Registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (in case of juridical entities, i.e., Corporations and Partnerships), or with the Department of Trade and Industry (in case of Sole Proprietorships) is a mere authority to use a business name, in general. It is not a license to commence the conduct of business operations.
To validly start the business operations, the entity or the business owner must first obtain a business permit with the local government unit having jurisdiction over the business. This is the license to operate the business.
The first step is to register with the Barangay by submitting a copy of the following requirements:
For juridical entities, SEC Certificate of Incorporation, Articles, and By-Laws.
For sole proprietorships, DTI Certificate of Registration.
Copy of lease contract in case the place of business is being rented.
Special power of attorney in case the registration will be processed by a representative.
The second step is to register with the city hall or municipal hall by submitting a copy of the following requirements:
Barangay Clearance.
For juridical entities, SEC Certificate of Incorporation, Articles, and By-Laws.
For sole proprietorships, DTI Certificate of Registration.
Copy of lease contract in case the place of business is being rented.
Pictures of the business premises.
Special power of attorney in case the registration will be processed by a representative.
Occupancy permit.*
Payment of Comprehensive General Liability Insurance.
Vicinity map. A print-out of google map is acceptable.
*If the business space is to be renovated, it is required for the business owner to secure an occupancy permit for the intended renovation. If it will not be renovated, the business owner should ask the lessor for a copy of the existing occupancy permit and for the lessor to issue a certificate of non-renovation.
The following applications are also required:
Zoning Clearance and Locational Clearance with the Zoning Department or its equivalent.
Fire Clearance to be applied with the Bureau of Fire.
Sanitary Permit to be applied with the Health Office.
Operating a business requires payment of taxes. As such, after securing a business permit, the next step is to apply for the following with the Bureau of Internal Revenue:
Certificate of Registration.
Authority to Print Receipts (ATP).
Registration of Books of Accounts.
You may check our article on How to register with the BIR.