Starting a Business in the Philippines: Complete Registration Guide

This guide walks you through the essential steps to register a business in the Philippines, how long each step usually takes, what documents you need, and where to go online. Perfect if you want to launch fast without missing legal must-dos.

What type of business should you choose?

Choose based on ownership, liability, tax and funding needs:

• Sole proprietorship - easiest, register with DTI. Best for solo owners, micro and small retail.
• Partnership - two or more owners; register with SEC.
• Corporation - limited liability, easier to raise capital; register with SEC.
• Single Proprietorship/One Person Corporation (OPC) - an option if you want corporate liability protection but are a single owner.

Tip: If you expect investors or plan to scale, register as a corporation early.

Step-by-step registration checklist

1. Reserve and register your business name

• Sole proprietorship: Reserve and register name at DTI (Business Name Registration). Valid for 5 years.
• Partnership/corporation: Reserve name with SEC via the SEC Company Registration System (CRS).

Estimated time: online reservation can be immediate; full name registration processed in 1–3 days (online) depending on completeness.

Documents/inputs: proposed business name, owner(s) details, business address.

2. Register with the SEC (for corporations/partnerships)

Who: Corporations, partnerships, and One Person Corporations (OPC). What you submit: Articles of Incorporation/Bylaws, Treasurer's Affidavit, registration fee, name reservation proof. How: Use the SEC CRSto file and pay online or follow procedures in your local SEC office.

Estimated time: 3–14 business days (varies by completeness and verification).

3. Register with BIR (tax registration)

Who: All business types must register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). What you get: Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303), Authority to Print receipts/invoices or access to e-invoicing options, TIN registration. Where: Local BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) or via online channels where available. Documents: SEC/DTI registration, Mayor's Permit (if already obtained), valid IDs, lease contract/ownership proof, sample receipts.

Estimated time: Usually same day to a few days.

Important: Ask your RDO about the proper books of account, required invoices, and whether you need to register for VAT or Percentage Tax.

4. Get local permits: Mayor's Permit and Barangay Clearance

• Barangay Clearance: Obtainable at your local barangay hall - requirement for Mayor's Permit.
• Mayor's Permit / Business Permit: Apply at your Local Government Unit (LGU) BPLO (Business Permits and Licensing Office). Requirements normally include DTI/SEC proof, BIR, barangay clearance, lease/land title, IDs.

Estimated time: 3–10 business days (may vary by city/municipality and processing backlog).

Tip: Many cities have an online Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) to reduce in-person visits.

5. Clear safety and occupancy requirements

• Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
• Occupancy permit or barangay certification for location use (if required by LGU).
• Health permits for food-related businesses.

Get these early if your business involves physical premises, customers, or food service.

6. Register social contributions (SSS / PhilHealth / Pag-IBIG)

If you will hire employees (or want mandatory employer accounts):

• SSS - employer and employee contributions; register employer and employee accounts.
• PhilHealth - register business/employer and employees for health insurance.
• Pag-IBIG - register for housing fund contributions.

Register at each agency's website or office. You'll need business registration docs, BIR registration, IDs, and employment details.

Estimated time: 1–3 days for registration.

7. Open a business bank account and bookkeeping setup

• Open a corporate/business bank account using SEC/DTI, BIR registration, Mayor's Permit and IDs.
• Set up simple cloud accounting or an accountant/bookkeeper for invoicing, VAT reporting and payroll.

Tip: Separate personal and business finances from day one.

8. If you'll hire employees: DOLE and payroll setup

• For businesses with employees, register with DOLE if required (for certain industries or benefits).
• Comply with labor laws: wages, 13th month pay, tax withholding (BIR), SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG contributions, and mandatory workplace policies.

9. Ongoing compliance and renewals

• Annual report (SEC) for corporations.
• Annual BIR tax filings and payment (monthly/quarterly returns as applicable).
• Renew Mayor's Permit and Barangay Clearance annually.
• Renew DTI business name every 5 years (for sole proprietors).

Keep a simple calendar of deadlines (monthly withholding, quarterly percentage tax/VAT, annual reports).

Quick timeline & cost expectations

• DTI name & registration (sole): same day to 3 days - low fees (few hundred PHP).
• SEC incorporation: 3–14 days - fees depend on paid-up capital and authorized capital (can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands PHP).
• BIR registration: same day to a few days - minimal fees for registration; penalties for late registration.
• Mayor's Permit & Barangay Clearance: 3–10 days - fees vary by LGU and business type.
• Social contributions registration: 1–3 days - no large fees, but ongoing contribution costs exist.

Costs vary widely by city and business size. Always confirm fees with the local LGU and agencies.

Simple startup checklist

• Decide business structure
• Reserve business name (DTI/SEC)
• Prepare Articles of Incorporation or business documents
• Register with SEC (if applicable)
• Register with BIR (Form 2303)
• Secure Barangay Clearance
• Obtain Mayor's Permit / Business Permit
• Get Fire Safety/Occupancy permits
• Register SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG (if hiring)
• Open business bank account
• Set up accounting and payroll
• Create renewal & tax calendar

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I start operating before I register?
A: It's not recommended. You need BIR registration to issue official receipts and file taxes. Some LGUs also require permits before opening.

Q: How long does SEC registration take?
A: Typically 3–14 business days, but it depends on document completeness and SEC workload.

Q: What if I work from home?
A: You still need DTI/SEC and BIR registration. Barangay and LGU rules may vary for home-based businesses - check local ordinances.

Q: Are online registration options available?
A: Yes - DTI has online business name registration, SEC has an online CRMS/CRS, and many LGUs/BIR services offer online filing or appointments.

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