Warehouse Business Permits & Setup Guide (Philippines)
Step-by-step checklist to start a warehouse business in the Philippines, plus typical fee ranges and the key permits you’ll need. Costs vary widely by LGU, floor area, type of goods, and whether you lease or build, so treat the numbers here as realistic but approximate.
What you'll learn in this warehouse business guide
This warehouse business permits and setup guide explains entity registration, tax and local permits, fire and environmental compliance, building and occupancy rules, and realistic cost ranges for fit-out and equipment.
For more detailed registration flows, you may also want to read our SEC Partnership/Corporation Registration Guide, Business Permit Closure & Compliance Guide, and Basic Bookkeeping & Accounting Guide.
Para ma-planong mabuti ang warehouse permits, fire/environmental fees, at equipment setup, puwede mong gamitin ang Budget Calculator para sa capital at monthly gastos, ang Stock Management System para sa inventory at racking, at ang Electricity Calculator para estimate ng kuryente ng ilaw, forklifts (kung electric), at iba pang equipment.
Quick overview (in 8 steps)
1) Choose business structure & reserve name (DTI / SEC)
Sole proprietorship: register your business name with DTI via BNRS (online name search, reservation, and registration).
Partnership/corporation: register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) using eSPARC and formal Articles of Incorporation.
Typical fees (estimates)
- DTI name registration: usually around ₱50–₱200 (plus small fixed charges by scope).
- SEC registration: depends on authorized capital; filing fee is a percentage of capital. Many small/medium setups see combined SEC fees in the ₱10,000–₱30,000 range.
2) Register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
File BIR Form 1901 or 1903 (depending on structure) to obtain your TIN, Certificate of Registration (COR), and to register your books and official receipts/invoices.
Typical fees (estimates)
- Documentary stamp tax for COR and other forms: around ₱30 per stamp.
- Cost of printing official receipts/invoices: depends on printer and quantities ordered.
3) Get local permits: Barangay Clearance → Mayor’s / Business Permit → Occupancy
Apply for barangay clearance first, then process your Mayor’s / business permit at the city or municipal hall. For new buildings or major retrofits, you’ll also need an Occupancy Permit from the Office of the Building Official (OBO).
Typical fees (estimates)
- Basic barangay fees: roughly ₱500–₱2,000 depending on barangay.
- Mayor’s permit + associated LGU fees: about ₱2,000–₱50,000 or more, computed based on capitalization, assessed project cost, and local tax formulas.
- Expect extra inspection-related fees (sanitary, garbage, building inspection, etc.).
4) Fire safety: BFP Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC)
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) must inspect the warehouse before occupancy or operation. You need a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) and adequate fire protection: exits, extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers, and signage depending on your risk profile.
Typical fees (estimates)
- Some LGUs compute FSIC as a percentage of assessed LGU fees (e.g., around 15%).
- Minimum FSIC fees can start from about ₱500, scaling up with floor area and risk level.
5) Environmental & specialised permits (if applicable)
Kung mag-store ka ng hazardous materials (chemicals, flammables, industrial waste), kailangan mong mag-apply sa DENR for permits such as an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or other EMB clearances.
Even large non-hazardous warehouses can be subject to environmental screening depending on size and location. Check current DENR/EMB guidelines.
6) Register as an employer & social contributions
If you’ll hire warehouse staff, register as an employer with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG and comply with DOLE rules on workplace safety, contracts, and benefits.
These registrations typically have no large one-time government fee, pero may ongoing monthly contributions and statutory deductions kasabay ng payroll.
7) Building & operations compliance
Kung magpapa-construct o magre-retrofit ka ng warehouse, kakailanganin mo ng building permit, electrical and plumbing permits, structural plans signed by licensed professionals, at plan checking sa OBO.
Expect variable plan-checking fees and inspections before you can get an Occupancy Permit.
8) Operational setup (equipment, insurance, systems)
Non-government costs often dominate: racking/shelving, forklifts, fire suppression, CCTV and security, warehouse management software, utilities, and hiring/training staff.
Also consider commercial property and operational insurance (property, liability, and possibly business interruption and cargo cover).
Typical fees & one-time cost estimates (very approximate)
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| DTI name & registration (sole prop) | ₱50–₱500 |
| SEC registration (partnership/corp) | ₱5,000–₱40,000+ |
| BIR registration (forms + DST) | ₱30–₱500 (plus OR printing) |
| Mayor’s permit & barangay fees | ₱2,000–₱50,000+ |
| BFP FSIC & fire-code related fees | ₱500–₱20,000+ |
| Building & occupancy permits / plan checking | ₱5,000–₱200,000+ |
Warehouse fit-out and equipment often dwarf government fees, so always budget for racking, forklifts, fire suppression, security, and software as part of your real startup cost.
Warehouse fit-out & equipment (non-government costs)
| Item | Illustrative range |
|---|---|
| Industrial racking / shelving | ₱50,000–₱500,000+ |
| Forklift (used; new is higher) | ₱200,000+ (used); ₱600,000–₱2M+ (new) |
| Fire suppression / sprinklers | ₱100,000–₱1,000,000+ |
| CCTV, security, access control | ₱20,000–₱200,000 |
| Warehouse management system (software) | From small SaaS monthly fees to enterprise-level contracts |
Special considerations for warehouse operations
- Type of goods: food, pharma, chemicals, flammables, or other hazardous items may require stricter fire suppression, cold-chain equipment, and specialised permits (DENR, FDA, BFAR, etc.).
- Zoning: ensure the property is zoned for industrial/warehouse use; zoning clearances are mandatory at LGU level.
- Insurance: consider property, liability, business interruption, and cargo coverage to protect inventory and operations.
- Labor & safety: DOLE occupational safety rules apply; provide PPE, training, and health protocols for all warehouse staff.
Practical next steps (action checklist)
- Decide on lease vs. buy, and which city/municipality to operate in (LGU fees depend heavily on location).
- Reserve your business name (DTI or SEC via eSPARC) and complete entity registration.
- File your BIR registration early to get your COR, TIN, and registered books/receipts.
- Apply for barangay clearance and Mayor’s Permit; submit building plans, lease, and BIR documents.
- Arrange BFP inspection and secure your Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) before operations.
- If constructing/retrofitting, secure building permits and an Occupancy Permit via your local OBO.
- Register employer accounts with SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG and set up payroll and compliance systems.
- Get quotes for racking, fire suppression, forklifts (or rentals), security, and WMS, then refine your warehouse budget.