1. Business registration process
Barangay clearance – with the business name and DTI registration on hand, proceed to the local barangay and apply for a barangay clearance. Fees are typically very low, costing around 100 pesos. The barangay will issue a form to fill out with an attached cedula, and the business owner must also attend a meeting or seminar with the barangay officials. Upon completion, a barangay clearance certificate will be issued.
Register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – for partnerships and corporations, it is necessary to register with the SEC. Before heading down to the SEC office, it is recommended that the business name be checked to ensure that the name is not already being used by another corporation. This can be done by inquiring directly at the SEC or phoning the commission. Registration will involve an application for a name search to be followed by a certificate of registration.
Registry with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – this is the very first step to take when registering a sole proprietorship. At least 5 business names must be listed from which your actual business name will be derived. Once the business name has been determined, an application will be filled out at the DTI office or DTI online. Registration fee will depend on the scope of the business. Current set rates are: 200 pesos for Barangay scope, 500 pesos for city or municipality scope, and 1000 pesos for regional scope.
The business registration process will depend on what type of business you have chosen to engage in. Registrars of different government agencies usually ask for the same basic requirements, although some may have special requirements depending on the business activity. Below are the general steps on how to go about business registration in the Philippines.
2. Business registration requirements
The Philippine government must devise a registration system that is favorable to all enterprises, ensuring that it is suitable to their needs. Being cognizant of the fact that micro and small-scaled enterprises are of vital importance to the national economy. In other words, the registration system must be to scale. This means that procedural requirements for registration should differ according to the size and function of the enterprise. A scaled business registration will offer significant advantage for start-up businesses since many potential entrepreneurs are of the misconception that the services offered by DTI are solely designed for medium and large-scaled enterprises. A scaled business registration will help to clarify the eligibility of micro and small-scaled enterprises.
Substantial deregulation and an increase in the efficiency of the business registration system will help to induce more potential entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. If regulatory costs are minimized, more entrepreneurs will be interested in initiating their own businesses in the formal sector, thus creating more employment opportunities. Entrepreneurs will also be induced to bloom into small and medium-scaled businesses. These businesses will later transform into larger enterprises offering a wider range of affordable products and services. In turn, a stable economy will be achieved. For a more solid and lasting effect, business registration requirements must be closely linked to the promotion of good governance, human resource development, and competition policy. Standardization and streamlining of registration procedures will eliminate unnecessary discretion and offer new hope for the culture of fair and equal treatment.
3. Business registration in the Philippines
All businesses need to acquire a barangay clearance from the local barangay (village) where the business is located. If the business location is in a commercial building, it may also be necessary to acquire a building permit from the local LGU. The business is required to have an official business name. This business name must be first registered with the DTI. It is important to note that there may be restrictions on foreign ownership in certain industries. If the business is to engage in an industry which has foreign equity restrictions, a Filipino majority ownership may be required. Once the process is clear to engage in a certain industry and with a particular level of foreign ownership, it is recommended that the prospective investor seek an advisory opinion from the SEC to confirm the same. After determining the allowed level of foreign equity in the industry, a foreign investor wishing to avail of incentives under the Investments Code must first secure a Certificate of Incentive from the Board of Investments (BOI) or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) BEFORE setting up a corporation.
Every corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship established in the Philippines must be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to legally operate. Corporations and partnerships are also required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and apply for a business license with the local government unit (LGU). This article outlines the documentation and procedural requirements for Filipinos and resident aliens. Non-resident aliens have separate constraints and may refer to the Foreign Investment Act (R.A. 7042, as amended by R.A. 8179).
Navigating business registration Philippines involves adhering to specific requirements set by government agencies. Understanding these processes is crucial for entrepreneurs aiming to establish their ventures legally and efficiently.
