Hiring a service provider in the Philippines: the registrations and licences to check
Every legitimate business in the Philippines is registered with the DTI (sole proprietors) or the SEC (corporations and partnerships), has a BIR certificate of registration and issues official receipts, and holds a mayor's or business permit from its city. Many sectors need a licence on top: PCAB for contractors, DOLE for employment agencies, PNP-SOSIA for security agencies, DOT accreditation for travel agencies, and PRC licences for accountants, architects, engineers and interior designers.
Last updated November 4, 2026 · 🧰 Services rankings →
The basics every business should have
| Document | Issued by | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Business name registration | DTI (sole proprietor) or SEC (corporation, partnership, one-person corporation) | DTI business-name search; SEC company registration lookup |
| Certificate of registration (Form 2303) and official receipts | Bureau of Internal Revenue | Ask for the certificate; invoices should carry the TIN |
| Mayor's / business permit | City or municipal hall | Current-year permit displayed on the premises |
Sector licences
- Construction contractors: a PCAB licence (Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board) is required for construction contracting; the category and classification show the size of project they may take. Ask for the licence number and expiry.
- Recruitment and staffing: local employment agencies and job contractors are licensed or registered by DOLE; overseas recruitment agencies by the Department of Migrant Workers.
- Security agencies: licensed by PNP-SOSIA (Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies); guards hold individual licences.
- Travel agencies: Department of Tourism accreditation, renewed yearly.
- Accountants, architects, engineers, interior designers, real-estate brokers: PRC professional licences, verifiable online.
- Pest control: pesticide applicators and products are regulated by the FDA.
- Schools: DepEd recognition (basic education) or CHED (tertiary).
Before you pay a deposit
- Get a written quote that separates materials, labour, government fees and the provider's fee.
- Tie payments to milestones, and keep the final payment until acceptance.
- Ask for two recent client references you can call, and visit a finished project where possible.
- Check the warranty terms and who carries insurance for workers on your premises.
FAQ
How do I check if a company is registered with the SEC?
Use the SEC's online company search (the SEC Check app or the registration lookup on sec.gov.ph) with the exact corporate name.
Does a small renovation need a PCAB-licensed contractor?
PCAB licensing applies to construction contracting in general; for small home jobs ask whether the contractor is licensed, and insist on a building permit where the city requires one.
Related rankings
- Top 5 accounting & bookkeeping in the Philippines
- Top 6 recruitment & staffing in the Philippines
- Top 2 security agencies in the Philippines
- Top 5 travel agencies in the Philippines
Sources
Editorial guide by Best Philippines. Not legal, financial or medical advice; check the sources for current rules and figures.