Business permits
Register your store as a legal business.
Get all the necessary permits with our
step-by-step guide.
DTI/SEC Registration
or as a partnership or corporation through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
For businesses that are owned and managed by a single individual, select DTI Registration (Sole proprietorship).
For partnerships that are formed between two or more individuals, or corporations formed by five or more incorporators,
select SEC Registration (Partnership or Corporation).
STEP 1
To register your business as a sole proprietorship, you must first apply for a Business Name Certificate through the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Business Name Registration System (BNRS) portal.
STEP 2
Check the availability of your proposed business name by using the [Business Name Search] page on the BNRS website.
STEP 3
Once you have confirmed the availability of your business name, go to [Business Name Services > New Registration] and complete the business name registration form. You must enter a valid and active email address to receive your reference code.
STEP 4
Select the appropriate fee according to the scope of your business (and range of your deliveries). You must pay the registration fee within five calendar days of completing the registration form. You can pay by debit/credit card, e-wallet, or through online banking. You can also pay directly at any DTI office or Negosyo Center.
STEP 5
Go to [Business Name Services > Transaction Inquiry] and enter your reference code to view your transaction summary. You can find your certificate under [Downloadable Contents] or check your email and download it there.
You can also request a Certified True Copy of your Business Name Certificate at any DTI office. Present a copy of your completed and signed business name registration form, together with one valid government-issued ID and proof of payment.
Your business name is valid for five years from the date of registration and can be renewed through the BNRS website. Late renewals may be subject to penalties.
STEP 1
To register your business as a partnership or corporation, you must first apply for a Business Name Certificate through the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Company Registration System (CRS) portal.
Visit the CRS website and create an account. Log in to your CRS account and complete all the required fields. You will need a valid email address to activate your account.
STEP 2
From your CRS account dashboard, click [Register New Company] and select your [Company Type] and [Industry Type]. Enter your proposed company name into the entry field, add a suffix, and click [Validate]. Please be aware that your validated company name will be subjected to further evaluation by SEC.
Review details and confirmYou have four days to confirm your proposed company name. You can revise your company details by clicking the [Edit] button. Click [Save and Proceed] to continue the registration process.
Add your company informationSpecify whether your company is located in an economic zone and complete all the required fields.
STEP 3
You have 30 days to complete your company registration. Depending on the type of company selected, you will be required to enter and submit certain information. Complete all the required fields and click [Next].
Review and confirm registrationDepending on the options selected in the previous steps, you can select or add a purpose clause, specify the term of existence, add individual partners or corporators, and more. Complete all the required fields and click [Next].
STEP 4
Download the requested documents and print them on A4 paper. You will need to have three copies of each document, signed and notarized. Scan and upload the documents to the CRS website and click [Submit].
Pay the assessment feeYou will receive a payment notification in the [Payments] tab on your CRS account dashboard. You can pay using Landbank Payment, use over-the-counter payments/SEC cashier, or POS at any authorized Landbank branch. Upload your proof of payment to your CRS account.
STEP 5
Submit your signed and notarized documents (three of each document) to your selected SEC office.
Claim your Certificate of RegistrationOnce your application has been approved, you can claim your Articles of Partnership or Certificate of Incorporation, together with your previously submitted documents from the selected SEC office.
Barangay Clearance
STEP 1
Ensure you have all the required documents before applying for your Barangay Clearance.
STEP 2
Visit the barangay hall that has jurisdiction over the area of your principal business address and fill out a Barangay Clearance application form. Submit the completed application form together with the required documents for verification and approval. Documents required for submission may vary between offices.
STEP 3
Go to the cashier's office and pay the Barangay Clearance fee. The amount will depend on the location of your business.
STEP 4
Depending on your Barangay, you may have to wait until the following day to claim your Barangay Clearance certificate.
Renewal of Barangay ClearanceYour Barangay Clearance is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Late renewals may be subject to penalties.
Mayor’s permit
STEP 1
Ensure you have all the required documents before applying for your Mayor's Permit.
STEP 2
Visit the BPLO that has jurisdiction over the area of your principal business address and complete the Business Permit application form and make two copies of it. Submit the completed form together with the required documents for processing and assessment.
Pay the permit feesThe BPLO assessor will assess your application and provide you with a billing assessment. Go to the cashier's office and pay the necessary licensing and permit fees to receive an official receipt. You can pay in cash or pay with a manager's check.
STEP 3
Present your paid application and other supporting documents to the assigned Fire Department personnel in your area to secure your Fire Safety Inspection Certificate.
STEP 4
Visit your local city health office and submit the official receipt together with your employees' health certificates to secure your Health and Sanitary Permit.
STEP 5
Return to your BPLO and present your official receipt, Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, and Health and Sanitary Permit to claim your Mayor's Permit.
Renewal of Mayor's PermitYour Mayor's permit must be renewed annually, usually during the first month of the calendar year. Late renewals may be subject to penalties.
Certificate of Registration
is a document issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) that grants you the legal rights
to operate your business in the Philippines.
STEP 1
Ensure you have all the required documents before applying for your Certificate of Registration.
Complete the application formsCheck your business type and download the required application forms from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) website. Complete the application forms and prepare three copies of each completed form.
STEP 2
Visit the RDO that has jurisdiction over the area of your principal business address and submit all the completed forms and required documents.
After your application has been assessed, visit any BIR accredited bank and submit your assessed application forms to pay for your registration fee and documentary stamp tax. Accredited banks are usually located within the vicinity of your RDO.
STEP 3
Visit the Registration Section of your RDO and submit the BIR payment form and other required documents to claim your Certificate of Registration (COR). Your RDO may require you to attend a seminar on tax filing before releasing your COR.
STEP 4
Check your tax type (printed on your COR) and buy your books of accounts accordingly. Complete the BIR Form 1905 and submit your application form and books of accounts to the Registration Section of your RDO.
STEP 5
Prepare the paid registration payment form (BIR form 0605), your completed BIR Form 1906, and a copy of your COR. Submit the documents to the Registration Section of your RDO to secure your Authority to Print (ATP).
Print your official receiptsSubmit your ATP to an accredited printing company to print the receipts/invoices for your business. It should take 1-2 weeks to print your official receipts/invoices. Ensure you get a Printer's Certificate of Delivery (PVD) afterwards. Once your receipts are released, you can start operating your business in the Philippines.