Barangays are small administrative districts in The Philippine Archipelago that form its most local level of government. Similar to most democratic governments, permits and licenses are needed as a fundamental legal requirement in operating any type of business, construction, and other functions that require public services. Since it’s essential in most government dealings, how will you get a Barangay Clearance, also known as Barangay Permit, in the Philippines in 2024?

What is a Barangay Clearance?

Since the barangay forms the most basic level of community in The Philippines, approval from its community leaders is essential for a smooth and legal process of integrating into the community.

Barangay clearance, also known as barangay permit, is the most basic and required document you can obtain to ensure that what you do does not break any law and legally follows the community standard. Moreover, you can also use Barangay clearance to get legal records and to avail yourself of numerous government services such as scholarships.

However, it is important to remember that these clearances are different from Barangay Certificates or IDs. A clearance’s purpose is to serve as supporting documents if you’re job seeking or looking to start a business.

That said, most barangays also have an even smaller community consisting of zones and private subdivisions. Community leaders are in charge of facilitating the areas under their responsibility, so zone clearance is also required to obtain your barangay permit.

Also Read: Getting Your NBI Clearance: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

Why is a Zone Clearance Needed?

As previously said, zone leaders and homeowners’ representatives manage their locality to facilitate easier barangay management. Therefore, if you have no transgressions in their regulations, such as no pending payment for the subdivision’s maintenance, you can request a zone clearance.

Where Can We Use a Barangay Clearance?

Suppose you want to build a small business such as a sari-sari store. In that case, barangay permits are also needed to ensure that you pay proper taxes and observe the appropriate business standards. In addition, you also need a barangay permit to obtain your business permit, which you can get at the city hall.

Barangay Clearances are viable documents that can be used as proof of residency. Since the barangay can act as an intermediary for simple domestic conflicts, a barangay clearance works as a certificate of good moral character, making it also necessary for obtaining police clearance.

Clearances for First-time Jobseekers

Fresh graduates and those of legal age and first-time job seekers can get their free barangay clearance. They can do this through the First Time Jobseekers Act or Republic Act 11261. This law waives fees and chargers for those applying to work for the first time. To avail this, applicants just have to secure a “First Time Jobseeker Certificate” from the barangay center.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Barangay Clearance

The requirements for a Barangay Clearance are not complicated. Moreover, these requirements are needed as proof of identity and residence. The following is what most barangays will require for obtaining a permit/clearance.

1. Valid ID (Latest)
2. Zone Clearance 
3. Barangay Clearance Fee – 100 PHP (This varies per barangay, some don’t charge a fee)
4. Community Tax Certificate or CEDULA
5. Completed Application Form

Remember to keep in mind the government’s working days and hours. Most public offices are open weekly from 8 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday).  

You can obtain a Barangay Clearance in your barangay hall. The barangay hall is usually located near the barangay plaza, so you can start looking there. Once you arrive at the barangay hall, look for the barangay secretary and inform her that you wish to obtain a barangay permit.

The secretary will then give you the application form to verify your records. Once the secretary checks if your name is “clean,” they will provide you with an incomplete barangay clearance which will require your signature and the barangay dry seal. The barangay captain or their representative is the only one who can give the dry seal.

Barangay Business Permit for my Small Business

Barangay Clearance and Barangay Business Permit are two different things. A Barangay Business permit is necessary to operate your business. Barangay business permit requirements are as follows:

1. Community Tax Certificate or CEDULA (Latest)
2. DTI Business Name Registration 
3. Barangay Business Permit Fee 

After obtaining these requirements, you can proceed to the barangay hall and look for the secretary. They will then document your records and require filling out an application form. Once you are done, the barangay captain or their representative will give you the dry seal, which will prove that your application was approved.

The barangay will then give you a barangay clearance for business, proving you are now able to conduct business legally in the area. 

Also Read: GUIDE: Business Permit in the Philippines (Requirements, Steps, and more!)

Note that barangay business permits’ appearance might vary from each barangay, they will have their own designs and colors. However, the contents will remain the same and still prove the legality of your business. The following information will appear in all business permits issued by the barangay despite the difference in appearance:

• Official seal of the barangay
• Business owner
• Business name
• Address of the business owner
• Location of the business
• Certification details according to the New Local Government Code of 1991
• Date of issuance

Final Thoughts

Before submitting your application form, double-check the information you have filled in to avoid confusion and errors on the certificate. You should also check the clearance before you leave the office to make sure that there are no errors on the part of the barangay.

In addition, most barangays will only issue you permits once you have stayed in the area for at least six months. Your barangay clearnaces are valid only for one year. With this , you have to renew your barangay business permit yearly to avoid legal action. – WhatALife!

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Keep Reading: First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act: Your Ultimate Guide