Cooperatives register with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), not DTI or the SEC. A primary cooperative needs 15 or more Filipino natural persons with a common bond of interest, at least ₱15,000 paid-up capital, and a Pre-Membership Education Seminar (PMES) certificate. The registration fee is 1/10 of 1% of paid-up capital or the ₱500 basic fee, whichever is higher, plus a 1% legal and research fee.[1,2]
Who can form a cooperative
Under CDA Memorandum Circular 2015-01, a primary cooperative is formed by fifteen or more natural persons who are Filipino citizens and share a common bond of interest. The paid-up capital of a primary cooperative must be at least ₱15,000.[1]
A common bond can be the same workplace, the same barangay, or the same trade, such as tricycle drivers in one TODA or vendors in one public market. A cooperative is owned and run by its members together, so it suits groups who want to buy, sell, save or borrow as one, not a single owner's negosyo.
Only cooperatives registered with the CDA may use the word "cooperative" in their name. A DTI business name cannot.[3]
Steps to register
Steps and documents follow CDA MC 2015-01.[1]
- Reserve the nameGet a name reservation notice from the CDA.
- Attend the PMESAll members go through the Pre-Membership Education Seminar. The certificate is signed by the interim chairman.
- Prepare the documentsEconomic survey, Articles of Cooperation and by-laws, treasurer's affidavit, surety bonds of accountable officers, and the required undertakings.
- File and paySubmit four copies (one copy of the name reservation notice) at a CDA extension office and pay the registration fee.
Documents in your filing
The list comes from MC 2015-01. Ask your CDA extension office for its current checklist and templates before you print four sets.[1]
- Name reservation notice
- Economic survey
- Articles of Cooperation and by-laws
- Treasurer's affidavit
- Surety bonds of accountable officers
- Certificate of PMES
- Undertakings, such as to change the name if needed and to follow auditing and accounting standards
How much is the CDA registration fee?
Under CDA MC 2016-08, a primary cooperative pays 1/10 of 1% of its paid-up capital or the basic fee of ₱500, whichever is higher. The circular lists basic fees of ₱2,000 for a secondary cooperative, ₱3,000 for a tertiary cooperative and ₱50 for a laboratory cooperative. A legal and research fee of 1% is added, with a minimum of ₱10.[2]
Example only, using round numbers. A primary cooperative with ₱15,000 paid-up capital: 1/10 of 1% is ₱15, so the ₱500 basic fee applies, and the legal and research fee is ₱10 (1% would be ₱5, below the minimum). Total ₱510. With ₱1,000,000 paid-up capital, the fee is ₱1,000 and the legal and research fee ₱10, for ₱1,010.[2]
After the CDA certificate
A registered cooperative still deals with its city or municipality and with BIR before it operates a store or service. Use the permit path tool for the local steps, and see BIR registration.
CDA registration fees by type
| Type of cooperative | Registration fee |
|---|---|
| Primary | 1/10 of 1% of paid-up capital or ₱500, whichever is higher |
| Secondary | ₱2,000 |
| Tertiary | ₱3,000 |
| Laboratory | ₱50 |
| All types: legal and research fee | 1% of the fee, minimum ₱10 |
Before you file with the CDA
- Confirm you have at least 15 Filipino members with a common bond
- Collect at least ₱15,000 paid-up capital and record each member's share
- Schedule the PMES for all members
- Choose interim officers, including a treasurer who will sign the affidavit
- Arrange surety bonds for accountable officers
- Print four copies of every document
Questions people ask
- How many members do I need to start a cooperative?
- At least 15 natural persons who are Filipino citizens with a common bond of interest, for a primary cooperative.
- What is the minimum capital of a cooperative?
- At least ₱15,000 paid-up capital for a primary cooperative under MC 2015-01. Some types may need more, so ask the CDA.
- Is the PMES required?
- Yes. A certificate of the Pre-Membership Education Seminar, signed by the interim chairman, is part of the registration documents.
- Can a cooperative register with DTI instead?
- No. The word "cooperative" may only be used by cooperatives registered with the CDA.
Sources
Checked 13 November 2026. We link the agency's own page for every requirement. Rules change; confirm with the office before you pay.
- CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2015-01, Revised Guidelines Governing the Registration of Cooperatives · Cooperative Development Authority · 19 May 2015
- Memorandum Circular No. 2016-08: Amended Schedule of Registration Fees · Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) · 18 October 2016
- BNRS - Frequently Asked Questions · DTI