Department of Trade and Industry
A business without a name is barely a business because it doesn’t have an identity that customers can remember. It is your company’s branding, so it should attract attention and can be easily recalled.
As a sole owner, you’ll need to process your business registration at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is necessary in order to provide it with a legal identity and gain the rights to use your business name. Remember that a business name (BN) registration is not a license to operate a business.
Why You Need to Register Your Business Name with DTI
Business name registration is required in the Philippines. According to the Business Name Law (Republic Act 3883), it’s illegal for anyone to use any name for a business other than the owner’s true name without first registering the business name with the DTI.
In short, securing your trade name will guarantee you the legal and exclusive right to use it within its validity period (renewable every five years). This means no other business can register or use your business name in the barangay, city or municipality, region, or country, depending on your business location coverage.
However, note that business name registration with the DTI is only for sole proprietors and not a license to run a business (You’ll need to secure a business permit and other related documents for that purpose).
Who Can Apply for DTI Business Registration?
You may apply for DTI business name registration if you meet these eligibility criteria:
- At least 18 years old (Foreign nationals aged below 18 must submit proof that they come from a country where the legal age is lower than 18.)
- Filipino citizen
- Foreign national with a Certificate of Registration of Sole Proprietorship/Certificate of Authority to Engage in Business in the Philippines
- Refugee or stateless person
A representative may file your application for DTI business registration by submitting your authorization letter as a business name applicant, his or her valid ID, and other required documents.
DTI Registration fees based on the four (4) Territorial Scope
- 1. Barangay ₱ 200
- 2. City/Municipality ₱ 500
- 3. Regional ₱1,000
- 4. National ₱2,000
According to DTI, if you want to expand the territorial scope of your business, you may register under the same business name “provided that it will be registered with a different city and will cover the new business location.”
Navigating the business landscape in the Philippines can be both rewarding and intricate. Whether you’re embarking on a new venture or scaling up, ensuring that your corporate endeavors are in line with local regulations is paramount.
At CBOS Business Solutions Inc., we pride ourselves on simplifying these processes for our clients. As a seasoned professional services company, we offer comprehensive assistance with SEC Registration, Visa processing, and a myriad of other essential business requirements. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that your business is compliant, well-established, and ready to thrive in the Philippine market.
Why venture into the complexities of business registration and compliance alone? Allow our team to guide you every step of the way. After all, your success is our commitment.
Get in touch today and let us be your partner in achieving your business goals in the Philippines.
Email Address: gerald.bernardo@cbos.com.ph
Mobile No.: +639270032851
You can also click this link to schedule a meeting.
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