How to Register
Your Business with DTI
Selling Thai products as a Philippine reseller? Registering your business with DTI is the first legal step. Here’s the complete guide — BNRS online registration, fees, requirements, and every agency you need to visit after.
Start ReadingWhy Resellers Need a DTI Registration
Operating as a registered business isn’t just a legal formality — it unlocks real advantages for resellers importing Thai products.
Legal Protection
Your business name is officially yours. No one else can register it or use it within your chosen scope.
Open a Business Bank Account
Banks require your DTI Certificate to open a business account — needed for professional payment collection.
Issue Official Receipts
With DTI + BIR registration, you can issue ORs — required by business clients and for tax deductions.
Access DTI MSME Programs
Registered businesses access DTI's Go Negosyo programs, loans, training, and trade fair participation.
Supplier Credibility
Suppliers — including Sabai After Hours — can set up formal wholesale accounts with registered businesses.
E-commerce Platforms
Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop increasingly require business registration for seller verification.
DTI vs. SEC — Where Do You Register?
The agency you register with depends on your business structure. Most resellers starting out are sole proprietors — that means DTI.
Sole Proprietor
- You own and run the business alone
- Personally liable for business obligations
- Simplest and cheapest to set up
- Ideal for first-time and small resellers
- Register at bnrs.dti.gov.ph
Partnership or Corporation
- Two or more partners, or 2–15 incorporators
- Separate legal personality from owners
- Limited liability protection
- More paperwork, higher initial capital
- Register at SEC (mycorporation.sec.gov.ph)
Setting up your business legally is the foundation for scaling your reseller operations. Photo: Unsplash
DTI Registration Fees by Scope
The fee depends on the scope of operations — where your business will trade. For online resellers who ship nationwide, National scope is recommended.
Fees above are for business name registration only. A documentary stamp tax (₱30) is also added. BIR and LGU have their own separate fees.
What You Need to Register
The DTI BNRS application is fully online — no physical visit needed. Prepare these before you begin.
Valid Government ID
Any government-issued ID: PhilSys, passport, driver's license, UMID, or similar.
Active Email Address
Used for account creation and receiving your certificate. Must be accessible for renewals.
Business Address
Your primary place of business. For home-based resellers, your home address is accepted.
Payment Method
Credit/debit card, GCash, Maya, or over-the-counter. Exact fee depends on business scope.
Business Activity Description
A brief description of what your business does — e.g., "Retail of imported skincare and personal care products."
Preferred Business Name
Your trade name. Must be unique and not already registered on BNRS. Prepare a backup name.
How to Register on BNRS
The DTI Business Name Registration System (BNRS) is fully online at bnrs.dti.gov.ph. No fixers needed — follow these steps.
Choose and Check Your Business Name
Go to bnrs.dti.gov.ph and use the name search tool to verify your preferred name is available. Names that are identical, deceptively similar, or misleading to existing brands will be rejected.
Create an Account on BNRS
Register at bnrs.dti.gov.ph with your email address. You'll use this account to file, pay, and retrieve your certificate. Keep your login credentials — you'll need them at renewal.
Fill Out the Application Form
Provide your business name, scope of operations (barangay / city / regional / national), primary business activity, and complete address. You'll also submit a valid government-issued ID.
Pay the Registration Fee
Fees: ₱200 (barangay), ₱500 (city/municipal), ₱1,000 (regional), ₱2,000 (national). Payment is done online via credit/debit card, GCash, Maya, or over-the-counter at partner payment centers.
Download Your Certificate
After payment is confirmed, your Certificate of Business Name Registration is immediately available for download. Print it and keep the original — you'll need it for subsequent registrations.
Register with BIR
Bring your DTI Certificate to your Revenue District Office (RDO) to get your Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303), TIN, and register your books of account.
Apply for Mayor's Permit
Submit your DTI Certificate and BIR registration to your local government unit to get your Business Permit (Mayor's Permit). Requirements and fees vary by LGU.
After DTI: BIR and LGU
DTI is the first step — but you need two more registrations to operate fully and legally.
Three agencies, three registrations — DTI, BIR, and your local government. Photo: Unsplash
Bureau of Internal Revenue
Register for a Tax Identification Number, Certificate of Registration (Form 2303), and books of account at your Revenue District Office. Required before issuing official receipts.
Mayor's Permit / Business Permit
Apply at your city or municipal hall with your DTI Certificate and BIR registration. Requirements and fees vary. Renewed annually every January.
Social Benefits Registration
If you have employees, register as an employer with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Self-employed resellers should also enroll as voluntary members for personal coverage.
Tips Specific to Resellers Importing from Thailand
Use “Import and Retail” as Primary Activity
When filling out your BIR application, list your primary business activity as “Retail of imported goods” or “Importation and retail of personal care products.” This ensures your tax classification aligns with your actual trade.
National Scope Matters for Online Stores
Online stores ship nationwide by definition. A barangay or city scope means you’re legally restricted to selling within that area. Register at National scope from the start — the ₱2,000 fee protects your brand name across the Philippines.
Register Before You Scale
Many resellers delay registration until they“grow bigger.” But BIR penalties for unregistered businesses start accumulating from day one of operations. Register early, pay the small fees, and operate with peace of mind.
Keep Your DTI Certificate Accessible
You’ll need it for BIR, Mayor’s Permit, bank accounts, wholesale supplier applications, and e-commerce platform verification. Store a digital copy in the cloud and keep a printed copy in your files.
Annual Sales Under ₱3 Million
- 3% Percentage Tax on gross receipts
- Simpler filing — quarterly BIR Form 2551Q
- No input VAT credits
- Most small resellers stay here initially
- Optional: 8% flat income tax rate on gross
Annual Sales ₱3 Million and Above
- 12% VAT on sales, minus input VAT
- Monthly and quarterly BIR VAT returns
- Mandatory once threshold is crossed
- Input VAT on imports can be deducted
- Requires stricter bookkeeping
Ready to Start Your Reseller Business?
Once you’re registered, you can set up a wholesale account with Sabai After Hours and start ordering authentic Thai products at reseller pricing — shipped with full commercial documentation.