How to get a DTI Certificate in the Philippines 2025

 As a small business owner in the Philippines, I know how important it is to get your DTI certificate. The purpose of writing this blog is to share the real and practical tips that helped me a lot, and to help readers avoid confusion during the DTI registration process.

Want to make your business name official in the Philippines? Just land on the DTI website, fill out a form, pay a small fee, and you’ll get your certificate once it’s approved. You can also do it by visiting a DTI office in person.

Every businessman in the Philippines needs to get a DTI certificate to legalize their business name. From a sole proprietorship to a large organization, you need this essential document for many occasions, like opening a bank account, securing permits, or submitting a loan application.

Here is how to get a certificate in the Philippines in 2025.

What is a DTI Certificate?

The DTI certificate, also known as the Business Name Registration Certificate, is issued by the Department of Trade and Industry. It verifies your business name, with which you can legally carry out your business in the Philippines.

How to Get a DTI Certificate in the Philippines 2025?

The process of getting a DTI certificate is not complicated. Here are the few steps that you have to follow to have this certificate.

Step 1: Collect Required Documents

The first step is to gather all the required documents, like

Step 2: Pick Your Business Name

The next important step is to choose your business name. The name should match your business products or services, and it should be unclaimed means that nobody else is using it. You can double-check the availability of the name by using DTI’s online tool.

Step 3: Apply Online or In Person

You can apply for a DTI certificate in two ways: online through the DTI portal or by visiting your nearest DTI office and completing all the steps in person.

Step 4: Fill Out the Form

Fill out the form with care, so that it is clear of all spelling mistakes, particularly in your business name. So double-check that you have entered the correct spelling of your business name.

Step 5: Registration Fee

The certificate fee varies from the minimum PHP 200 to the maximum PHP 2,000, depending on your business reach and the duration of registration. You can pay the certificate fee through bank transfer, credit card, or cash.

Step 6: Processing Time

The application is processed within 1–2 working days, unless there is a long queue of pending applications. You can check your application status by visiting the DTI website

Step 7: Get Your DTI Certificate

Once it’s approved, you’ll get your DTI Certificate via email if you applied online. If you applied in person, you’ll need to pick it up from the DTI office after completing all the steps.

Keep your certificate safe! You’ll need it for permits, bank applications, and other official stuff.

Fees For the DTI Certificate

The fee varies with your business level and the duration of the registration period. For example, for a national-level business and a longer registration period, the fee is higher than for a local-level business.

Types of DTI Certificate

Usually, you need two types of DTI certificates:

1. Business Name Registration Certificate:

This certificate you needed to verify your business name wherever in the Philippines you want to run your business.

2. Barangay Certificate:

This certificate is to comply with the local laws, and you have to get this certificate from your Barangay neighborhood office. You must get this certificate along with the DTI if you want to run a local business.

Required Documents for DTI Certificate

Here are the documents that are required as a prerequisite for this certificate.

For Individuals:

For Businesses:

Renewal and Validity – DTI Certificate

The maximum duration of DTI registration is five years. So, before this period expires, you have to renew it by following the same steps, either online or in person.

Who Needs a DTI Certificate?

Every businessman who wants to do business in the Philippines must have to get this certificate irrespective of the business form.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a DTI Certificate

To get a DTI Certificate, which proves your business name is registered, you need to:

So basically, if you’re starting a business, you need to be a legal Filipino owner, have a unique business name, and follow the correct process for your business type.

What to Do After Receiving a DTI Certificate?

Once you get your DTI certificate, you can use it for:

Benefits of Having a DTI Certificate

After getting a DTI certificate, your business name can’t be used for illegal activities.

It gives your business legitimacy.

For procuring loans for your business, you have to present the DTI to fulfill bank requirements.

Conclusion

To conduct business in the Philippines, it is a must for you to get a DTI certificate. In fact, it is proof that your business name is registered, and it permits you to legally use your business name.

You can apply for it online or in person by visiting your nearest DTI office. After filling out the form and completing a few requirements, you can get your certificate within 1–2 business days.

It is valid for a maximum of 5 years, and after that, you have to apply for its renewal.

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