Are you planning to register a business in the Philippines? Whether you’re planning to run a small sole proprietorship or launch a corporation, legal registration is non-negotiable. This guide walks you through the business registration process, covering DTI registration for sole proprietors and SEC registration for corporations—with expert tips to ensure compliance.
Steps to Register a Business in the Philippines
To legally operate, all entrepreneurs must go through the proper process to register a business in the Philippines.
📍 Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
Before registering, you need to decide what type of business entity suits your needs.
Business Type | Regulatory Agency | Best For |
Sole Proprietorship | DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) | Small businesses owned by one person |
Corporation | SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) | Medium to large-scale businesses with multiple owners |
Partnership | SEC | Two or more individuals running a business together |
Cooperative | Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) | Community-owned businesses |
💡 Not sure which one to choose? If you’re running a small, independent business, DTI registration is sufficient. But if you want limited liability and corporate benefits, you’ll need to register with SEC.
📍 Step 2: Register Your Business Name
✅ For Sole Proprietorships: DTI Registration
If you’re a sole proprietor, the first step in business registration in the Philippines is securing a DTI Business Name Registration.
📌 🔗 Read our full guide: DTI Business Registration: Essential Guide
📢 Basic Steps:
1️⃣ Check Business Name Availability – Use DTI’s online portal to check if your chosen business name is available.
2️⃣ Complete the Application Form – Provide personal details and business information.
3️⃣ Pay the Registration Fee – Fees range from ₱200 – ₱2,000, depending on your business scope (Barangay, City, Regional, or National).
4️⃣ Claim Your Certificate of Business Name Registration – Once approved, you’ll receive your DTI Certificate, which allows you to operate legally.
✅ For Corporations & Partnerships: SEC Registration
For larger businesses, you must register a business in the Philippines under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
📌 🔗 Read our full guide: SEC Registration: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
📢 Basic Steps:
1️⃣ Reserve Your Business Name – Use SEC’s online name verification system.
2️⃣ Prepare Required Documents – Includes Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, Treasurer’s Affidavit, and Bank Certificate.
3️⃣ Submit Documents to SEC – Either online or at an SEC branch.
4️⃣ Pay Registration Fees – Fees depend on capital investment (usually starts at ₱2,000 – ₱5,000).
5️⃣ Receive SEC Certificate of Incorporation – This officially establishes your business as a corporate entity.
📍 Step 3: Secure Additional Permits & Licenses
After registering with DTI or SEC, you still need local government permits to operate legally.
✅ Barangay Clearance
📌 Where to get it? Your local Barangay Hall
📢 Requirements:
✔ DTI/SEC Certificate
✔ Valid ID of the business owner
✔ Lease contract (if renting a business space)
✔ Barangay fees (varies per location)
✅ Mayor’s Business Permit
📌 Where to get it? City/Municipal Hall – Business Permits & Licensing Office
📢 Requirements:
✔ DTI/SEC Certificate
✔ Barangay Clearance
✔ Lease contract (if renting)
✔ Business sketch/location map
✔ Environmental & Fire Safety Clearance
🔹 Processing Time: 3-7 business days
🔹 Estimated Cost: ₱500 – ₱5,000, depending on business size
✅ BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) Registration
📌 Where to get it? Your local BIR Revenue District Office (RDO)
📢 Requirements:
✔ DTI or SEC Certificate
✔ Mayor’s Business Permit
✔ Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
✔ Books of Accounts
✔ Authority to Print (for official receipts)
🔹 Processing Time: 7-14 days
🔹 Estimated Cost: ₱500 – ₱2,000
📍 Step 4: Open a Business Bank Account
Once your business is registered, open a corporate/business bank account to manage your finances.
📢 Requirements:
✔ DTI/SEC Registration Certificate
✔ Mayor’s Permit
✔ Valid IDs of business owners
✔ Initial deposit (₱5,000 – ₱50,000 depending on the bank)
🚀 Final Thoughts: Simplify Your Business Registration
By following these steps, you can legally operate your business in the Philippines without unnecessary delays.
💡 Need professional legal assistance for business registration? Lawyers Online PH can help!
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