Philippines guide · updated
DTI business name registration: picking a name that gets approved
Filipinos registered over 1 million business names with the DTI in 2025 (see the numbers). Most rejections come from a few avoidable mistakes. Here are the DTI’s own rules, in plain English, with the free checks to run before you file.
Names the DTI rejects
From the DTI Business Name Registration System FAQ, a name is rejected if it:
- suggests activities that are unlawful, immoral, scandalous or improper
- is deceptive or misleading about what the business does
- is made only of generic words, so add a distinctive word: not “Bakery” but “Tala Bakery”
Some words are reserved. Only SEC-registered partnerships and corporations can use “company”, “corporation” or “incorporated”, and “cooperative” is reserved for groups registered with the Cooperative Development Authority.
Fees and validity
| Territorial scope | DTI fee |
|---|---|
| Barangay | PhP 200 |
| City or municipality | PhP 500 |
| Regional | PhP 1,000 |
| National | PhP 2,000 |
Each adds PhP 30 documentary stamp tax. Registration is valid for 5 years, and late filings carry a 50% surcharge. Any Filipino aged 18 or over can register. (Source: BNRS FAQ.)
Five free checks before you file
1. Search the BNRS
The DTI’s online system shows whether a name is already registered in your scope.
2. Search trademarks
The Philippine trademark database (run with WIPO for IPOPHL) shows marks already registered or filed.
3. Search Google and Facebook
Many Philippine small businesses live on Facebook pages. Search the name there too.
4. Check the domain
Look at the .com and .ph. Spark’s free name check looks up the .com live.
5. Check handles
Grab the same name on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Shopee or Lazada if you sell there.
How Spark helps: describe your business in one sentence and get 6 brand names with a .com check, a logo, colors and a brand photo. Spark’s first trademark screen covers the U.S. and some international marks, but it may not include every Philippine filing, so still run check 2 above. Prices are in US dollars.
Questions people ask
How much does DTI business name registration cost?
The DTI lists PhP 200 for barangay scope, PhP 500 for city or municipality, PhP 1,000 for regional and PhP 2,000 for national, plus PhP 30 documentary stamp tax.
How long is a DTI business name valid?
Five years from the date of registration, according to the DTI's BNRS FAQ.
Can I use 'Company' or 'Corporation' in a sole proprietorship name?
No. The DTI says only partnerships and corporations registered with the SEC can use 'company', 'corporation' or 'incorporated', and 'cooperative' is reserved for groups registered with the Cooperative Development Authority.
Does DTI registration protect my brand as a trademark?
No. DTI registration is for your business name. Brand protection is a separate trademark filing with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
Not legal advice. This summarises the DTI’s published FAQ as of October 2, 2026. Fees and rules can change, so confirm on the DTI site before you file.
Keep going
how to check if a name is taken · online store name ideas · side hustle statistics by country · free name generator
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