Starting a Business? Here’s Your 2025 No-BS Registration Guide

This is for small business owners, freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, and side hustlers who want to make their business legal in the Philippines.

✅ Step 1: Register Your Business Name (DTI)

🔗 https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph/

• Check name availability

• Register your business name

• Pay online (₱200–₱2,000 depending on scope)

• Download your DTI Certificate

📌 Note: Your business name is your legal identity. Your brand name (on social media or packaging) can be different.

✅ Step 2: Apply for a BMBE Certificate (Barangay Micro Business Enterprise)

If you’re already at DTI, you can apply for BMBE at the same office.

🔗 Apply online here

BMBE Benefits:

• Income tax exemption on income from operations

• Exemption from minimum wage law (if you hire people)

• Priority in government training and financial assistance

Basic Requirements:

• DTI Certificate

• Mayor’s Permit or any proof of business operation

• Filled-out BMBE Form (available online or at DTI)

📌 Reminder: After getting your BMBE Certificate, bring a copy to BIR so they can tag your exemption status.

✅ Step 3: Secure a Mayor’s Permit (aka Business Permit)

Head to your City or Municipal Hall.

Ask for the latest checklist from the Business Permit and Licensing Office. Usually includes:

• DTI Certificate

• Valid ID

• Barangay Clearance

• Lease contract or proof of address

• Location sketch

• Sanitary Permit (if applicable)

• Fire Safety Inspection

• Cedula (Community Tax Certificate)

📝 Fees vary by city. Renew every January.

✅ Step 4: Register with the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)

🔗 https://www.bir.gov.ph/

Visit your RDO (Revenue District Office) based on your business address.

Bring:

• DTI Certificate

• Mayor’s Permit (or proof of business)

• BMBE Certificate (if available)

• Valid ID(s)

• BIR Form 1901 (you can fill this at the RDO)

• Books of Accounts (can be columnar notebooks or printed ledgers)

What You’ll Get:

• Certificate of Registration (COR)

• Authority to Print receipts or BIR-printed receipts

❌ Do you still pay ₱500 for BIR registration?

Nope — not anymore for most small businesses.

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular 7-2019, the ₱500 Annual Registration Fee is no longer required if you:

• Are under the 8% income tax rate, OR

• Are a registered BMBE

👉 Most sole proprietors and micro businesses fall under this.

⚠️ If You’re Selling on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, Shopify, etc…

You’ll need to submit a Sworn Declaration of Gross Remittances to BIR.

📌 Even if you earn less than ₱500,000, this declaration is mandatory for sellers on e-commerce platforms.

We created a free editable copy for you:

👉 Open and copy this template

Once notarized, submit it to your RDO.

✅ Summary: Why Go Legit?

Being registered helps you:

• Issue official receipts

• Avoid penalties and random inspections

• Join bazaars, trade fairs, and apply as a supplier

• Sell on large online platforms

• Apply for loans, grants, and government programs

• Gain trust from customers and clients

💡 Final Tips:

• Scan and save all your documents in Google Drive or Dropbox

• Start with DTI. Everything else follows.

• If unsure, go to your LGU or BIR and ask questions. Don’t rely on rumors.

Got questions or need templates?
📩 Message me at @SociallyKonnected