Permits and Licenses · Mayor's permit
Mayor's Business Permit in the Philippines
Your city or municipality has to license your business before you open its doors. We secure the permit and then handle the renewal every year so it never lapses.
Overview
The core license every operating business must hold
The Mayor’s permit, also called the business permit, is the license your city or municipality issues to let a business operate inside its borders. Registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) makes your company legal on paper, but only the Mayor’s permit makes it legal to trade from a specific address. Operating without one exposes the business to closure orders and penalties.
Every local government runs its own process, forms and office, usually called the Business Permit and Licensing Office. The permit sits at the end of a chain of clearances from the barangay, zoning, health and fire safety offices, and one missing paper stalls the whole file. It also has to be renewed every year, within a period set by your local government. We prepare the file, deal with each office and keep your renewal on the calendar.
What we handle
Permit work from first filing to every renewal
Everything your city or municipality needs from you, from the first filing to every renewal.
Requirements check
We confirm exactly what your city or municipality asks for, since lists differ between local governments and business types.
Application filing
Forms completed, supporting papers assembled and the application lodged with the local business permit office.
Clearance coordination
Barangay, zoning, sanitary and fire safety clearances lined up so the file is complete before assessment.
Annual renewal
Renewal filed on time each year, with updated papers and sales declarations prepared for your review.
How it works
From documents to a permit you can display
We run the process in four stages and keep you informed at each one.
Document review
We check your registration papers, lease and business activity against the local government’s current requirements.
Clearances
We obtain the clearances your location and activity call for, starting with the barangay.
Filing and assessment
The application is lodged, the local office assesses it, and we answer any queries raised.
Permit and renewal plan
Once issued, we hand over the permit and set up reminders for the next renewal.
Why handle your Mayor's permit with ILA
Local process knowledge
We know that each city and municipality has its own forms, offices and sequence, and we plan around yours.
One point of contact
You deal with us, not five offices, and you always know where your file stands.
Renewals tracked
We watch the renewal period so the permit does not lapse while you run the business.
Frequently asked questions
Mayor's permit questions we hear most
Do I need a Mayor's permit if I am already registered with the SEC?
Yes. Registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission creates the company, but it does not allow you to operate at a location. The city or municipality where you do business has to issue its own permit, and operating without it can lead to penalties or closure.
When does the permit have to be renewed?
The permit is renewed every year. The exact period and deadline are set by each local government, and many open renewals at the start of January. We confirm the dates for your city or municipality and file on your behalf before they close.
What happens if I move or change my business activity?
The permit is tied to a specific address and declared activity. A move or a new line of business usually calls for an amendment or a fresh application with the local government. Tell us early and we will confirm what your local office requires.
Ready to get your business permit in order?
Book a free consultation and we will tell you what your city or municipality needs from you.
