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DTI-Philippines

Our team of

EXPERTS AND PARALEGALS

can help you register your business in the Philippines

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Registration for Enterprises in the Philippines

Entrepreneurs who wish to open a business through a sole proprietorship business entity must register with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

When starting a business in the Philippines, complying with appropriate government agencies is important in order to lawfully operate. Our team helps our clients achieve a seamless business registration process by providing end-to-end assistance in complying with appropriate government agencies in the Philippines. 

Importance of Registering With DTI

Under Republic Act (RA) 3883, it is illegal to use a business name without registering first with DTI. Ensuring to register your business name will guarantee you the legal right to use it for five years and must be renewed to continue its legal validity. Failing to do so will result in an additional 50% of the registration fee as a penalty. 

Additionally, It is important to note that securing a business name is not a license to operate, but is just one of the documentary requirements when you register a business in the Philippines.  

What is a Business Name?

A business name (BN) is a name that identifies your enterprise. This will appear on your receipts, business transactions, or any signs that will advertise your company. You must include the following when registering your business with DTI. 

  • Dominant Name. This will be the name of your business once registered with DTI. Other business applicants will not be able to use your business name in the barangay, city, region, or country, depending on the scope of the coverage of your location. 
  • Business Name Descriptor. This will be the descriptive factor of your business, this is essential as this gives potential customers the opportunity to grasp the idea of what your business offers. 

Business Registration Eligibility

Anyone can apply for business registration as long as they meet the following criteria set by DTI: 

  1. Individuals of at least 18 years of age. Non-Filipino citizens under 18 years old must submit proof coming from their home country where the legal age is lower than 18
  2. Filipino Citizen
  3. Non-citizens with a certificate of sole proprietorship or Certificate of authority to engage  in business in the Philippines
  4. Stateless person

An authorized representative can also register your business on your behalf as long as they provide the required documents such as the BN application form, valid ID, and an authorization letter signed by the business proprietor. 

DTI Registration Requirements

DTI requires applicants to provide the following documents upon registering their business in the Philippines. You must provide the following: 

General Requirements:

  • Accomplished BN Registration – Sole Proprietorship Application Form
  • Present any of the following government-issued valid ID: 
    • Passport
    • Driver’s license
    • UMID
    • PRC ID
    • NBI Clearance
    • Police Clearance (in ID form)
    • Postal ID
    • Voter’s ID
    • OWWA ID
    • Seaman’s Book
    • IBP ID
    • Senior citizen ID
    • PWD ID
    • Government office ID
    • Validated state college/university ID

Requirements for Foreign Nationals:

  • Certified copy of Alien Certificate of Registration
  • Certificate of Registration for Sole Proprietorship/Certificate of Authority to engage in business in the Philippines

Requirements for Recognized Stateless Person:

  • Clear certified copy of the Certificate of Recognition issued by the DOJ-RSPPU or presentation of the original Certificate of Recognition and submission of a duplicate copy.

How to Register Your Business Name with DTI

To adhere to social distancing and quarantine protocols, along with streamlining their services, DTI introduced a new way of registering your business name through their Business Name Registration System (BNRS). This system allows applicants to register, pay, and print their certificates online. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register using BNRS: 

  1. Access the BNRS website
  2. Accomplish the online registration form. This part will also ask for the following details:
    • Proprietors information
    • Business scope
    • Dominant name
    • Business descriptor
    • Name availability
    • Confirmation of details and reference code
    • Business details
  3. Pay the registration fee. DTI encourages applicants to pay through G-cash or Paymaya to maximize real-time payment. 
  4. Color Print Certificate of Business Name Registration (make sure to print it in colored ink) 

Those who prefer to register in person must go through the following process: 

  1. Proceed to any DTI office or Negosyo centers near you
  2. Submit all the documentary prerequisites. Have multiple business name options in case the one you picked is already unavailable
  3. Pay for the registration fee
  4. Once your business name is approved wait for the Certificate of Business Name Registration issued by DTI

Speed Up Your Registration With DTI

An entrepreneur must ensure to register and secure a unique business name for their enterprise as this is a prerequisite before continuing to apply with BIR. Acquiring a name for your business will also give you the full right of using the specific name while ensuring full compliance with applicable corporate regulations in the Philippines.

Register Your Business Name With Ease

With a full suite of business registration services, our team is dedicated to helping you easily register your business name with DTI.

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