If you plan to freelance or operate a sole proprietorship under a trade name, you need to register with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The DTI Business Name Registration System (BNRS) lets sole proprietors register a business name online. A DTI certificate can support later steps such as opening a business bank account and registering with the BIR as self-employed.
This guide explains when DTI registration applies, how BNRS registration works, and what comes next.
1. What is DTI registration, and do freelancers need it?
The DTI registers business names for sole proprietors. Registration allows you to use a trade name within your selected territorial scope.
Whether you need DTI registration depends on how you operate:
- Using your legal name: If you work under your real legal name and do not use a trade name, DTI registration may not be required. You may register with the BIR using your personal name.
- Using a trade name: If you operate under a brand or business name, such as “Santos Digital Creative Services,” register that name with the DTI.
Some clients, payment processors, and platforms may ask for a DTI certificate during vendor or merchant-account registration. Check their requirements before applying.
2. DTI registration fees and territorial scope
Your DTI registration fee depends on the territorial scope you choose. Scope covers where you may locate offices, shops, or branches using the registered name. It does not limit where your customers are or where you may transact business. See the DTI BNRS FAQ.
| Business scope | Registration fee | Documentary Stamp Tax | Total statutory cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barangay | PHP 200 | PHP 30 | PHP 230 |
| City or Municipal | PHP 500 | PHP 30 | PHP 530 |
| Regional | PHP 1,000 | PHP 30 | PHP 1,030 |
| National | PHP 2,000 | PHP 30 | PHP 2,030 |
Choose the scope based on your business location and any planned offices or branches, not the locations of your clients.
A Certificate of Business Name Registration is generally valid for five years and must be renewed to remain active.
3. What to prepare before registering online
Prepare these before opening the BNRS portal:
- A valid government ID: Keep a clear copy of a government-issued ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or PhilID.
- Proposed business names: Prepare two or three alternatives in case your preferred name is unavailable or does not meet DTI criteria.
- An active email address: Use an email address you check regularly for registration and payment notices.
- A digital payment method: Check the currently available BNRS payment options before applying.
4. How to register through BNRS
Access the BNRS portal
Go to the official DTI BNRS portal. Review the terms and conditions, then continue with the application.
Complete the owner profile
Enter the sole proprietor’s legal name, birthdate, contact details, and active email address. Review these details before proceeding.
Enter your proposed business name
The application asks for your territorial scope and two parts of the business name:
- Territorial scope: Barangay, City or Municipal, Regional, or National.
- Dominant name: Your primary brand name or identifier.
- Business name descriptor: A description of the business activity, such as digital marketing services, design services, or IT consulting.
Use the portal’s name-availability check before continuing. If the name is too similar to an existing registration, revise it and check again.
Save the reference code
Once the system accepts the proposed name, save the reference code. You may need it to resume the application, check the status, or complete payment.
Enter business and address details
Provide your business address, residential address, and the remaining application details. Review the information before submitting.
Accept the undertaking
Read the digital undertaking and submit the application. Save a copy for your records if the portal makes one available.
Pay the registration fee
Choose an available payment method and complete payment within the deadline shown by BNRS. If you miss the deadline, the application may be cancelled and the name reservation released.
Download the certificate
After successful payment, BNRS may send the Certificate of Business Name Registration to your email. You may also be able to retrieve it through the Transaction Inquiry feature using your reference code.
5. DTI registration and BIR registration serve different purposes
A DTI certificate and BIR registration are separate requirements.
- DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration: Registers your trade name as a sole proprietor.
- BIR Certificate of Registration, Form 2303: Registers you as a taxpayer and identifies your tax obligations.
A DTI certificate does not register you with the BIR. Complete the applicable BIR registration process before conducting taxable business activity under the trade name.
DTI registration also does not replace a Business/Mayor’s Permit. Confirm the permits that apply to your activity and location with your local government. See the DTI guidance on business permits.
Confirm the current BIR registration deadline and requirements with the BIR or a qualified tax professional, especially when the business has already started operating.
Business-startup checklist
- Prepare alternative business names and check availability through BNRS.
- Submit the DTI application and pay the applicable territorial fee.
- Download the Certificate of Business Name Registration.
- Gather the documents needed for BIR registration, including your DTI certificate when using a trade name.
- Register as self-employed with the BIR, register your books of accounts through ORUS, and set up compliant Service Invoices.
- Complete the applicable local-government permit requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need DTI registration if I use my legal name for freelance work?
DTI registration may not be required if you work under your legal name and do not use a trade name. You may register with the BIR using your personal name.
How much does DTI business-name registration cost?
The cost depends on the territorial scope. Including the PHP 30 Documentary Stamp Tax, the listed totals are PHP 230 for barangay scope, PHP 530 for city or municipal scope, PHP 1,030 for regional scope, and PHP 2,030 for national scope.
How long is a DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration valid?
The certificate is generally valid for five years. Renew it to keep the registration active.
What happens if I miss the BNRS payment deadline?
BNRS may cancel the application and release the reserved business name. Complete payment within the deadline shown in the portal.
Does a DTI certificate also register me with the BIR?
No. DTI registers your trade name, while the BIR registers you as a taxpayer and identifies your tax obligations. Complete the applicable BIR registration process before conducting taxable business activity under the trade name.