| Office | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| SEC Main Office | SEC Building, EDSA Greenhills, Mandaluyong City | (02) 8818-0921 |
| SEC Satellite Office — Makati | Ground Floor, Makati City Hall, J.P. Rizal Extension, Makati City | (02) 8818-0921 |
| SEC Extension Office — Cebu | SEC Cebu Extension Office, Cebu City | (032) 255-6045 |
| SEC Extension Office — Davao | SEC Davao Extension Office, Davao City | (082) 224-0894 |
| SEC Online Portal (CRS) | crs.sec.gov.ph (accessible 24/7) | secaboretahelp@sec.gov.ph |
Need Help?
If you have questions about the name reservation process or encounter any issues with the SEC Company Registration System (CRS), you may contact the SEC through the following channels:
📞
SEC Hotline
(02) 8818-0921
📧
Email Support
secaboretahelp@sec.gov.ph
🌐
SEC Website
www.sec.gov.ph
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except holidays). The SEC CRS online portal is available 24/7 for name searches and application submissions, though processing occurs only during office hours.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the SEC office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest SEC office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.