Permits and Licenses · PCAB license
Contractor License from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board
Construction firms in the Philippines need a license from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to take on projects. We match the license to the work you plan to bid on.
Overview
What the contractor license covers
The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) licenses contractors under the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, which sits within the Department of Trade and Industry. A license is needed to carry on the business of construction contracting, and government bidding in particular expects it. Each license is issued for a classification, such as general building, general engineering or specialty work, and a category that sets the size of project the contractor is allowed to take on.
Most delays come from choosing the wrong classification or category, or from a company structure that does not meet the ownership, financial and technical staffing conditions. Foreign-owned firms face extra limits, because a regular license generally calls for majority Filipino ownership, while foreign contractors usually work under a special license that covers a specific project. We review your structure first, then prepare the documents, file them and follow up with the Board.
What we handle
Contractor licensing, handled end to end
From the first assessment to renewal, we look after the licensing steps so your team can focus on bidding and building.
Classification and category review
We work out which classification and category fit the projects you intend to bid on before anything is filed.
Ownership and structure check
Your ownership, capital and technical staff are checked against licensing conditions, with advice on changes if they fall short.
Application and filing
Forms and supporting documents are assembled, checked for consistency and filed with the Board.
Renewals and upgrades
We track renewals and plan category upgrades as the size of your projects grows.
How it works
How a contractor license application runs
The work moves in four stages, and you see the document list before we file anything.
Assessment
We review your company, the projects you want to take on and the staff you can show, then recommend a classification and category.
Document preparation
Company papers, financial statements and technical staff records are gathered and checked for gaps and mismatches.
Filing and evaluation
The application is filed with the Board and we answer questions or requests for additional documents as they come.
License and upkeep
Once the license is issued, we set reminders for renewal and note when an upgrade may be worth pursuing.
Why file your contractor license with ILA
Right license first
Choosing the correct classification and category at the start avoids refiling and lost bidding opportunities.
Foreign ownership know-how
We explain how ownership limits affect your options, including special licenses for foreign contractors on specific projects.
One team across registrations
Your company set-up, tax and local permits stay consistent with your contractor license application.
Frequently asked questions
Contractor license questions
Can a foreign-owned company get a PCAB license?
A regular license generally requires majority Filipino ownership. Foreign contractors usually apply for a special license that is tied to a specific project, and the conditions depend on that project. We look at your structure and the project before recommending a route.
What is the difference between classification and category?
The classification is the type of work you are licensed for, such as general building, general engineering or a specialty trade. The category relates to the size of projects you may undertake, which follows your financial and technical capacity. Both appear on the license.
Do I need the license for private projects too?
The Contractors License Law requires a license to engage in contracting, and government projects check for it at bidding. Private owners and developers also commonly ask to see it before awarding work. We can confirm what your specific projects call for.
Ready to bid on your first project?
Book a free consultation and we will tell you which license fits your plans and what to prepare.
