1World1People1Master1Way | Saneiv Spiritual Enlightenment Center

 Legal Requirements for Establishing Saneiv Enlightenment Center in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, Philippines

The Saneiv Enlightenment Center, as a premium private membership club focused on spiritual enlightenment, meditation, exercise (including martial arts/self-defense), and merchandise sales (books, uniforms, supplements), qualifies as a wellness center under Philippine law. This classification is favorable for foreign ownership.Foreign Ownership

• 100% foreign ownership is allowed. Wellness centers are explicitly excluded from restrictions in the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL, Twelfth Regular FINL as of 2022, still current in 2025). Unlike massage clinics or saunas (limited to 40% foreign equity due to public health/morals concerns), wellness centers permit full foreign investment.
• No minimum capital requirement of USD 200,000 applies here, as the business serves the domestic market but falls outside restricted categories.
• If merchandise sales (retail) involve paid-up capital below PHP 25 million, foreign ownership might face limits under retail trade laws—but membership fees form the primary revenue, with merchandise secondary.

Business Structure and Registration

• Recommended structure: Domestic stock corporation (profit-oriented, with tiered memberships and sales).
• Register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) via the eSPARC online system.
  • Requirements include: Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, name verification, treasurer-in-trust appointment, and proof of paid-up capital (minimal for 100% foreign-owned non-restricted sectors).
  • Processing time: 7-30 days.
  • Legal entity: Philippine corporation.
• Alternative: If positioned as non-profit religious/spiritual, register as non-stock corporation—but the plan's profit focus (memberships, merchandise) suits a stock corporation better.

Local Permits in Taguig City (BGC)

• Barangay Clearance — From the barangay where the facility locates (e.g., Fort Bonifacio in BGC).
• Mayor's Permit/Business Permit — From Taguig City Hall's Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO).
  • Requirements: SEC Certificate, Barangay Clearance, lease contract or proof of location, zoning compliance, sanitary permit, fire safety certificate.
  • Taguig streamlines processes and ranks business-friendly.
• Sanitary Permit — From Taguig City Health Office (ensures compliance with Sanitation Code, especially for exercise/meditation spaces).
• Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) — From Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
• Location-specific: BGC, managed by Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (private estate), may require additional approvals for commercial lease/use, but no unique restrictions beyond standard Taguig rules.

National Requirements

• Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Registration → Obtain Tax Identification Number (TIN), Certificate of Registration (COR), and register books of accounts. Apply for VAT (if gross sales > PHP 3 million) or non-VAT.
• Employee-related (if hiring staff) → Register with Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund. If Saneiv or foreign staff work on-site, secure Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE (for foreigners) or relevant visas.
• Other potential permits:
  • If selling food supplements: FDA License to Operate (LTO) and product registration.
  • For martial arts/self-defense classes: Possible DOLE or local oversight, but generally covered under business permit.
  • Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) if facility impacts environment (unlikely for 15,000 sq ft indoor space).

Additional Considerations

• Lease in BGC: Commercial spaces are premium; ensure lease complies with zoning (wellness/fitness allowed in mixed-use areas).
• Visa for Saneiv: If relocating, consider Special Investor Resident Visa (SIRV) or other options tied to investment.
• Timeline: Full setup (SEC + local permits) takes 2-6 months.
• Costs: SEC fees ~PHP 5,000-20,000; local permits vary (Taguig taxes based on gross receipts); professional fees for lawyers/accountants recommended.
• Recommendation: Engage a local corporate service provider or lawyer specializing in foreign investments for compliance. The setup is straightforward due to 100% foreign ownership allowance in wellness.

This positions the BGC location favorably compared to U.S. sites, with lower overheads and full control for foreign investors. Consult official sources (SEC, Taguig LGU) for latest updates as of December 2025.