A business entity is considered domestic only in its state of formation. In all other states, it is considered foreign, and may require foreign qualification or registration to do business. Most states require a foreign entity to file certain documents with the state's Secretary of State, Department of State, or similar filing office to qualify or register the entity to do business in the state. This Toolkit provides links to Checklists and State Q&As for selected jurisdictions setting out the required documents and other steps to qualify or register a foreign corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or limited partnership (LP) in those jurisdictions.

To view and customize Quick Compare charts comparing qualification or registration requirements for foreign corporations and LLCs across any or all of the 50 states (including key statutes, agency links, and annual report requirements), see Qualifying a Foreign Corporation to Do Business and Qualifying a Foreign LLC to Do Business.

A foreign entity qualifying or registering to do business in a state must often furnish a certificate of good standing, certificate of existence, or a similar document from its home jurisdiction. For a chart with links to state agency websites for this purpose, see Practice Note, Ordering Good Standings and Other Certified Documents: 50-State Chart.

For guides summarizing the necessary steps for a foreign corporation, LLC, or LP to qualify or register to do business in selected states, see the Checklists below.

For guidance on qualifying or registering a foreign corporation to do business in selected states, see the State QAs below.

For guidance on registering a foreign LLC to do business in Delaware, see the State QA below.