Step 1

Choose your business structure

Before registration

Pick the legal form that matches how you will own and operate the business.

• Sole proprietorship — one owner; register a business name with DTI
• Partnership or corporation — register with the SEC
• Cooperative — register with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)
• Decide your proposed business name, address, and line of business (PSIC / activity description)

Tip: Your registered address should match where the business will operate — LGUs check this for the mayor's permit.

Step 2

Register the business name / entity

DTI · SEC · CDA

Get proof that your business name or legal entity is officially registered.

• Sole prop: apply via the DTI BNRS and download / print your Certificate of Business Name Registration
• Corporation / partnership: complete SEC registration and keep your Certificate of Incorporation / articles
• Cooperative: secure CDA Certificate of Registration
• Keep digital and printed copies — BPLO and BIR will ask for them

Tip: DTI registration is for the business name, not a license to operate. You still need local permits and BIR.

Step 3

Get barangay clearance / barangay business permit

Barangay hall

Most LGUs require a barangay clearance (or barangay business permit) for the business address before issuing the mayor's permit.

• Go to the barangay hall covering your business location
• Bring valid ID, DTI/SEC papers, proof of address / lease / land title / consent of owner
• Pay the barangay fee and claim the clearance
• Ask how long the clearance is valid (often aligned with the calendar year)

Tip: Home-based businesses may need a homeowner / landlord consent letter — prepare this early.

Step 4

Secure zoning / locational clearance (if required)

City / municipal planning

Some cities require zoning or locational clearance, especially for new locations, warehouses, manufacturing, or businesses outside usual commercial zones.

• Check with BPLO or the Planning / Zoning office whether this applies to you
• Prepare lot / building documents and a sketch or vicinity map if asked
• Confirm that your activity is allowed at that address

Tip: Mall stalls and established commercial spaces often have a simpler path than new warehouse or factory sites.

Step 5

Apply for the mayor's / business permit (BPLO)

LGU Business Permits and Licensing Office

This is the main local license to operate. Fees usually depend on business type, capitalization, and declared gross sales (especially on renewal).

• Fill out the LGU business permit application (online portal or BPLO form)
• Submit DTI/SEC, barangay clearance, IDs, lease/contract, and other LGU-required papers
• Pay assessed fees (mayor's permit, garbage, zoning, etc., as listed on your order of payment)
• Coordinate inspections required by your LGU (fire, sanitary, building, etc.)
• Claim the Business Permit / Mayor's Permit and official stickers or certificates

Tip: In many Cavite cities you can start online, then pay and release at city hall or an authorized payment channel. Keep your application / reference number.

Step 6

Complete BFP Fire Safety Inspection Certificate

Bureau of Fire Protection

Fire safety clearance is commonly required for new permits and renewals. Your LGU may route you to the city/municipal fire station.

• Submit the fire safety application and building / occupancy details as required
• Prepare fire extinguishers, exits, and other basic compliance for your premises
• Schedule / complete inspection
• Pay fire code fees and secure the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC)

Tip: Small offices and home-based setups still need basic fire safety compliance — ask BFP what applies to your floor area and occupancy type.

Step 7

Get sanitary permit (when applicable)

City / Municipal Health Office

Required for food businesses and many customer-facing establishments. Some LGUs ask for it more broadly.

• Apply at the health office or through the BPLO one-stop process
• Secure health cards / medical certificates for food handlers if you serve food or drinks
• Comply with restroom, water, waste, and cleanliness requirements
• Claim the Sanitary Permit and post it at the premises if required

Tip: Restaurants, cafés, water stations, salons, and similar shops should budget time for sanitary requirements early.

Step 8

Register with the BIR

Bureau of Internal Revenue

Register the business for tax, get your Certificate of Registration (COR), and set up invoices or receipts.

• Determine your RDO (Revenue District Office) based on business address
• Submit BIR registration (e.g. Form 1901 for individuals / sole props, or the applicable form for corporations)
• Secure TIN (if new), Certificate of Registration, and ask about books of accounts
• Register invoices / receipts or an Authority to Print / accredited invoicing solution as required
• Know your tax types (income tax, percentage tax or VAT, withholding, etc.)

Tip: Bring your DTI/SEC papers, mayor's permit (or proof of application if accepted), IDs, and proof of address. Requirements can differ by RDO.

Step 9

Register as employer with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG

If you will hire employees

If you have staff (and in many cases even for the owner under certain setups), register with the social agencies and remit contributions on time.

• SSS employer registration and monthly contribution remittance
• PhilHealth employer registration
• Pag-IBIG (HDMF) employer registration
• Keep ER numbers and payment confirmations for audits and loan / benefit claims

Tip: See branch locations on our Government Offices in Cavite page.

Step 10

Post permits and keep records

After release

Display required permits at the business premises and keep a digital folder of everything you filed.

• Post mayor's permit, sanitary permit, and other required certificates where inspectors can see them
• Keep soft copies of DTI/SEC, BIR COR, FSIC, Official Receipts, and lease contracts
• Set a calendar reminder for January renewal and BIR deadlines
• Update your Google Business Profile and list on Cavite Biz Hub

Tip: A simple cloud folder named by year (e.g. Business Permits 2026) saves hours during renewal season.

• Food / F&B Sanitary permit, health cards for food handlers, sometimes water potability / grease trap compliance
• Retail / mall Lease contract, mall endorsement, fire safety compliance for the unit
• Manufacturing Environmental / ECC or CNC (when required), zoning, occupancy, BFP
• Pharmacy / cosmetics FDA licenses as applicable
• Transport / logistics LTFRB / LTO-related permits when applicable
• Tourism DOT accreditation for covered establishments
• Construction Building / occupancy permits, contractor licenses as required