Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Due to its efficiency, online registration has been the norm for many government transactions after the pandemic. Since manually checking business names for similarities will take time, DTI’s Online Business Name Registration System (BNRS) Next Gen Portal (https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph/) will save a lot of time for merchants and civil servants. Here’s how to do it!

Registering Your Business Name

Before registering your business, you must check if you are eligible to start a business and have already met the necessary registration documents. Here’s a list and summary of what you will need to register your business.

Citizenship

Filipino citizens can register a business name if they are 18 years old and have documentary proof that they can engage in business.

To successfully engage in business in the Philippines, foreign nationals need a Certificate of Registration of Sole Proprietorship/Authority by the Philippine government to register a company and obtain DTI’s permission using the BNRS portal.

A representative may register their business on their behalf with authorization for refugees and stateless people. 

Documentary Requirements

Two copies of the Business Name Registration Form are needed to complete and submit your application for a business name and a DTI permit PLUS one of the recognized types of government-issued identification listed below. 

Below are the documents needed to obtain a DTI certificate for your company name; you can check them out online:

• Passport
• Driver’s license
• Police Clearance (in ID form)
• PRC ID
• NBI Clearance
• Government office ID
• OWWA ID
• Senior citizen ID
• Voter’s ID
• Postal ID
• IBP ID
• Validated state college/university ID
• PWD ID
• UMID
• Seaman’s Book

Additionally, related documents may be required depending on the application.

For foreign nationals

A foreigner who wishes to conduct business in the Philippines must get an Alien Certificate of Registration, a Certificate of Registration for a Sole Proprietorship, or a Certificate of Authority to Engage in Business. These can be obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry.

For stateless persons or refugees

An official certificate of recognition from the DOJ-RSPPU is required to register your business name.

Business Name Registration Fee

Business registration costs may vary depending on the online business territorial scope:

• Inside a barangay: Php 200
• Within a city/municipality: Php 500
• Business on a regional scope: Php 1, 000
• Business on a national coverage: Php 2, 000

The applicant must also pay a Documentary Stamp Tax of Php 30 at the time of DTI registration.

Using the BNRS Next Gen Portal (https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph/) for Online Business Name Registration

All DTI business name registration requests should be made using the BNRS. Applicants may obtain the Certificate of Business Name Registration online without physically visiting the DTI office.

Register your Business Name Online to avoid long lines and lessen the commute. Here are the steps on how to proceed.

Step 1. Visit the BNRS site’s New Registration page.

Read the terms and conditions on the DTI website (https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph/) before registering for the BNRS program. Then, click the “I Agree” button at the end of the page after reading.

Step 2. Register your business name and fill out the form given

A red asterisk denotes a field that cannot be left empty. Additionally, you must enter your tax identification number in the web form (TIN) to proceed.

Step 3. Pay your DTI business registration fee

Registration fees can now be paid using online channels. And to do this, you first need to get a Reference Code. The following steps will guide you on how to do it:

a. Go to the “Business Name Services” section of the BNRS and click on “Transaction Inquiry” from the drop-down menu.

b. Skim through the terms and conditions and click the “I Agree” to proceed.

c. Put in the new Reference Code.

d. If you wish to look up similar businesses, click the Search button. When you click on your company’s name it will display in a blue hyperlink.

e. Once done, you’ll be redirected to the transaction summary page to alter or finalize your payment transaction. Click “Resume” at the bottom of the page to proceed.

f. After that, you’ll be sent to the “Payment Details” page, where you may choose from various payment methods, including PayMaya, GCash, and Smart Padala.

Step 4. Check the registration certificate on your registered email account.

The Certificate of Business Name Registration and official receipt will be sent to you via email after the payment has been processed successfully.

Step 5. Register your online business name with DTI

Once your payment has been verified, click “Register New Business” to finish your business name’s DTI online registration process.

Download your Certificate online

Step 1. 

Proceed to the Transaction Inquiry link under the website’s Business Name Services. Input your Reference Code in the corresponding field. You’ll get a verification code to the email address you used to register.

Step 2. 

Go to the Transaction Summary, and enter the verification code. Finally, you may access your certificate by clicking “Certificate” under the Downloadable Contents.

And that’s all! Your business is now registered. Good luck on your business and may it flourish! –WhatALife/Vaughn

Source: (bnrs.dti.gov.ph)

---

Also read: How to RENEW your Business Name online via DTI’s BNRS?