How to Register a Business in the Philippines: SEC, BIR, LGU, and More

Registering a business in the Philippines requires navigating multiple government agencies in a specific sequence. Missing a step or completing them out of order can cause delays of weeks or even months. CBSI has guided hundreds of businesses through this process — here is the definitive sequence.

The first step for corporations and partnerships is registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). You will need to reserve your company name, prepare and notarise your Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, and pay the registration fee. The SEC's online portal (eSPARC) has streamlined this process significantly, and most straightforward incorporations can be completed within a few days.

Sole proprietorships register with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) instead of the SEC. The DTI's online registration system is fast and affordable, and your business name certificate is issued digitally.

Once you have your SEC or DTI certificate, you register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) at the Revenue District Office (RDO) with jurisdiction over your business address. BIR registration involves obtaining your Tax Identification Number (TIN), registering your books of accounts, and securing your Authority to Print (ATP) official receipts and invoices. This step is critical — you cannot legally issue receipts or claim input VAT without completing it.

Simultaneously, you should apply for your Mayor's Permit (also called the Business Permit) from the Local Government Unit (LGU) where your business is located. Requirements vary by city or municipality but typically include your SEC or DTI certificate, lease contract or proof of address, and barangay clearance.

Finally, enrol your business and employees with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. These registrations are mandatory for all employers and must be completed before your first payroll run. Each agency has an online employer registration portal.

CBSI's business registration service handles the entire process on your behalf — from SEC incorporation to BIR registration, LGU permits, and government agency enrolment. Contact us to get your business legally registered without the paperwork headache.