Operating a business in the Philippines legally means having a valid business permit that needs to be renewed annually. This requirement ensures compliance with regulations and allows for smooth operations. To avoid last-minute complications, business owners should start preparing their documents for renewal at least a month before the January 20 deadline. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about business permit renewal in the Philippines.
What is a business permit in the Philippines?
A business permit, also known as a mayor’s permit, is necessary to legally operate a business inside your Local Government Unit (LGU). LGU refers to a political subdivision of the Philippines, such as a province, city, municipality, or barangay. This government license, which is available at the city or municipal hall, ensures that tax duties and health and safety regulations are followed. To comply with tax regulations, obtaining both the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registration and the mayor’s permit is necessary. Establishing a legitimate business and following the rules established by the local LGU depend heavily on these permits and registrations for business permit renewal in the Philippines.
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What are the business permit renewal requirements?
When it comes to business permit renewal in the Philippines, the requirements may vary depending on the Local Government Unit (LGU) where your business is registered. It’s important to consult with your LGU to get the exact list of requirements for your area. However, here are five business permit renewal requirements that most LGUs typically request:
1. Barangay permit
It is necessary to renew the barangay permit, commonly referred to as the barangay clearance certificate, by January 20. To receive this permit, you must present the following paperwork at your barangay hall or district office.
- Latest barangay permit.
- Official receipt for payment of the latest barangay business permit.
- Renewal application form.
- Other requirements that your local district or barangay may ask.
2. Business permit from the previous year
You will need to present the Philippine business permit from the previous year as one of the requirements for business permit renewal in the Philippines.
3. Official receipt of a business permit from the previous year
As evidence of payment, you must also present the prior year’s official receipt and business permit.
4. Company documents
Certain company documents are required for business permit renewal in the Philippines. These documents may include:
- Community Tax Certificate (Cedula).
- Latest Income Tax Returns (annual, monthly, or quarterly).
- Latest audited financial statements with proof of payment.
- Value Added Tax Returns or Percentage Tax Returns, whichever is applicable.
- Latest signed and notarized Contract of Lease, if renting.
- DTI, SEC, or CDA Registration.
- Information on the number of employees at the time of renewal.
- SSS/Pag-IBIG/Philhealth registrations of employees at the time of renewal.
- An Affidavit of No Operations may be required if your business did not operate or engage in financial transactions during the previous year.
5. Other documents specific to your LGU or type of business
The LGUs may demand additional documentation depending on your business type for the business permit renewal in the Philippines. Certain industries, like restaurants and companies that handle food and beverages, may require submitting specific documents. Here are the other required documents:
- CENRO (Community Environment and Natural Resources Office) Certificate.
- Sanitary Permit.
- Fire Safety Inspection Certificate.
- Comprehensive General Liability Insurance.
- Occupation and Zoning Clearance Certificate.
- Declaration of Gross Receipts.
- Affidavit of No Operations, if your business did not operate or engage in financial transactions the previous year.
How to renew a business permit in the Philippines in 8 steps
Business permit renewal in the Philippines may seem time-consuming, but it can be done efficiently with the right information and steps. Here are eight steps on how to renew a business permit in the Philippines:
Step 1: Get a cedula
Visit the municipal or city hall in your community to obtain a cedula, also known as a Community Tax Certificate, which is often used as a form of identification in the Philippines. Make sure you have your accountant’s or the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) copy of your income tax return. The sum that you must pay for the cedula will be specified in this document. Currently, for every ₱ 1,000 ($18) earned, the cost is ₱ 1 ($0.02).
Step 2: Acquire a barangay business permit
To get a barangay business permit, go to the barangay hall or your local district. It’s crucial to remember that you need a cedula to get this permit. However, in some cases, certain barangay captains have the discretion to issue business permits without a cedula.
Step 3: Obtain a business permit renewal form
Obtain a business permit renewal form from your city or municipal hall. If available, you can access the form online and print it.
Step 4: Submission and payment
Submit the completed form to the city or municipal hall and proceed to pay. The cost of the business permit renewal in the Philippines will vary based on your annual income from the previous year.
Step 5: Visit the engineer’s office
Visit the engineer’s office for the annual inspection. Once your business complies with the necessary standards, the engineer will provide a document certifying your compliance.
Step 6: Visit the health office
Secure a sanitary permit or health permit for your business by visiting the health office. If your business is related to food, such as a restaurant, you must provide a medical certificate from the health office. Otherwise, they will issue you a health permit immediately.
Step 7: Visit the fire department
The fire department will issue you a permit to operate. Large businesses may inspect before issuing the permit to ensure safety compliance. If you have a small business, the permit will be issued without an inspection. Remember that having a fire extinguisher in your business is mandatory for business permit renewal in the Philippines.
Step 8: Return to the municipal hall
Finally, return to the city or municipal hall and submit all the required documents for business permit renewal in the Philippines. They will inform you via text message once your business permit is ready for collection.
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When is the deadline to renew your business permit in the Philippines?
The deadline for business permit renewal in the Philippines falls between January 1 and January 20 of each year. It is important to note that this deadline remains consistent, regardless of when your business was registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).
Can you renew a business permit online?
Some LGUs offer the convenience of online business permit renewal in the Philippines, while others still require in-person submission of requirements. However, as of January 2024, several LGUs have implemented an online business permit renewal process in addition to the traditional in-person method. These LGUs include Antipolo, Manila, Muntinlupa City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Parañaque City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Taytay (Rizal), Imus (Cavite), General Trias (Cavite), Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, Panglao, and Carigara (Leyte).
What is the penalty for no business permit in the Philippines?
A 25% increase in the business tax charged is the penalty for no business permit in the Philippines, as stated in the Local Government Code of the Philippines. For every month of non-renewal, including surcharges, there is an extra 2% penalty. Properties and assets may be closed and/or seized in cases of extreme misconduct. It’s critical to adhere to the date of the business permit renewal in the Philippines to avoid fines and guarantee the continuous operation of your company.
What are the challenges for foreign-owned businesses?
Foreign-owned companies are considering international expansion and operations more and more in the current globalized corporate landscape. However, for company owners, the procedure of business permit renewal in the Philippines can frequently provide particular difficulties. The operations and growth prospects of foreign-owned enterprises may be considerably impacted by these problems. Below are the common challenges for foreign-owned businesses:
- Linguistic and cultural barriers: Navigating language and cultural hurdles during the business permit renewal in the Philippines is one of the main issues facing foreign-owned enterprises.
- Complicated regulatory structures: Foreign-owned firms find it difficult to comprehend and adhere to the criteria because every country has a different regulatory framework for company licenses and permits.
- Lack of local network and connections: When it comes to business permit renewal in the Philippines, foreign-owned companies must establish and nurture a strong local network to track regulation changes.
- Changing political and economic environment: A change in the political and economic environment might pose additional problems to renewing a business permit for foreign-owned enterprises, which are especially open to such changes.
- Cost restrictions: The cost of the business permit is more expensive to companies owned by foreigners than local companies, placing pressure on their finances.
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Our expert legal team specializes in a broad range of business setup services, including both renewing and obtaining business permits. Whether you’re looking to renew your existing business permit in the Philippines or need assistance securing a new one, we’re here to help.
For detailed information on how our legal professionals can support your business permit needs in the Philippines, please submit your details below or get in touch with us at [email protected].
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is a business permit important?
A business permit is important because it allows the government to control businesses, enforce legal compliance, and safeguard the public from dishonest and dangerous practices.
Is mayor’s permit and business permit the same?
A business permit and a mayor’s permit are the same. A business is granted permission to operate in a specific place through a permit given by the local government body.
How to compute the mayor’s permit fee?
To compute the mayor’s permit fee, you must consider the business location, type of business, and size, ranging from ₱ 1,000 ($18) to ₱ 5,000 ($90).
How long is the business permit validity in the Philippines?
Business permit validity in the Philippines usually lasts until December 31st of each year and needs to be renewed before the end of January the following year, with requirements varying by city or municipality.
Who are exempted from business permit in the Philippines?
The Local Finance Circular (LFC 1-2019) states that professionals who are self-employed, such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants, are not required to pay business permit costs in the Philippines.
