How to Register a Cooperative in the Philippines: A Guide to CDA Registration

June 17, 2025

Cooperatives play an important role in empowering Filipino communities. From providing livelihood opportunities to promoting shared ownership, co-ops are structured to uplift members through mutual support. But to operate legally and gain access to benefits like tax exemptions and government assistance, you must register your cooperative with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

To help you get registered, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about registering a cooperative in the Philippines—who can form one, the required documents, and how the process works from start to finish.

What Is a Cooperative?

A cooperative business is a duly registered association of individuals who voluntarily join together to meet common economic, social, and cultural needs through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. Unlike corporations, cooperatives prioritize member welfare over profit, and every member typically has one vote regardless of capital contribution.

Examples include farmers’ cooperatives, transport cooperatives, workers’ co-ops, and consumer cooperatives.

Why Register with the Cooperative Development Authority?

According to Republic Act No. 9520 or the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, a cooperative must be registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to be legally recognized. Registration provides several advantages:

Legal personality – Enables the co-op to enter contracts, acquire assets, and sue or be sued.
Limited liability – Members are protected from personal liability.
Access to tax incentives – Registered cooperatives may enjoy tax exemptions under certain conditions.
Eligibility for government programs – Such as grants, loans, and capacity-building training.
Member confidence – Registration adds credibility to your cooperative.

Who Can Form a Cooperative?

To start a primary cooperative (the most common type), you need:

At least 15 members, all of whom must be Filipino citizens and of legal age.
A common bond of interest, such as location, livelihood, or occupation.
A clear economic purpose, such as marketing, savings, credit, or service provision.

Each member must undergo a Pre-Membership Education Seminar (PMES) conducted by the CDA or an accredited trainer.

Documentary Requirements for CDA Registration

Here are the key documents you must prepare and submit:

Name Reservation Notice – Reserve your cooperative name through the CDA website or office.
Articles of Cooperation – Contains the cooperative’s name, purpose, term, capital structure, and other basic details.
By-Laws – Rules governing the cooperative’s operations and internal procedures.
Economic Survey – Describe your business model, feasibility, and projected membership.
Bond of Accountable Officers – A fidelity bond for your treasurer and other officers handling funds.
Treasurer’s Affidavit – Confirms the required paid-up capital has been deposited.
Certificate of PMES Attendance – This shows that all members have completed the mandatory seminar.
Registration Fee – Based on the cooperative’s authorized share capital; fees are paid at the time of submission.

Preparing documents like the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws can be complex and often requires professional guidance. Fortunately, we’re here to help ensure your paperwork is complete and compliant with CDA regulations.

Capital Requirements

The law requires that:

At least 25% of the authorized share capital must be subscribed.
At least 25% of the subscribed capital must be paid up.
The minimum paid-up capital must not be less than ₱15,000 for primary cooperatives.

Funds must be deposited in the name of the cooperative in a bank or financial institution.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Name Reservation
Reserve your cooperative name online or in person at the CDA. The name must include the word “cooperative.”
Conduct PMES
All founding members must complete the Pre-Membership Education Seminar.
Prepare Documents
Draft and notarize your Articles of Cooperation and By-Laws. Prepare the other documentary requirements.
Submit to CDA
File your documents at the appropriate CDA Regional Office. Bring physical copies and pay the registration fee.
Wait for Approval
The CDA has 60 days to act on your application. If all documents are in order, you’ll receive your Certificate of Registration—your cooperative’s official legal birth certificate.

Given the CDA’s strict requirements and long processing time, it’s highly recommended to work with a professional business registration service. Our team of experienced lawyers and industry experts can prepare your documents accurately and help you avoid costly delays or registration rejections.

Professional Tips

Consult with a professional business registration service to ensure compliance with all requirements.
Choose your officers wisely. They will be responsible for managing funds and operations while ensuring accountability.
Keep records organized and comply with CDA reporting rules after registration.

Summary

Whether you’re starting a farming co-op, a neighborhood savings group, or a transport service, registering your cooperative in the Philippines is a legal requirement and an important step toward building a community-driven enterprise. By complying with the Cooperative Development Authority’s process, your group gains access to legal protections, financial benefits, and long-term stability.

Are You Starting a Cooperative Business for the First Time? Here’s Where to Find Assistance.

Registering any business in the Philippines can be a complex and challenging process. The process involves securing multiple permits and licenses from different government offices, making it easy to miss a requirement or forget a renewal. Even seemingly minor mistakes can lead to hefty fines or even the suspension of your operations.

That’s where Triple i Consulting comes in. Our team of experienced lawyers and accountants provides comprehensive support for your business registration, so you don’t have to stress over the paperwork. Our expertise and network enable us to streamline your registration process, ensuring it’s completed swiftly and correctly.

We’ll handle the permits and renewals so you can focus on what matters most—running your business and achieving financial success.