Foreign Qualification Business Registration

Foreign qualification is the process of formally registering your business in a state other than your formation/domestic state. It’s required whenever you begin doing business in a new state, if you have either employees or a physical presence in the new state, or if you routinely accept orders or execute contracts there.

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Your Foreign Qualification Service Includes


Name Availability Check

We check the availability of your desired business name with the state.

Legal Document Preparation

We keep track of various state requirements and prepare all legal documents to register your company to do business in the state of your choice.

Filing Services

We file the Qualification/Certificate of Authority forms with the state, monitor the process, and promptly deliver the final paperwork to you upon approval.

Foreign Qualification $380 +state fees

Ready to expand your business in a new state, easily register your business using our online tool. The checkout process takes less than 10 minutes and our experts will make sure your application meets all the requirements and is accepted by the state.

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Foreign Qualification Premium
Starting at $904 +state fees *
Name Availability Check

We check the availability of your desired business name with the state.

Legal Document Preparation

We prepare all legal documents to register your company to do business in a new state.

Filing Foreign Qualification / Certificate of Authority

We file the Foreign Qualification / Certificate of Authority forms with the state, monitor the process, and promptly deliver the final paperwork to you upon approval.

Registered Agent Services

Every state requires that you designate a Registered Agent to receive legal & critical business communications on behalf of your business.

Business License Research

All the licensing applications and instructions you need to operate your business legally (Application for 1 city / 1 county / 1 state).

Foreign Qualification Plus
Starting at $709 +state fees
Name Availability Check

We check the availability of your desired business name with the state.

Legal Document Preparation

We prepare all legal documents to register your company to do business in a new state.

Filing Foreign Qualification / Certificate of Authority

We file the Foreign Qualification / Certificate of Authority forms with the state, monitor the process, and promptly deliver the final paperwork to you upon approval.

Registered Agent Services

Every state requires that you designate a Registered Agent to receive legal & critical business communications on behalf of your business.

Foreign Qualification Basic
Starting at $380 +state fees
Name Availability Check

We check the availability of your desired business name with the state.

Legal Document Preparation

We prepare all legal documents to register your company to do business in a new state.

Filing Foreign Qualification / Certificate of Authority

We file the Foreign Qualification / Certificate of Authority forms with the state, monitor the process, and promptly deliver the final paperwork to you upon approval.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign Qualification

What does foreign qualification mean?

Foreign qualification is the process of formally registering your corporation, nonprofit, or LLC in a state other than your formation state. It’s required whenever you begin doing business in a new state, unless you opt to form a new entity there (i.e., incorporate a new business).

When do I need to foreign qualify my business?

You must foreign qualify whenever you’re “doing business” in a state. Although we recommend the advice of an attorney, you’ll probably need to foreign qualify if you have either employees or a physical presence in the new state, or if you routinely accept orders or execute contracts there.

What happens if my company fails to foreign qualify?

If you don’t register your business, you may owe fines, interest, and back taxes. You can also lose the ability to sue in that state. Plus, it could mean your personal assets will no longer be protected from business liabilities within the foreign state.

Can I file the foreign qualification forms myself?

You can prepare and file the Certificate of Authority yourself, but most business owners find that keeping track of various state requirements and filing dates takes up a frustrating amount of their time. CT’s experts can help you speed through the process—even if you didn’t form your business with us.

Talk to a Specialist

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