A. How do I apply for a Business Name?

You may apply directly with the DTI office where your business will be located or
through the online facility, Web-Enabled Business Name Registration System
(WEBNRS) http://www.bnrs.dti.gov.ph.
1. Choose a Business Name
We suggest you think of at least three business names in case your first preference
cannot be registered.
If the name you have chosen is already similar or confusingly similar to a registered
business name, your next preferred business name will be considered.
2. What is an acceptable business name?
In determining whether a proposed business name for registration is acceptable, the
following factors shall be considered:

The root word or words of the name shall be considered. (e.g. "Island" instead
of "Islander")
The business name should describe the nature of the business.
It should be comprised solely of any or all of the following:
o
Letters, numerals, and punctuation marks that are part of the English
and Filipino language.
o

Names which are not acceptable:

Those which are or whose nature of business is illegal, offensive, scandalous,

or contrary to propriety.
Those which are identical or nearly resemble business names already
registered with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Agency (CDA),
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or any other government office
authorized by law to register names, because these are likely to cause confusion
or mistake in the minds of the public and prejudice the interest of the owner of
the registered business name or firm name taking into consideration the
following:
o nature of the business
o

product/service handled

spelling, sound and meaning

use of dominant/descriptive words and

such other factors as maybe determined by the BTRCP Director

Names composed purely of generic words;

Name which by law or regulation cannot be appropriated;
Names, words, terms, or expressions used to designate or distinguish, or
suggestive of quality of any class of goods, articles, merchandise, or service;
Names or styles used by the government in its governmental functions;
The names or abbreviation of names, of any nation, inter-governmental or
international organization unless authorized by the competent authority of that
nation, inter-governmental or international organizations;
Names which are deceptive, misleading or which misrepresent the nature of
the business;
Such other names which in the opinion of the Director are undesirable or
analogous to the above.

3. Search for a Business Name

An online search facility is provided in the WEBNRS for you to find registered business
names in the Philippines. The search facility should not be used to determine the
availability of a business name for registration. This can only be determined at the time
of lodgment of an application to register a business name.
There are two (2) search criteria available for the public, namely Begins With and
Contains. You can conduct a search by typing the exact business name or a few words
contained in a business name.
(It would be best to enter the name you have chosen in the space provided exactly as
you would like it to be registered.) for BN registration ang statement na ito
4. Register your Business Name
How do I complete the application?
Complete BTRCP Form No. 16. Information marked with an asterisk (*) is a required
field to be filled out. Otherwise, you will receive an error message prompting you to fill
them before the succeeding page is displayed.
5. Submit Documentary Requirements
The list of documentary requirements to be submitted to the proper DTI Office where
your business is located is indicated in the Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
Acknowledgement found in the last page of the online application form.
The TRN Acknowledgement form should be signed and submitted to DTI also.
6. Pay your Application
Payment of application fee can be made at the DTI office indicated in your Transaction

Reference Number (TRN) acknowledgment form.

You have the option to pay through GCash. (To avail of GCash services, you have to
register with GLOBE).
Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
B. What do I need to register my business name?
For Single Proprietorship
1.
2.

Must be a Filipino citizen, at least 18 years old

Filipinos whose names are suggestive of alien nationality must submit proof of
citizenship such as birth certificate, PRC ID, voter's ID, passport
(a) if the applicant has a foreign sounding name, acquired Filipino citizenship by
naturalization, election or by other means provided by law, he must submit proof
of his Filipino citizenship such as:
o Naturalization certificate and Oath of Allegiance,
o Affidavit of election or ID card issued by the Bureau of Immigration and
Deportation, or
o Valid ID card issued by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) or
Professional
Regulatory Commission (PRC)

3.

Processing fee of P150.00 + P15.00 Documentary Stamp

For Foreign Investor (Single Proprietorship)

Photocopy of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) updated the current year.
Present original for comparison.
2.
Accomplished DTI Form No.17 under R.A. 7042.
3.
Current written appointment of Filipino Resident Agent.
4.
Clearance from other involved agencies such as Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), PNP etc.
5.
In case of alien retailer, current year's permit to engage in retail business per
R.A. 1180.
For Special Documentary Requirements
1.

Copy of Certificate of Business Name Registration of the main

office/establishment.

Bulk Sales Certificate, if the business name was obtained pursuant to Act
No.3952 as amended, (The Bulk Sales Law) and Affidavit executed by the
transferee-applicant

DTI Accreditation Certificate for applicants engaged in repair service covered

by and pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1572 and its implementing Rules and
Regulation, as amended.

DTI Accreditation Certificate for applicants engaged in importation,

manufacture, sale or servicing of the fire extinguisher, supplies and equipment
pursuant to Presidential Decree 721 and its Implementing Rules and Regulation,
as amended.

DTI Bonded Warehouse License for applicants engaged in the business of

"warehouse" as defined under Act 3893, as amended (Bonded Warehouse Act)

DTI issued Certificate of Authority for applicants engaging as merchandise or

ship broker as defined under Act 2728 (Law on Brokerage Business)

Consent Agreement, or equivalent contract if a business is covered by a

Franchise or similar agreement.

Affidavit executed by all compulsory heirs authorizing a representative to

renew a business name under the name of the deceased registrant solely for the
purpose of winding up the business operation

Deed of Sale, Assignment or Transfer, as the case may be, and a notarized
written waiver from further use of the same business name, in cases
contemplated

Affidavit executed by the applicant declaring his/her relationship with the

deceased registrant within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity and a
notarized consent and waiver executed by all the compulsory heirs or other legal
heirs, in the absence of compulsory heirs

Affidavit executed by the registrant declaring that the purpose of registration is

to perpetuate the memory of the deceased in his/her expertise or interest and a
notarized consent and waiver executed by all the compulsory heirs or other legal
heirs, in the absence of compulsory heirs

Such other documents required in this Order, those as may be required in

subsequent laws and regulations and those which in the opinion of the Director
are necessary to protect the interest of the government and the public.
The applicant shall undertake to execute the following:

Declare that all information supplied in the application filed are true and correct
to the best of her/his belief and knowledge;
Declare that any false or misleading information supplied, or production of
materially false or misleading document to support the application shall be a
ground for the appropriate criminal, civil and/or administrative action against the
registrant; and
Change and/or cancel the registered business name in the event that there is
already another person, firm or entity lawfully using a similar or confusingly
similar business name

Signatories
The signatories of application for registration are as follows:

For individual applicants, the applicant himself; or by the person holding power
of attorney for the him if the application is under a special power of attorney

If the application is signed by a person holding power of attorney for the

applicant, the application shall be accepted provided that the original power of
attorney is presented and a copy thereof submitted as part of the supporting
documents.

C. What happens after submitting my application?

The registrant should comply with all the necessary requirements for registration within
fifteen (15) workings days for the application to be processed. Otherwise, the
application shall be considered abandoned.
If the proposed names can no longer be registered, or when a document is rejected, the
applicant shall be informed to resubmit proposed names or the required documents, as
the case may be, within the fifteen (15) working days from notification.
Failure to resubmit the same within the prescribed period shall be deemed
abandonment of the application and the corresponding fee or fees paid shall not be
refunded.
http://www.bnrs.dti.gov.ph/web/guest/faqsfiling

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Registration of Sole Proprietorships, Self-Employed

Individuals, Partnerships & Corporations
Documentary Requirements For Single Proprietors, Mixed income earners
- BIR Form 1901 - Application for Registration for Self-Employed and Mixed Income Individuals,
Estates/Trust.
- Mayors Business Permit or duly received Application for Mayors Business Permit, if the former is
not available
For Professionals where PTR is not required (e.i. Consultants, Agents, Artist, Underwriters &
the like):
a)

Occupational Tax Receipt (OTR)/ Professional Tax Receipt (PTR);

b)

Birth Certificate;

c)

Marriage Contract, if applicable;

d)

Contract/Company Certification.

Other documents for submission only if applicable:

a)

Contract of Lease;

b)

DTI Certificate of Registration Business Name, if business trade name shall be used;

c)

Certificate of Authority if Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) registered entity;

d)

Proof of Registration/Permit to Operate with Board of Investment (BOI/Board of Investment for

Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BOI-ARMM), Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA),
Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
(SBMA);
e)

Franchise Agreement;

f)

Sworn Statement of Capital;

g)

Working Permit for non-resident;

h)

Waiver of husband to claim additional exemption;

i)

Marriage Contract; and

j)

Birth Certificate of declared dependents.

In the case of registration of branch/Facility type:

a)

Copy of the COR of the Head office for facility type to be used by a particular branch;

b)

Mayors Permit or duly received Application for Mayors Business Permit, if the former is not yet

available;
c)
d)

DTI Certificate of Registration of Business Name, if a business trade name shall be used; and
Contract of Lease, if applicable.

Deadline
All Individuals engaged in trade or business shall accomplish and file the application on or before the
commencement of business operation or from the day the first (1 st) transaction occurred or within thirty
(30) days from the application with LGU for issuance of Mayors Permit/Professional Tax Receipt
(PTR), which ever comes earlier.

CORPORATIONS/PARTNERSHIPS (Including Government-Owned and -Controlled

Corporations) (Taxable /Non-Taxable)
Documentary Requirements For Corporations/Partnerships
- BIR Form 1903 - Application for Registration for Corporations/ Partnerships (Taxable/Non-Taxable)
- Copy of SEC Registration and Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Partnerships, as the case may be;
- Copy of Mayors Business Permit or duly received Application for Mayors Business Permit, if the
former is not yet available

Other documents for submission only if applicable:

a)

Contract of Lease;

b)

Certificate of Authority if Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) registered entity;

d)

Franchise Agreement;

e)

License to Do Business in the Philippines, in case of resident foreign corporation;

f)

Proof of Registration/Permit to Operate with BOI, SBMA, BCDA, PEZA.

For Cooperatives
- Copy of CDA Certificate of Registration
In the case of registration of branch/facility type:
a)

Copy of the COR of the Head office for facility type to be used by a particular branch;

b)

Mayors Permit or duly received Application for Mayors Business Permit, if the former is not yet

available and
c)

Contract of Lease, if applicable.

Deadline
- Corporations, partnerships, joint ventures shall accomplish and file the application before the
commencement of business operation.
- In the case of corporations where documentary stamp tax (DST) is required to be paid within five (5)
days after the close of the month, BIR Registration shall be done on or before payment of DST due.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR BIR REGISTRATION:

- Application of Authority to Print (ATP)
- BIR form 1906 together with the following:
- Job order
- Final & clear sample
- Photo copy of COR/paid ARF of TP & Printer
- Printers Certificate of Delivery (PCD)
Registration of Books of Accounts Requirements:
- BIR form 1905 together with the following:
- New sets of books of accounts
- Photocopy of COR & paid current ARF (for immediate verification and in case of systems downtime)

Related Links:
BIR eREGISTRATION SYSTEM for Sole Proprietors & Self-Employed Individuals
Application for permit to adopt Computerized Accounting System (CAS)
Application for Permit to Use Cash Register Machine (CRM) and/or Point of Sales Machine (POS)
For more details, go to the website of the Bureau of Internal Revenue at www.bir.gov.ph

If you need help in your companys registration with BIR, contact MyOffice:
Tel No: (+632)902.0988
Mobile No: (+63917)833.2002
Website: www.myoffice.com.ph

http://myoffice.com.ph/index.php/article/view/bureau-of-internal-revenue-(bir)registration-of-sole-proprietorships-self-employed-individuals-partnerships-&corporations

Starting a Sole Proprietorship Business in the Philippines

Starting a Business - Registration of a Single Proprietorship

Do you need a Philippine Business Address?

Business addresses in Makati's Central Business District

& Bonifacio Global City at 50%

Off until December 31, 2014!

Now on our 10th year providing office support to startups.
Department

1. DTI (Department of
Trade Industry)

Procedure

Accomplished
Business Name
Registration Form
[Single
Proprietorship]

Associated Costs
(Estimated as of 2006)

Registration fee:

Business Name
Registration Certificate from
any DTI Office or log on
to www.bnrs.dti.gov.ph.
Validity: 5 years
Requirements:

2. Barangay

Time to
complete

Scope:
National=P2000
Regional=P1000
City/Municipality=P500
Barangay=P200
*Total fees to include Php 15
documentary stamp tax (DST)
1-2 days

Tax Identification
Number (TIN)
List of five business
names ranked
according to
preference

Obtain Barangay clearance

2 days

PHP 800

3. Mayor's Office

The fees vary depending on the

local government unit
(city/municipality) issuing the
mayors permit.

Obtain Mayors Permit to

operate at the Licensing
Section of the City or
Municipality

Estimates:

PHP 900, sanitary permit fee + 0.2%

of capital for license fee

PHP 2000, permit fee for

businesses engaged in retail
PHP 2,500 garbage collection fee
1 day

PHP 360, occupational tax

PHP 905, occupational police
clearance/ health clearance

PHP 1,500, plumbing inspection fee

PHP 850, electrical inspection fee

PHP 500 building permit fee

PHP 400 sign board permit fee)

4. BIR (Bureau of Internal A. Register TIN with the BIR
Revenue)

2 days

PHP 500 (registration fee) + PHP

100 (certification fee) and PHP 15
(documentary stamp tax, in loose
form to be attached to Form 2303)

B. Obtain Certificate of
Authority to Print (ATP) Form

1 day

No Charge

C. Buy special books at Any

Bookstore OR BIR's Office

1 day

PHP130- PHP150 ( 4 pcs )

D. Print receipts and invoices

at the print shops accredited
by the BIR

14 days

E. Have books of accounts

and Printers Certificate of
Delivery of Receipts and
Invoices (PCD) stamped by
the BIR

1day

PHP180/ Booklet

No charge

5. SSS (Social Security

System)

Register with the Social

Security System (SSS)

6. PHIC (Philippine Health Register with the Philippines

Insurance Corporation) Health Insurance
Company (Phil Health)

1 week

1 day

No charge

No charge

Source: http://www.mixph.com/2006/03/steps-to-register-your-business.html

Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietorship
It is the most basic form of business that one can establish. It is defined as a business unit where the
manager is also the owner. Often, the owner and the business are synonymous with one other.

DTI-BTRCP Registration- It is necessary to register your business with the Department of

Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP)
because you will gain the exclusive right to establish and use your business name. It also offers
protection from those could take advantage of your name. These government agencies see to it that
there is no duplication in the use of names.

Barangay Clearance- You register with the specific barangay in the municipality or city where
you will operate your business. This office will issue the barangay clearance.

Registration with the Local Government - You register with the municipality or city where you
will set up your business. This office will issue the business permit. (Business Permit and
License, Locational Clearance, Barangay Micro Business Enterprise)

B.I.R. Registration- You register your business with this office and apply for your businesss
taxpayer identification number (TIN), registration of books of accounts, authority to print.

SSS Registration- You register your business as an employer, yourself as a self-employed or

as employee, and your workers as employees. This office will issue an SSS number for your
business, for yourself, as well as for your workers.

DOLE Registration- If you employ five workers or more, register your business with this
agency. The DOLE is asked to promote gainful employment opportunities, protect workers and
promote their welfare, develop human resources, and maintain industrial peace.

PHILHEALTH- The New National Health Insurance Act (RA 7875) as amended by RA 9241
requires all employers of the government and private sectors and their employees to register with
this agency. PhilHealth manages and administers the government health care system.

Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO)- Securing electric services connection for business in
MERALCO franchise area; local electric utility firms for companies locating in non-MERALCO
franchise area.

Maynilad Water Company and/or Manila Water Company for firms locating in Metro Manila
andLocal Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)for firms locating outside Metro Manila - Securing
Water services.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), Bayantel, Digitel, Smart and Globelines Securing Telephone services connection.

Registration with other offices- You may be required to register with other agencies of
government, depending on your type of business. Some examples are the Bureau of Food and
Drug, Garment and Textile Board, Department of Tourism, Philippine National Police.

http://www.trc.dost.gov.ph/index.php/business-guide/business-registrationguide/sole-proprietorship