Business Registration Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost to register your business in the Philippines. DTI, SEC, BIR, and LGU fees — all in one place.

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Estimated Total Registration Cost

19,560

Sole Proprietorship

Metro Manila

DTI Registration
DTI Business Name RegistrationRegional scope₱1,000
Documentary Stamp Tax (DTI)₱30
Subtotal1,030
BIR Registration
Documentary Stamp Tax (BIR)₱30
Authority to Print Receipts/InvoicesPrinting cost estimate₱3,000
Books of Accounts₱500
Subtotal3,530
Local Government (LGU)
Barangay Business Clearance₱1,000
Mayor's Permit / Business Permit₱10,000
Fire Safety Inspection₱2,000
Sanitary Permit₱1,000
Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)₱500
Subtotal14,500
Other Requirements
Notarial Fees₱500
Subtotal500

Possible Additional Costs

Depending on your industry and location, you may also need:

  • Professional Tax (for licensed professionals): ₱300-₱3,000/year
  • Signage Fee: ₱500-₱5,000 depending on sign size and LGU
  • Environmental Compliance Certificate: ₱1,000-₱5,000 (if applicable)
  • Zoning Clearance: ₱200-₱2,000
  • Occupancy Permit: ₱500-₱3,000 (if renting commercial space)
  • Insurance: ₱5,000-₱20,000/year (recommended but not always required)

How to Register a Business in the Philippines (2026)

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Step 1: Register your business name — Sole proprietors register with DTI (₱200-₱2,000). Partnerships and corporations register with SEC.
  2. Step 2: Get Barangay Business Clearance — Visit your barangay hall with your DTI/SEC certificate. Fee varies by location.
  3. Step 3: Apply for Mayor's Permit — Submit your barangay clearance to your city/municipal hall. This is usually the largest single fee.
  4. Step 4: Register with BIR — Get your Certificate of Registration (COR) using BIR Form 1901 (sole prop) or 1903 (corporation/partnership). The ₱500 annual registration fee was eliminated in 2024.
  5. Step 5: Register as employer — If you have employees, register with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Registration is free — you only pay ongoing monthly contributions.

Tips to Save Money

  • MSME discount: SEC offers reduced registration fees for micro, small, and medium enterprises until December 2026.
  • Register online: DTI (bnrs.dti.gov.ph), SEC (esparc.sec.gov.ph), and BIR (NewBizReg portal) all support online registration — saves time and transport costs.
  • 8% flat tax: If your gross sales are under ₱3M/year, choose the 8% flat tax option. It replaces both percentage tax and income tax with one simple rate.
  • Barangay-level DTI: If you only operate in one barangay, register at barangay scope (₱200) instead of regional (₱1,000).

Official Registration Portals

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on standard government fees as of 2026. Actual costs may vary by city/municipality. LGU fees are approximate — check with your local government for exact amounts. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

Anonymised calculation data is stored to improve financial benchmarks. No personal information is collected or shared. See our privacy policy.