How to get a DTI Certificate in Philippines in 2025?

If you are a resident or foreigner of the Philippines and want to start a new business, you will need a DTI Certificate, which is issued by the Department of Trade and Industry of the Government of the Philippines. This document confirms the registration of your company or business name. The DTI certificate is used for business dealings with suppliers and clients. The DTI is considered an identification of your business. A National Police Clearance may also be required to ensure compliance and credibility when registering your business with the DTI in the Philippines.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to get a DTI Certificate. We also provided the required documents, processing time, fees, and all other important information to help you easily obtain a DTI certificate and start your business.

What is a DTI Certificate?

A DTI Certificate is an important document for starting a business in the Philippines. It is used for registering your business name as well as for many other purposes, such as applying for a loan and opening a bank account. If you want to start a business as a sole owner or in partnership, then a DTI certificate is necessary. This certificate is used for legal and business purposes.

Types of DTI Certificate

There are two types of DTS certificates in the Philippines, which are as follows:

• Business name registration certificate: This DTI certificate is used to register a business name.
• Barangay clearance: Local needs and business activities may require a DTI certificate as well as a barangay clearance.

Benefits of a DTI Certificate

There are also some benefits of obtaining a DTI certificate, which are as follows:

1. Legal recognition: Through this certificate, your company gains legal status.
2. Protection: This certificate protects your company name and prevents its unauthorized use.
3. Access to resources: You need DTI certificates from banks and financial institutions for loan applications and company finance.

Eligibility Criteria for DTI Certificate

The DTI certificate (issued by the Department of Trade and Industry) is mandatory for citizens who want to start a business in the Philippines. The eligibility criteria for this certificate are as follows:

Applicant must be a Filipino citizen

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) only issues certificates to Filipino citizens. If foreign companies want to operate their companies, they will have to go through various channels, such as registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

At least 18 years old

Applicants for DTI certificate must be at least 18 years old. Applications from those below this age will not be accepted.

Using a unique business name

For the DTI certificate, you must choose a suitable name that does not match any existing registered names, reflects the type of your business, and should not be misleading.

Business location within the Philippines

You also need to identify a suitable location to obtain the DTI certificate. Where do you want to start your business?

Required Documents for DTI Certificate

The DTI certificate, which is mandatory for business owner, requires the following documents, are as follows:

For Individuals:

1. Any valid government-issued ID such as a passport, driver’s license, etc
2. Proof of business address, lease agreement, and utility bills, etc.

For Businesses:

• Articles of Organization to prove the existence of the company
• Proof of business addresses 
• Tin ID card

Steps to Obtain a DTI Certificate in the Philippines

These are the two ways to get a DTI certificate in the Philippines

1. Applying Online
2. Applying In-Person

Applying Online

How to get a DTI certificate through in-person process, follow these steps:

• Create an account: Visit the official DTI website and create an account.
• Fill the application form: After creating an account, an application form will appear; fill it out by providing your personal information and company information.
• Upload the documents: Attach the required documents with the application form.
• Submit an application: Please review the information you provided and the required documents carefully, and submit the application.

Applying In-Person

To apply for a DTI certificate in person, follow these steps:

• Visit the DTI office: Visit the DTI office nearest to the area where you reside.
• Submit Documents: Hand over your required documents to DTI staff.
• Fill the form: After submitting the documents, fill out the provided form properly.
• Receive a receipt: Receive a receipt for certificate verification after submission.

Fees for DTI Certificate

The fee for DTI certificate may vary depending on the Name, coverage area, and type of business. Here are the brief details given below.

• Barangay: ₱ 200
• City/municipality: ₱ 500
• Regional: ₱ 1000
• National: ₱ 2000

Payment Method

• You can pay online via the DTI portal.
• You can pay the fee through online banking, credit card, cash, or any service available in your area.

Processing Time

The processing time depends on the application method, whether you applied online or in person. The expected timeframe for;

• Online Applications: Processing may take one to three business days after submitting an online application.
• In-Person Applications: Processing time after in-person applications may vary, but it typically takes one to five business days.

Receiving Your DTI Certificate

There are two ways to obtain your DTI certificate.

1. Online application: If you have submitted an online application for a DTI certificate, you may receive an electronic copy of it via email or through the official DTI website.
2. Walk-in application: If you have submitted your application for the certificate in person at the DTI office, it is their policy that you will receive it from the DTI office, or it will be sent to the address you provided.

Note: If you are facing any issues with your certificate, you can also contact DTI Support or visit the DTI office where you submitted your certificate application.

DTI Certificate Renewal Process

The steps for renewing a DTI certificate are as follows:

• Check eligibility: Confirm the renewal of your DTI certificate
• Gather documents: Prepare documents for renewal, such as the current certificate, business permit, and TIN ID.
• Visit DTI’s website: Visit DTI’s online renewal portal
• Fill out an application: Fill out the renewal form.
• Pay fees: You must deposit the fee online or at the bank for renewal.
• Submit application: Submit the completed form and confirm the fee paid.
• Receive confirmation: Get confirmation of the submitted application
• Wait for processing: Renewal processing time may vary and can take a few days to a few weeks to complete.
• Receive certificate: Receive the renewed certificate via your email or mail.
• Follow up: Contact DTI if necessary.

What to Do After Receiving a DTI Certificate?

You can also use the DTI certificate for the following purposes

1. To open a bank account for business

2. When applying for any other permits and licenses

3. Then make sure you are registered with BIR.

4. If required by a local government unit, then a barangay clearance must also be obtained.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A DTI certificate is an official document that certifies your business name and allows an individual or business entity to do business under a specific name. This document legally protects your business name so that no other person or company can use it. This article provides complete information on how to get a DTI certificate and avoid problems in your business.