Pass or Fail? Check Your DTI Business Name Before You Pay (2026 Guide)

Starting a business in the Philippines starts with one specific headache: The Name. You have the perfect name in your head. Maybe it’s ...

Starting a business in the Philippines starts with one specific headache: The Name.

You have the perfect name in your head. Maybe it’s "K-Style Fashion" or "Manila Coffee Project." You are ready to print the tarpaulin. But then you go to the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) website, pay the fee, and... REJECTED.

Why? Because of the naming rules.

Did you know you cannot use the word "Company" if you are a Sole Proprietorship? Did you know you must have a "Descriptor" (like 'General Merchandise' or 'Trading')?

I’ve seen too many aspiring entrepreneurs lose time and get frustrated just because of a typo or a restricted word. We don't want that. We want Diskarte.

Before you go to the official BNRS portal to pay, use our free DTI Name Validator tool below. It simulates the DTI rules to see if your name format is valid and calculates exactly how much you need to prepare for the fees.

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🛠️ Free Tool: DTI Name Validator & Fee Calculator

 DTI Name Validator & Fee Check

Dominant Name (e.g. PinoySeoul)

Business Descriptor (e.g. Trading)

Business Scope (Location Coverage) Barangay (PHP 200) City / Municipality (PHP 500) Regional (PHP 1,000) National (PHP 2,000)

Registration Fee: 0
Doc Stamp Tax: PHP 30.00
Total to Prepare: 0

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💡 How to Use This Tool

1. Dominant Name: This is the unique part of your brand (e.g., "PinoySeoul", "Nash", "Golden Dragon").

2. Descriptor: This describes what you do (e.g., "Sari-Sari Store", "Media Services", "Food Trading").

3. Scope: Where will you do business? This determines your tax limit and your registration fee.

📝 3 Tips for a DTI-Approved Name

1. Avoid "Generic" Names You cannot register just "Coffee Shop" or "Laundry Services." You need a Dominant Name.

• ❌ Wrong: Best Laundry Shop (Too generic)

• ✅ Right: Bubbles & Suds Laundry Shop

2. No "Corporation" Words If you are registering with DTI, you are a Sole Proprietor. You legally own the business yourself. Therefore, you cannot use words that imply a corporation or partnership.

• Bawal (Forbidden): Incorporated, Inc., Corp., Corporation, Company, Cooperative, Foundation, Partnership.

• Pwede (Allowed): Enterprise, Trading, Services, Group (sometimes allowed, but risky), Hub.

3. Know Your Scope Many new owners click "National" because it sounds impressive. But remember, a National scope costs PHP 2,000. If you are just opening a small carinderia in your subdivision, "Barangay" scope (PHP 200) is enough! You can always upgrade later as you grow.

✅ Ready to Register?

Once our tool says your name format is "VALID", you are safe to proceed to the official DTI BNRS Website to file your application.

Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes to help you check formatting and fees. It is not connected to the DTI database and cannot check if a specific name is already taken by someone else.

Next Step: Plan Your "Debut Stage"

Getting your DTI certificate is just the audition; now you need to debut. A registered name on a piece of paper won't bring in customers, you need to be seen. You don't want to be a "nugu" (unknown) brand forever.

At Seoul Creators, we turn that new name into a recognized brand. We manage your social media rollout with the precision of a K-Pop agency, connecting you with influencers who can make your "grand opening" feel like a major comeback. Don't just register your name; make it famous.

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Promote Your Business in the Philippines!
(필리핀 내 한인 비즈니스 무료 홍보)

Get featured on PinoySeoul for FREE. Looking for more reach? See if you qualify for a premium campaign with Seoul Creators.

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