How to get a business permit in the Philippines?

When starting a business in the Philippines, getting a business permit should be one of your top priorities. This permit shows that your business is officially allowed to operate regardless of location, type, physical store, online shop, or any other enterprise. Knowing how to get a business permit in the Philippines can help streamline your setup and operation. This article will explore how to get a business permit in the Philippines.

What is a business permit (mayor’s permit)?

In the Philippines, a business permit (also known as the mayor’s permit) is an essential certification that validates the legitimacy and authorization of a business to operate in a specific city or municipality. This official document is processed by the local government unit (LGU) supervising the business’s location. A business permit in the Philippines is essential to ensure the business complies with local tax regulations and ensures safety, security, health, and sanitation. This permit also grants access to any support or assistance the LGU provides to businesses in the area. The law on business permits in the Philippines is that all businesses, whatever the legal form, must secure a mayor’s permit or municipal license from the city or municipality where they are located.

Requirements to obtain a business permit in the Philippines

Before applying for a business permit, completing the necessary registration with government agencies and securing other permits and licenses for business in the Philippines is essential. These are the requirements for obtaining a business permit:

1. Business permit application form: Filled with business information, including business name, address, and nature of business.
2. Registration certificate: Proof of business registration from the SEC for corporations, DTI for sole proprietorships, and CDA for cooperatives.
3. Barangay clearance: Local government approval certifying the business meets community requirements.
4. Community Tax Certificate (CTC): A document, also known as Cedula, proving the payment of community tax.
5. Lease contract or land title: Document of the business premises ownership or rental agreement.
6. Sketch or photos of the business location: Visual representation of the business location for zoning verification.
7. Occupancy permit: Certification that the building is safe for occupancy.
8. Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC): A document from the fire department certifying the business meets fire safety regulations.
9. Sanitary permit: The local health office certification that the business complies with sanitation and hygiene standards.
10. Building and Electrical Inspection Certificate: Documents proving that the building complies with local construction and electrical safety standards.
11. Public liability insurance: Insurance policy covering damages or injuries to third parties, required for certain businesses like restaurants and cinemas.

6-step guide to getting a business permit in the Philippines

Understanding the process of getting a business permit in the Philippines is essential for any individual or organization planning to operate a business there. The business permit registration may vary depending on the Local Government Unit (LGU) you are dealing with. Below are six steps in applying for a business permit in the Philippines.

Step 1: Visit the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO)

Locate the BPLO within the premises of the city/municipal hall that has jurisdiction over your business address. In some cases, to get a business permit in the Philippines, you may have the option to apply for a new business permit or renewal at malls that have partnerships with your LGU.

Step 2: Secure and complete the application form

Obtain it on-site or download it from the city’s website. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information on the form.

Step 3: Submit the application form and other requirements

Submit the completed application form and all the mayor’s permit requirements. The personnel at the BPLO will evaluate your documents to ensure everything is in order. 

Step 4: Undergo assessment of tax and fees

When your application is completed, it will be assessed for taxes and fees. The BPLO officials will compute the amount you must pay according to the nature and size of your company.

Step 5: Pay the assessed tax and fees

Proceed to the cashier and pay the assessed tax and fees to get a business permit in the Philippines. Once you have paid, you will receive an official receipt as proof of payment.

Step 6: Claim your business permit

After paying taxes and fees, you can claim your business permit, which may come with a registration plate/sticker or other certificates. Make sure to display these legal documents needed to start a business in the Philippines as the LGU requires.

How much does it cost to get a business permit in the Philippines?

Starting a business comes with various fees to get a business permit in the Philippines, depending on your location. Here is an overview of the cost of a business permit in the Philippines:

• Business permit processing fee: ₱ 500 ($8.93)
• Mayor’s permit fee: ₱ 100 ($1.79)
• Sanitary fee: ₱ 150 ($2.68)
• Building inspection fee: ₱ 200 ($3.57)
• Electrical inspection fee: ₱ 20 ($0.36)
• Plumbing fee: ₱ 15 ($0.27)
• Signboard fee: ₱ 50 ($0.89)
• Fire fee: ₱ 300 ($5.36)
• Sticker fee: ₱ 50 ($0.89)

Renewing your business permit in the Philippines

For small business owners, renewing your business license in the Philippines is an essential task that must be completed every year to ensure the legal operation of your business. It is advisable to get a business permit in the Philippines and start filing for renewal before the deadline, January 20th of each year.

The documents you’ll need to renew your business permit can differ based on location. However, here are the standard business permit requirements for renewal:

1. Previous year’s business permit.
2. Barangay Clearance Certificate.
3. Tax Residency Certificate (TRC).
4. Sanitary permit.
5. Fire Safety Inspection Certificate.

In addition to these standard requirements to get a business permit in the Philippines, you may also need to provide the following additional and updated documents:

1. Audited financial statements from the previous year.
2. Confirmation of the number of employees at the time of business permit renewal, including their individual addresses and registration numbers for TIN, SSS, PHIC, Pag-IBIG, etc.
3. Quarterly VAT returns from the previous year.
4. Letter of Explanation (if gross sales are lower than the previous year).

How much is the renewal of a business permit in the Philippines?

When renewing a business license in the Philippines, the fees vary depending on the city or town of your business. In determining the specific fees applicable to get a business permit in the Philippines for renewal, it is recommended to check with your local government unit. Additionally, it is essential to remember that there is a 25% surcharge on the renewal fees and an additional 2% charge for every month of delay in renewing your business license in the Philippines. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure timely renewal to avoid incurring unnecessary penalties.

Assistance for obtaining a business permit in the Philippines

Navigating the process of obtaining a business permit in the Philippines can be complex, but our expert team is here to help. We offer comprehensive support from understanding the requirements and gathering the necessary documents to submitting your application and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Our personalized assistance is designed to make the entire process smooth and efficient for you. You can also email us at [email protected] for detailed inquiries and tailored guidance. Contact us today and take the first step towards confidently securing your business permit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)