How to Apply for a Mayor’s Permit in the Philippines
Every company and business establishment in the Philippines requires a business permit in order to operate legally in the country.
A business permit or license from the Local Government units (LGU’s) is one of the most important prerequisites before someone can start his/her business in the country. LGU’s can be cities or municipalities.
Securing a business permit from the Mayor’s Office can only be done if a business is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for single proprietorship; or with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for partnership and corporation.
Though procedures for obtaining a business permit may differ on every city, these are the usual steps practiced in most cities in the Philippines.
Requirements for Applying for a Mayor’s Permit
These are the usual requirements in applying for a Mayor’s Business Permit:
- Barangay Clearance
- DTI Business Name Certificate (Single Proprietor)
- Certificate of SEC Registration / Articles of Incorporation (for Corporation) / Articles of Partnership (for Partnership)
- Public Liability Insurance (for Restaurants, Cinemas, Malls, etc.)
- Authorization Letter of owner with ID
- Lease Contract / Tax Declaration
- SSS (Certification / Clearance)
- CTC (Community Tax Certificate-CEDULA)
Steps in Applying for a Mayor’s Permit
Step 1: Application and Submission of Requirements
Go to the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) in your city. There you will be given an application form which you need to fill out and submit for verification.
Step 2: City Engineering Office
Go to the Engineering Department to get the assessment for building fee. You will have to submit your building and occupancy permit. They will also ask you for a drawing of your business location and your building area in square meters.
Step 3: Electrical Department
Proceed to the Electrical Department to get a Certificate of Electrical Inspection. One of the Engineers may come and visit your place to inspect the area. If there is no problem, they will approve your application and you will be given a certificate. You will pay the inspection fee ast the City Treasurer in your City Hall.
Step 4: Sanitary Office
You will then proceed to the Health and Sanitary Office to secure a Health and Sanitary Permit. Some cities require drug tests and x-rays for all the employees. Some require attendance in a seminar.
Step 5: Bureau of Fire Protection
Next stop is the Bureau of Fire Protection to secure a Fire Permit. All business establishments are required to have a fire extinguisher and the number of extinguishers depends on the floor area of the establishment. The BFP needs to inspect your place before they sign your papers. Some LGU’s do not conduct inspection but requires pictures of the establishment. The BFP also will not sign your documents without the zoning clearance.
Step 6: Zoning Clearance
Go to the Office of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator to get a zoning clearance. Payment will depend on the project type and cost. You will be asked to submit more requirements. Your documents will be assessed and verified. A zoning inspector will inspect your place to verify conformity with existing ordinance. If there is no question, your clearance will be released after payment.
Step 7: Go Back to Bureau of Fire Protection
The BFP will now sign your fire permit once you have a zoning clearance.
Step 8: Go Back to BPLO
Go back to the BPLO to show that you have already completed the process. They may verify it again to make sure that everything is in order and you will be asked to pay the following:
- Your Business (Contractor/Services/Wholesaler/Retailer)
- Mayor’s Permit Fee
- Sanitary Fee
- Service Fee
- Local Fire Inspection Fee
- Business Plate
Your business plate will be released within 1-3 days.