How to Change Business Address With SEC & DTI in the Philippines

August 15, 2023

Change Business Address in the Philippines

Relocating a business in the Philippines requires updating the registered address with the appropriate government agencies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. For corporations, this involves filing amendments with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), while sole proprietorships must update their records with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This process, known as the DTI change address for sole proprietors, is vital for maintaining accurate business records and avoiding legal or operational issues. This guide outlines the steps to change your business address with the SEC, DTI, and other agencies, ensuring a seamless transition while meeting all regulatory standards.

Steps to Update Your Business Address with the SEC

The SEC oversees corporations and partnerships in the Philippines, requiring businesses to amend their Articles of Incorporation when relocating. The process involves formal resolutions, document preparation, and submission through the SEC’s online or physical channels. Below is a detailed list of steps to update your business address with the SEC:

Convene a Board Meeting: Hold a board meeting to discuss and approve the address change. Document the decision in a board resolution, which the board of directors must sign. This resolution serves as the formal authorization for the amendment.

Prepare Amended Articles of Incorporation: Draft the amended Articles of Incorporation, specifically updating the article stating the business address. Ensure the document accurately reflects the new address and complies with SEC formatting guidelines.

Notarize Required Documents: Have the board resolution and amended Articles of Incorporation notarized by a licensed notary public. Notarization is mandatory to validate the documents for SEC submission.

Gather Supporting Documents: Compile additional documents, such as the latest General Information Sheet (GIS), a cover letter explaining the amendment, and identification documents of the authorized representative. Some submissions may require a Certificate of No Tax Deficiency from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Submit to the SEC: File the documents through the SEC’s Electronic Simplified Processing of Applications for Registration of Companies (eSPARC) portal or at an SEC office. Ensure all fields in the online form are completed accurately to avoid delays.

Pay Filing Fees: Settle the required fees, which vary based on the corporation’s authorized capital stock. As of 2025, fees typically range from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000, payable via bank transfer, online payment platforms like GCash, or at SEC payment counters.

Obtain Certificate of Filing: After processing, which may take 3–10 business days, the SEC issues a Certificate of Filing of Amended Articles of Incorporation. Keep this certificate for your records and submission to other agencies.

Steps to Complete a DTI Change of Address for Sole Proprietorships

Sole proprietorships must update their business address through the DTI’s Business Name Registration System (BNRS). The DTI change address process is primarily online, streamlining submissions but requiring attention to territorial scope and documentation. Here are the steps to follow:

Verify Territorial Scope: Confirm that the new address falls within the territorial scope (barangay, city/municipality, regional, or national) of your existing DTI registration. A new business name registration may be required if the new address is outside this scope.

Access the DTI BNRS Portal: Log in to the DTI BNRS portal using a compatible browser like Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox. Create an account or use existing credentials to initiate the address change request.

Complete the Application Form: Fill out the DTI Business Name Registration Form, updating the business address section. Ensure all details, including the new address and contact information, are accurate to prevent rejection.

Upload Required Documents: Submit digitized copies of the notarized board resolution (if applicable), a valid government-issued ID, and the existing DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration. Ensure files are in PDF format and meet size requirements.

Pay Registration Fees: Pay the applicable fees, ranging from ₱100 to ₱1,000 based on the territorial scope, plus a ₱30 documentary stamp tax. Payment options include DTI Teller, GCash, PayMaya, LandBank, or credit/debit cards.

Save the Reference Code: The BNRS portal generates a Reference Code upon submission. Save this code, as it is required to track the application status or resolve issues with the DTI.

Receive Updated Certificate: Once approved, typically within 1–5 business days, the DTI issues an updated Certificate of Business Name Registration. Download and store this document for compliance and further submissions.

Updating Other Government Agencies

Changing a business address extends beyond the SEC and DTI, as other government agencies must be notified to ensure full compliance. These agencies include the BIR, local government units (LGUs), and social security institutions. Below are the steps to update your address with these entities:

File BIR Form 1905: Submit BIR Form 1905 to the Revenue District Office (RDO) covering the new address. Include the updated SEC or DTI certificate, a new Mayor’s Permit, and proof of address, such as a lease contract.

Secure a New Mayor’s Permit: Apply for a new Mayor’s Permit at the LGU where the new address is located. Provide the updated SEC/DTI certificate, Barangay Clearance, and other LGU-specific requirements, such as sanitary permits or fire safety certificates.

Update Barangay Clearance: Obtain a new Barangay Clearance from the barangay office of the new address. Submit proof of address and the updated business registration documents to secure this clearance.

Notify SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG: Update your business address with the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund. Submit the updated SEC/DTI certificate and a notification letter to each agency’s branch or online portal.

Verify Compliance with Other Permits: If your business holds industry-specific permits (e.g., FDA licenses for food businesses), notify the relevant agencies of the address change. Requirements vary by agency and industry.

Managing Fees and Payment Methods

Financial planning is essential when changing a business address, as multiple agencies impose fees that vary by business type and location. Understanding these costs ensures a smooth process. Here are the key steps for managing fees:

Estimate SEC Fees: For corporations, SEC filing fees depend on the authorized capital stock, typically ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000. Additional charges may apply for expedited processing or penalties for late filings.

Calculate DTI Fees: Sole proprietorships pay DTI fees based on territorial scope: ₱100 for barangay, ₱300 for city/municipality, ₱500 for regional, and ₱1,000 for national, plus a ₱30 documentary stamp tax.

Account for LGU Fees: Mayor’s Permit fees vary by LGU and business size, often ranging from ₱500 to ₱10,000. Barangay Clearance fees are typically ₱100–₱500, depending on the locality.

Plan for BIR and Social Agency Fees: BIR updates via Form 1905 are generally free, but penalties may apply if prior taxes are unpaid. SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG updates are usually free but require updated documents.

Use Available Payment Methods: Pay SEC and DTI fees via bank transfers, GCash, PayMaya, or credit/debit cards. LGU fees are often paid in cash or via local payment channels, so confirm with the specific LGU.

Keep Payment Receipts: Retain proof of payment for all agencies, as these may be required for audits or to resolve disputes during processing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The address change process can encounter challenges like application rejections or delays. Proactive troubleshooting minimizes disruptions. Below are steps to address common issues:

Verify Document Completeness: Ensure all documents, such as notarized resolutions or IDs, are complete and meet agency requirements. Incomplete submissions are a common cause of rejection.

Check Territorial Scope for DTI: Confirm that the new address aligns with the DTI’s registered scope. If outside the scope, apply for a new registration to avoid delays.

Monitor Application Status: Use the DTI Reference Code or SEC eSPARC tracking number to check application progress. If delays exceed standard processing times, contact the DTI (phone: +632 751-3123) or SEC (phone: +632 8818-0921).

Resolve Portal Errors: If the DTI BNRS or SEC eSPARC portal malfunctions, ensure you’re using a compatible browser (e.g., Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox) and clear your cache. Contact agency support for technical issues.

Address Rejected Applications: If an application is rejected, review the agency’s feedback, correct errors (e.g., incorrect address format or missing notarization), and resubmit promptly.

Seek Professional Assistance: The complexity of updating multiple agencies, ensuring document accuracy, and navigating online portals can be daunting. Triple i Consulting, a trusted provider with over 17 years of experience, offers expert guidance to streamline the process. Visit tripleiconsulting.com to simplify your address change and ensure compliance.

Final Insights

Updating your business address with the DTI, SEC, and other agencies is vital to maintaining compliance and operational continuity in the Philippines. The DTI change address process for sole proprietorships and the SEC amendment process for corporations involve distinct steps, from document preparation to fee payments. Notifying the BIR, LGUs, and social security agencies ensures your business remains fully compliant. You can navigate this process effectively by following the outlined steps—convening board meetings, submitting through online portals, paying fees, and troubleshooting issues. Given the intricacies involved, professional support can make a significant difference.

Is Assistance Available?

Yes, Triple i Consulting can help. With over 17 years of expertise, our team at tripleiconsulting.com ensures a seamless address change process, saving you time and ensuring compliance. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experts: