Minnesota Foreign Corporation Registration & Qualification

Foreign corporations looking to do business in Minnesota must register and qualify with the state. Here’s what you need to know.

Qualifying Your Out of State Corporation in Minnesota

If you’re looking to expand your business to Minnesota, you’ll need to register your out-of-state corporation as a foreign corporation with the Secretary of State. This process is called foreign corporation registration and qualification.

To qualify, you’ll need to file the appropriate forms and pay a filing fee. The forms can be found on the Secretary of State’s website and can be submitted online or by mail. Keep in mind that processing times can vary, so plan accordingly.

Once approved, you’ll receive a certificate of authority to do business in Minnesota. This certificate verifies that your out-of-state corporation has met the state’s requirements for doing business in Minnesota.

It’s important to note that foreign corporations are subject to the same rules and regulations as Minnesota corporations. This includes annual renewal and verification requirements, as well as compliance with state statues and rules.

If you need assistance with the process, you can hire a registered agent to help you. This person or entity acts as a point of contact between your corporation and the state agency responsible for foreign corporation filings.

Minnesota Foreign Corporation Registration Costs and Processing Time

Service	Fee	Processing Time
Foreign Corporation Registration	$310	5-7 business days
Foreign Corporation Qualification	$310	5-7 business days
Expedited Processing	$100	Next business day
Annual Renewal	$220	N/A

Minnesota Registered Agent: Do You Need One for Your Out of State Corporation?

If you’re registering a foreign corporation in Minnesota, you’ll need a registered agent with a physical presence in the state. This agent will receive legal and tax documents on behalf of your company. It’s important to note that a post office box can’t be used as a registered agent’s address.

The Minnesota Secretary of State requires that you name your registered agent on your filing, which can be submitted online or by mail. Processing times can vary depending on the method you choose. You can hire an individual or service to be your registered agent, or you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a physical office address in Minnesota.

If you fail to appoint a registered agent, your filing will be rejected. Keep in mind that the registered agent’s name and address will be public information, so it’s important to choose someone you trust to represent your entity.

How to Begin the Process of Registering Your Foreign Corporation in Minnesota

To register your foreign corporation in Minnesota, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to file an application for a Certificate of Authority with the Minnesota Secretary of State. This application can be found on their website as a PDF.

Next, you’ll need to provide information about your corporation, including its name, home state, and date of incorporation. You’ll also need to provide the office address of your corporation’s registered agent in Minnesota.

Once you’ve completed the application and provided all the necessary information, you’ll need to pay a filing fee. This fee can be paid online or by mail to the Minnesota Secretary of State.

After your application is processed, you’ll receive a Certificate of Authority, which will allow you to conduct business in Minnesota. It’s important to note that failure to register your foreign corporation can result in penalties and fines.

For more detailed information and a step-by-step guide on how to register your foreign corporation in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.