DTI Online Registration: Guide for Filipino freelancers

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regulates many business functions in the Philippines - including registration of business names. You need to complete the DTI online registration process¹ if you work as a freelancer but use a business name to issue invoices, advertise your services and so on.

It used to be possible to complete DTI registration in person - but now you’ll normally need to do your DTI registration online, which is usually much quicker and easier. This guide walks you through what to do.

What is DTI business registration for?

As you may already know, the DTI meaning in the Philippines is the Department of Trade and Industry - very important if you’re a freelancer with a business.

By registering your business name with the DTI you can ensure nobody else can take the name, protecting your brand. Registration lasts for 5 years, and can be arranged to protect your business name locally, regionally or nationally depending on your business needs².

Once you’ve completed DTI business registration you will receive a Certificate of Business Name Registration (CBNR). This guide walks through the DTI registration requirements, how to register business in DTI and what you must pay.

One quick note: If you’re a foreigner in the Philippines, the online name registration process may not be available for you. While you can start your application online you will normally be asked to provide supporting documents in person at a DTI office - extra fees may also apply in this case. If you’re not a Filipino, check all the details before you make your DTI registration application.

Do I need a DTI business registration to freelance?

DTI requirements state that freelancers registering their services as a business must register their name. This means that you need to complete DTI registration if you ever use a business name to advertise, on receipts or invoices, on business agreements or contracts, or even just in a sign outside of your place of work.

It’s helpful to note that registering your business name is not the only requirement if you’re going to be working as a freelancer. You may also need to get a business licence or permit, and you’ll need to register for various taxes - too. Make sure you know the full details for your specific location and type of work before you start to trade, so you stay on the right side of the law.

DTI online registration requirements

To register your business name you must first check the name is allowable and not already being used by another company. Other requirements for your name include³:

• Your business name must not include the words company, corporation, incorporated or cooperative unless properly registered for that business type
• Your business name can not include offensive words
• Your business name can not include special characters
• Your business name can not already be in use or reserved by another business

You’ll need to complete a registration form online which will check if your name is available and follows all the rules. Your business name will be made up of a dominant name - which can’t be a descriptor of the service you offer, and then a specific business descriptor. The system will automatically suggest names based on the information you enter, to make the process simple.

What is the DTI registration fee?

The cost of registering your business with DTI depends on the territorial scope you choose. In this sense, territorial scope is taken to mean the area in which your business can locate physical premises like offices and branches. Here’s a look at the DTI registration fee based on different territorial scopes:

Other fees may also apply:

You can pay your DTI registration fees using GCash, PayMaya or a card. You may also pay over-the-counter at select locations.

How to register a business in DTI?

As we've seen, most people can register their business name easily using the DTIs online tools. The key exception here is that this may not be possible if you’re a foreigner in the Philippines as additional documents may be required to confirm your eligibility.

Assuming you can register your business with DTI online, you’ll take the following steps:

1. Open the BNRS website and then the new registration page⁴
2. Read and agree to the terms and conditions
3. Follow the prompts to enter the personal information required
4. Confirm the territorial scope you’re registering for
5. Enter the business name details as prompted
6. Follow prompts to enter and check all the additional information needed
7. Make your fee payment - and your business should be registered

You can now download your Certificate of Business Name Registration and start to trade.

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1. DTI Business Name Registration
2. BNRS FAQ
3. DTI registration guide
4. BNRS new registration
5. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information