A Filipino Remote Worker’s Guide to Registering Their Business Name at DTI

Want to legitimize your remote working or freelancing gig? Registering your business name at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is a must.

Registering your practice provides legal recognition, protection, and exclusive use of your business name in your specified location.

Moreover, a registered business name gives you credibility and prestige. Fortunately, you can register your business in as fast as a few minutes.

Here’s a Filipino remote worker’s guide to DTI business name registration.

Business Permit vs. Business Name Registration

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, a lot of Filipinos confuse a business permit with a DTI business name registration.

Note that the business name registration is just proof of your business’ legal identity. It’s not a license to operate.

So if you run a business, you need to secure a business permit from the local government on top of your DTI registration.

However, do freelancers need a business permit to practice?

No. Freelancers and remote workers are required to get an Occupation Tax Receipt (OTR) instead.

An OTR is a legal document issued by the local government to authorize non-licensed practice.

Check this link on how to secure an occupational tax receipt.

You are eligible to apply for a trade name if you’re a Filipino citizen or a foreign national and are at least 18 years old.

You have the option to register your business name either online or on-site.

Here are the steps:

Go to any DTI office or Negosyo Center near you.
Submit the accomplished Business Name Registration Form (you can get this onsite) and a Government ID.
Prepare at least three proposed business names, just in case. Take note, you can also use your full name as a business name as well.
Pay the registration fee.
Once approved, you will be issued a Certificate of Business Name Registration.

For online registration, here are the steps:

Go to the business name registration website.
Fill out the registration form.
Pay the business name registration fee within 7 calendar days. You can pay via GCash, Maya, and credit/debit card.
Upon successful registration, you will receive the Certificate of Business Name Registration via email.

As for the registration fee, it will depend on the territorial scope you choose. Here are the rates including the documentary stamp tax.

The DTI also has a few guidelines for proposing business names:

With the guide above, you can easily register the business name for your remote working career.

However, if you’re still looking for online jobs, you can sign up through Remote Staff for the best remote working opportunities for Filipinos.

We can also assist you in registering with government agencies to further legalize your remote working practice.

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