Themis Partner is a trusted legal advisory firm based in the Philippines, with strong local expertise assisting international clients, expatriates, and Filipino entrepreneurs navigating Cebu’s legal and business regulations. Whether you’re planning to incorporate a business, applying for a visa, or handling a dispute, our legal professionals in Cebu deliver tailored, practical legal advice in both English and Cebuano.
Our law office in Cebu combines in-depth legal understanding with global business acumen, positioning us as a reliable legal partner for startups, SMEs, and private investors. With clear fees, responsive communication, and personalized legal support, Themis Partner ensures you stay legally compliant while advancing your projects in Cebu.
Cebu is a strategic commercial hub in the Visayas region and offers a dynamic business climate for both domestic and international investors. At Themis Partner, we provide tailored legal solutions in Cebu, including incorporation services, shareholder agreement drafting, board resolution compliance, and legal due diligence. Our legal advisors in Cebu ensure full alignment with the Philippine Corporation Code and provide guidance on ownership regulations, especially for foreign-owned enterprises. We also assist in evaluating eligibility for investment incentives offered by government agencies such as the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) and help with applications for tax holidays and other benefits.
If you plan to establish a company in Cebu, selecting the right legal entity is essential. The most common structure is a Philippine domestic corporation, which can be fully foreign-owned under certain conditions. Themis Partner helps with all stages, from name reservation to business registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Key incorporation requirements include:
➤ A minimum of 5 incorporators (natural persons)
➤ At least one resident director
➤ A corporate address in Cebu
➤ Paid-up capital (requirements vary by industry and foreign equity percentage)
ℹ️ We also support applications for special business permits (barangay clearance, mayor’s permit, BIR registration) depending on the nature of your business. Learn more on our company registration services page.
Our Cebu lawyers assist entrepreneurs, SMEs, and corporations by drafting, reviewing, and localizing a variety of legal documents to ensure compliance with Philippine law. We provide customizable legal templates to streamline your operations and control legal costs. We support clients in preparing:
Foreign professionals looking to work in Cebu are required to obtain a 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa along with an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE Region VII. Our immigration lawyers in Cebu guide you through the process efficiently:
ℹ️ We also assist with Special Work Permits (SWP) for short-term jobs, SRRV Retirement Visas, and Spouse/Dependent Visas. Explore our full work permit and visa support in the Philippines for more information.
Foreign nationals are restricted from directly owning land in the Philippines, including in Cebu. However, they can legally purchase condominium units (up to 40% of a project), or acquire land indirectly through long-term lease agreements or joint ventures with Filipino entities. Our Cebu legal team offers property due diligence, title verification, and contract review to secure your investment. For long-term occupancy or structured investment:
Our litigation lawyers in Cebu provide tailored legal representation in both civil and criminal disputes, including:
➤ Contract breaches
➤ Employment-related conflicts
➤ Commercial debt collection
➤ Criminal defense proceedings
We represent clients before Cebu Municipal Courts, regional trial courts, and the Philippine Court of Appeals, ensuring strategic guidance across all judicial levels. We also encourage alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration, under the Judiciary Dispute Resolution (JDR) framework to resolve conflicts faster and out of court.
Why Choose Themis Partner as Your Law Firm in Cebu?
Our Cebu-based lawyers combine deep knowledge of Philippine law with international legal standards. We offer strategic counsel that respects local procedures while meeting the expectations of global clients, particularly expats and foreign businesses.
Legal clarity is essential. Our Cebu team communicates fluently in English, ensuring you fully understand your rights, risks, and legal options at every step.
We operate on fixed-fee pricing models with no hidden charges. From the initial consultation to court representation, we guarantee clear timelines and responsive legal assistance throughout your case.
4. Tailored Legal Advice for Expats and Businesses
Whether you’re starting a venture, handling a commercial conflict, or protecting your assets, our legal services in Cebu are designed to align with your business objectives and minimize legal exposure in the Philippines.
If you’re a foreign investor aiming for 100% ownership of a company in the Philippines, Cebu offers opportunities through BOI (Board of Investment) incentives. The BOI supports investments in high-priority industries such as:
➤ Tech and software
➤ E-commerce
➤ Logistics and supply chain
➤ Renewable and sustainable energy solutions
We guide you through each stage of registration from business plan development to BOI interviews.
➤ Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions
ℹ️ Our Cebu-based team handles monthly filings, financial reports, and audits to maintain regulatory integrity. Discover our full accounting services for foreign businesses.
In Cebu, most local corporations must be 60% Filipino-owned unless covered by BOI exceptions. We help foreign clients create structures that meet the law while keeping economic control. We offer tailored shareholder agreements, voting protections, and preferred shares that ensure foreign investor security and control. Explore all legal setups and your options for ownership on our Foreign Business Ownership page.
Doing Business in Cebu?
Explore our full legal and regulatory guide for launching a business in one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing economic hubs: Doing Business in Cebu
Cebu stands as a major economic engine outside Metro Manila, offering strong logistics infrastructure, a deep seaport, a bustling international airport, and a growing IT-BPM sector. Known for its blend of industrial growth and tourism appeal, Cebu is an attractive base for foreign investors looking to operate in central Visayas.
Key Legal Considerations:
➤ Business permits, zoning and Cebu City LGU compliance
➤ Foreign equity limitations under the Philippine Foreign Investment Negative List
➤ DOLE-compliant employment contracts and labor law support
➤ BIR income tax regulations (ranging from 20% to 35%)
Visit our dedicated page to get insights on setting up legally and strategically in Cebu.
From registering your entity with the SEC to liaising with the DTI, BIR, and local Cebu LGUs, our legal team provides full legal coverage so you can focus on running your business.
Contact Our Law Firm in Cebu
1. Free Initial Consultation: Not sure about entity type or permit requirements? Book a free legal consultation with one of our Cebu-based lawyers to get expert advice.
2. Office Address and Directions: Our Cebu office is centrally located and easily accessible. We also offer remote legal support for international clients.
3. WhatsApp, Email, and Line Contact Options: Contact us anytime through your preferred platform. We guarantee a response within 24 hours.
Get Started with Themis Partner, Your Trusted Law Firm in Cebu
With years of legal experience and a strong reputation among foreign clients, Themis Partner is your trusted legal advisor in the Philippines. Whether you’re registering a business, applying for a work permit, drafting a contract, or navigating local compliance, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Explore our full legal services in Cebu or contact us today for a personalized quote. Optimize your success in Cebu with Themis Partner. Get reliable legal guidance, fast response times, and clear answers you can trust.
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