Nov202023

It’s always a smart move to “officialize” your business, whether you’re working as a freelancer, an online seller, or any other endeavor. This not only safeguards your interests but also ensures your customers’ trust. To legitimize your work, obtaining a Business Permit, often referred to as a Mayor’s Permit, is essential.

After securing your DTI certificate (in case you’re an online seller or a sole proprietor) and your barangay clearance, the next step is to acquire your Business Permit. This can be obtained from the City Hall in your place of residence or where you intend to conduct business.

 

What do I need to get a Business Permit?

 

Before heading to City Hall, carefully review this checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents:

  1. Your DTI certificate (Learn how to obtain a DTI Certificate here).
  2. A Community Tax Certificate (also known as Cedula or CTC) for the current year, is available at City Hall.
  3. Your Barangay Clearance.
  4. Location Clearance.
  5. Certificate of Occupancy.
  6. Building Permit.
  7. Contract of Lease (for lessees) or Land Title Tax Declaration (for property owners).
  8. Picture or Sketch of the Site.
  9. Public Liability Insurance (required for restaurants, malls, or cinemas).
  10. Some specific business types may have additional requirements:
    • Drugstores or Bakeries: Bureau of Food and Drug Administration Permit.
    • Rice, Corn, and Wheat Dealership: National Grains Authority License.
    • Electrical Services & Car Repairs: DTI Accreditation.
    • Brokerage Firms for Real Estate: Real Estate Broker’s License from DTI.
    • Transportation: LTO Franchising and Regulatory Board Permit.
  • Pest Control Services: Pest Control License.
  • LPG Dealerships: Energy Regulatory Board (ERB).
  • What is the procedure at City Hall?

 

What happens when I get to City Hall?

 

While the application process may vary from one City Hall to another, it generally involves the following four main steps:

Step 1: Visit the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) with all the required documents. Your fees will be assessed, and the documents will be submitted to the receiving section. This step typically takes more than a day to complete due to the volume of applications being processed.

Step 2: Make the payment for your Mayor’s Permit at the Cashier’s office, ensuring you keep the receipt.

Step 3: Present your receipt to obtain your Fire Safety or Inspection Permit, Electrical Inspection Certificate, and Sanitary Permit. Make the required payments at the Cashier’s office.

Step 4: Collect your Business Permit.

Your new business permit will be valid for one year, requiring renewal in January.