Philippines · Permits and Licenses
Business permits and licenses in the Philippines
Understanding permits
How business permitting works in the Philippines
Operating legally in the Philippines requires permits at three levels. The barangay, the smallest local government unit, clears you first. Your city or municipality then issues the Mayor’s or Business Permit, supported by zoning, locational and sanitary clearances. Businesses in regulated industries need licenses from national agencies on top of both.
The permits are sequential: each application depends on documents from the one before it, and requirements differ from one LGU to the next. This is why permitting derails timelines for businesses that discover requirements one at a time, and why we map the complete chain for your specific activity and location before filing anything.
Permits also expire. Business permits are renewed at the start of every year within a short window, and missing it triggers surcharges that compound. A tracked renewal calendar is part of the service, not an extra.
How we support you
Every permit, from barangay to national regulator
Permit requirements in the Philippines span barangay, city and national agencies. We map what your business needs and obtain each one in the right sequence.
Local Government registration and permits
Mayor's / Business Permit
Your city or municipality business permit secured and renewed annually, the core license every operating business must hold.
Zoning Clearance
Confirmation that your business activity is permitted at your chosen location under the local zoning ordinance.
Business Locational Clearance
Locational clearance for your office secured from the LGU as part of the permit chain.
Sanitary Certificate / Clearance
Health and sanitation clearances obtained for premises that require them, coordinated with the city health office.
Barangay Clearance
The barangay-level clearance that starts the permit chain, obtained quickly so the rest can follow.
Customs and ECOZONE registration
Import/Export License and Permit
Bureau of Customs accreditation and the licenses you need to move goods across the border legitimately.
ECOZONE Registration (PEZA, CEZA, TIEZA, EPZA, PHIVIDEC)
Registration with the economic zone authority that fits your operations, unlocking the fiscal incentives your activity qualifies for.
Special licenses
SEC Lending License
Authority to operate as a lending company secured from the SEC, including capital and documentary requirements.
Philippine Contractor Accreditation Board (PCAB) License
PCAB licensing for construction contractors, matched to the category and classification your projects require.
Department of Energy (DOE) Licenses
DOE permits and certificates for energy sector participants, from trading to downstream operations.
DENR Clearances and Compliance Permits
Environmental compliance certificates and DENR permits for activities with environmental impact.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Licenses
BSP registrations and licenses for financial services activities under central bank supervision.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Permits
MGB permits and clearances for mining and quarrying operations, handled alongside DENR requirements.
DPWH Tester Accreditation
Accreditation of materials testers with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Department of Health (DOH) Permits and Clearances
DOH licenses for healthcare facilities and health-regulated businesses.
How it works
From requirements to released permits
1
Requirements mapping
We identify every permit and license your activity and location require, at barangay, city and national level.
2
Document preparation
Corporate records, lease documents, plans and clearances are assembled to each office's checklist.
3
Local government applications
Barangay clearance, zoning, locational and sanitary clearances, and the Mayor's Permit filed and followed through personally.
4
National agency licensing
Applications to the SEC, BSP, DOE, DENR, FDA, PCAB or other regulators your industry requires, managed in parallel where possible.
5
Release and renewal calendar
Permits released and turned over, with every expiry and renewal window tracked so nothing lapses.
Why secure permits through ILA
The full map upfront
We identify every permit your specific activity and location require before you start, no surprises mid-launch.
Sequenced correctly
Permits depend on each other. We obtain them in the order that avoids rework and delay.
Renewals tracked
Annual renewals calendared and handled so a lapsed permit never interrupts operations.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about permits and licenses
When do business permits have to be renewed?
Can I start operating while my permit is being processed?
As a rule, no: operating without a business permit exposes you to penalties and closure orders. Some LGUs issue provisional permits while an application is pending, and we advise honestly on what is and is not safe to do in your city.
