How to Get a TIN in the Philippines: Online Application & Requirements

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If you live or work in the Philippines or earn any income there, getting a TIN is required for your dealings with authorities, such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). You only need to get your BIR TIN ID one time - the number then stays with you for your entire life. However, as the TIN ID requirements vary depending on your situation and nationality, getting a TIN ID can seem confusing. This guide is here to help.

We’ll cover how to get a tax identification number in the Philippines, including obtaining a TIN through online registration as an employee, self-employed, or mixed-income individual. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

What is a Tax Identification Number (TIN)

A Tax Identification Number (TIN)¹ is a unique identifier issued to you in the Philippines and used when you file or pay your taxes.

It’s mandatory to have a Philippine TIN if you are employed there, do business there, or earn an income there. This applies to both Filipinos and foreigners, whether or not you’re a resident in the Philippines.

This guide covers where to get a TIN ID in person, as well as the online application process for a TIN number.

Who needs a TIN in the Philippines?

You need a TIN in the Philippines in any of the following circumstances:

• You are employed in the Philippines
• You are doing business in the Philippines
• You need to file or pay taxes in the Philippines
• You need to deal with the Filipino authorities on a one-off basis

This covers both citizens and foreigners, and residents and non-residents, including Non-Resident Aliens Not Engaged in Trade or Business (NRANETB) who earn income from the Philippines.

How long does it take to get a TIN?

You can apply for a TIN online or in person, and the processing times can vary depending on the application method and the demand on the system at the time.

If you apply in person, you can ask the issuing officer about the wait time - your TIN may be ready within the day in some cases.

Online applications have varying wait times - if you’re concerned about your application, you can reach out to BIR directly to check on your application status.

TIN ID Requirements

If you’re submitting your TIN application online, you’ll usually need to complete BIR Form No. 1901, 1902, or 1904, depending on your employment type. You also have to bring along ID documents to your appointment. The documents needed can vary depending on your situation.

All applicants are asked to bring along:

• A government-issued ID, such as:
  • PhilID/ePhilID
  • Passport
  • Driver’s License/eDriver’s License

If you’re a foreign national, you’ll need to use your passport, which should show your date of entry/arrival and exit/departure stamp, if applicable.

Additional documents are likely to be needed in some situations - such as when registering as a sole proprietor, business owner or professional. In this case, you might have to take along professional certifications or business registration documents, or upload copies of these if you’re applying for your BIR TIN ID online.

How to get a TIN number in the Philippines

Let’s look at how to get a TIN number in the most common situations - we’ll cover how to get a TIN ID as an employee, and how to get a TIN ID online if you’re self-employed or need your ID to interact with a government body.

For employees (First-time job seekers)

First-time employees in the Philippines may not already have a BIR TIN, but this can be arranged by your employer.

In this case, your employer will create an account on the BIR Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), complete BIR Form 1902 and upload your ID document and an image of the applicant holding the ID for checking. There’s no fee for the employer to pay.

It’s also possible to get your TIN through an in-person appointment at the Revenue District Office (RDO) closest to your place of work, but BIR recommends using the digital system instead.

For self-employed or freelancers

If you’re self-employed or a freelancer, you’ll need to register for your TIN yourself, using ORUS or in person at your closest Revenue District Office (RDO).

Online, you’re required to register a business on ORUS to generate a TIN - here’s what to do:

1. Visit the ORUS platform and register your business.
2. Use BIR Form 1901 to confirm your personal information for a TIN.
3. Upload the ID documents as prompted.
4. Upload a selfie of yourself holding your ID for verification.
5. Buy BIR-approved invoices, or upload your own invoices for checking.
6. Pay 30 PHP in loose DST and upload evidence of payment.

In some cases, you may be asked for more documents, such as a work permit if you’re a foreigner in the Philippines.

For one-time transactions

It’s sometimes necessary to get a TIN to deal with government agencies on a one-off basis, rather than for repeat tax filing. In this case, the process can still be managed online or in person, following the same steps laid out above. Look for BIR Form 1904 when you apply.

How to get TIN ID online (ORUS)

Let’s look at how to apply for a TIN ID online - usually the easiest option for applicants, as the whole process is managed remotely with no need for an in-person meeting.

What is ORUS?

ORUS is the Online Registration and Update System², and the easiest option if you want to get a TIN without going along to an appointment in person.

Steps to apply for a TIN online

If you’re an employee, your employer will need to apply for your ORUS TIN, or you can apply yourself if you’re self-employed. In either case, the process is quite straightforward:

1. Visit the ORUS platform and complete the BIR Form (1901/1902/1904) to apply for a TIN.
2. Upload the ID documents as prompted and a selfie of the applicant for verification.
3. Pay any required fee, and upload evidence of payment.

There are further steps in some cases, and additional documents may be needed. For example, if you’re registering as a self-employed business owner, you’ll need to upload your own invoices or buy BIR-approved tax invoices, and you might have to provide additional business documentation to support your application.

Who can apply online?

You can get an ORUS TIN if you’re employed, self-employed, mixed income or need a TIN for a one-time transaction.

What to do after getting your TIN

Once you have your TIN, you’ll need it for tax filing in the Philippines, and on other occasions when you communicate with government agencies. You won’t be issued any other TIN in the Philippines, so it’s important to keep your details safe.

If you ever find you’ve forgotten your BIR TIN ID, don’t apply for a new one. Instead, you can contact BIR directly and ask for your original TIN to be confirmed to you.

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