My Experience Getting a Business License in Dipolog, Philippines

Starting a business and getting a business license in Dipolog might look easy at first glance—but trust me, it’s not as simple as it seems.

As a foreigner in the Philippines, the first thing I learned is that everything must be done under my Filipina wife’s name (or your girlfriend’s, if that’s your situation). Foreigners can’t directly own small local businesses, so this becomes the first reality check.

Doing the Research and Facing the Frustrations

I did my research, made a checklist, and started checking things off one by one. On paper, the process to get a business permit seems straightforward—but communication between agencies is often where frustration begins.

You’ll find that many local offices are hesitant to speak English. My wife speaks English, but not fluently, so there were plenty of moments where we weren’t sure exactly what was going on. That means I had to put my trust in whoever was sitting behind the desk—hoping they were giving us the right information.

Often, they weren’t. What’s printed on the official forms or posted instructions doesn’t always match reality. Expect multiple trips between offices, and sometimes back to the original agency again. It’s part of the experience.

Our Small Business Setup

My wife and I run a small sari-sari-style shop in front of our house. We offer printing services, small toys, and GCash transactions. Everything is modestly priced—so naturally, we thought getting a business license for a small home-based business would be easy.

It wasn’t.

The Reality of Fees and Renewals

At the Licenses and Permits Office in Dipolog, we finally reached the last step of our journey. The woman at the window said our total would be ₱3,500, which I paid and received a receipt. Then, we were sent upstairs for “processing,” which cost another ₱500.

One thing I’ve learned doing business in the Philippines: every window costs money.

Then came the surprise. My wife, asking a few more questions, discovered that the license would only be valid for two months—after which it had to be renewed again. No proration, no exceptions.

To top it off, someone mentioned there’s a “foreigner fee”, a small additional cost just because I’m not Filipino. I later found out that part of the process can be done online, but you still have to go back in person to another office afterward. Classic Philippines.

Adapting to the System

Moments like that remind me: this isn’t America.
This is a developing country, and things move differently here. You have to regroup, stay patient, and adjust your expectations.

The Philippines is a wonderful place to live and do business—but you must be ready for long wait times, misinformation, and layers of bureaucracy. At the end of the day, we’ll get our license.

Do we really need it? Not exactly. Many small home stores (“sari-sari stores”) in the provinces operate without one. But in our case, I’m going through the process for a reason related to my visa, which I’ll talk about later in the Visa and Immigration forum.

💡 Takeaway

If you’re a foreigner planning to start a small business in Dipolog or anywhere in the Philippines:

• Expect to put the business in your partner’s name.

• Be patient and flexible.

• Always double-check information with multiple offices.

• Budget for unexpected fees and return trips.

• Remember — nothing happens in one visit.

The journey can be frustrating, but it’s also rewarding once you understand how things work here.

• Barangay Business Clearance (from the Barangay where the business is located). dipologcity.gov.ph

• Community Tax Certificate (Cedula / Sedula) for individuals. dipologcity.gov.ph

• Tax Order Payment / Official Receipt (for business tax / local revenue) dipologcity.gov.ph

• Other required clearances depending on business type/location (e.g., locational/zoning, occupancy permit, etc.)

• Registration with the appropriate national agency:

  • Sole proprietorship → Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

  • Partnership/Corporation → Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Philippines Business Registration+1

• Contract of lease (if premises are rented) or proof of ownership (if owned)

• Building or occupancy permit if required, fire safety inspection certificate, sanitary permit etc. depending on the nature of your business. Philippines Business Registration+1

🛠 Process (Step by Step)

Here’s the typical process in Dipolog based on the official site and general PH practice:

1. Choose your business name and register it (DTI for sole proprietorship; SEC for corporation)

2. Secure Barangay Business Clearance at the Barangay office (where your business will operate)

3. Gather the location-based clearances: locational/zoning clearance; building/occupancy permit if needed.

4. Fill out the Application for Business Permit at city’s Permits & Licenses Division (or Business Permit & Licensing Office) in Dipolog. dipologcity.gov.ph+1

5. Submit required documents (cleared Barangay Clearance; tax receipts; lease/ownership; DTI/SEC registration; other permits)

6. Payment of fees and business tax is assessed by the city; once paid you get your business permit / mayor’s permit. Philippines Business Registration+2Security Bank Philippines+2

7. After issuance, you may face inspections from fire, sanitary, building or other departments to ensure compliance. dipologcity.gov.ph+1

8. Renew annually. Usually at the beginning of the year you must renew your business permit. Failure may incur penalties. Philippines Business Registration+1

📌 Notes & Tips

• Make sure your business location zoning allows your business activity (e.g., residential area vs commercial).

• If you’re leasing the space, ensure the lease contract is valid and the landlord has no issue with business operations.

• Start early for clearances and inspections to avoid delays (fire inspection, sanitary, etc).

• Keep copies of everything submitted and official receipts — you’ll want proof for renewal and audits.

• Ask the city Permits & Licensing Division about online application options or pre-assessment if available; Dipolog has hints of online/renewal guides.