Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Georgia refers to the process by which a business entity formed in another state or country seeks permission to conduct business in Georgia. This official recognition allows the foreign entity to legally operate within the state, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
There are 2 different ways to foreign qualify in Georgia depending on your legal entity type and tax classification. Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Georgia or use Mosey to do it.
Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in Georgia.
Avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and use Mosey to automate foreign qualification, annual reports, and registered agent service.
Georgia Foreign Qualification for LLC
If you are "transacting business" in Georgia, you must register with the Secretary of State by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority (Form CD 241). In lieu of defining what is considered as "transacting business," Georgia provides a list of activities not constituting "transacting business." Upon filing, you will be assigned a Control Number as identification.
Establish a Registered Agent
You must have a registered agent in Georgia designated to accept service of process. Your registered agent can be any individual who resides in Georgia or a business authorized to "transact business" and have a physical location in Georgia.
Create an eCorp Account
Create an account for the Secretary of State's eCorp service. Note: P.O. boxes are not accepted.
Register Online as a Foreign Business
Log into eCorp to register as a foreign business to submit your Application for Certificate of Authority (Form CD 241).
Georgia Foreign Qualification for C Corporation
If you are "transacting business" in Georgia, you must register with the Secretary of State by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority (Dorm CD 236). In lieu of defining what is considered as "transacting business," Georgia provides a list of activities not constituting "transacting business." Upon filing, you will be assigned a Control Number as identification.
Acquire a Certificate of Certificate of Existence
Georgia requires a Certificate of Existence (also known as a Certificate of Existence) from your home jurisdiction, issued no more than 90 days before the date of submission, to be uploaded with your Application for Certificate of Authority.
Establish a Registered Agent
You must have a registered agent in Georgia designated to accept service of process. Your registered agent can be any individual who resides in Georgia or a business authorized to "transact business" and have a physical location in Georgia. Note: P.O. boxes are not accepted.
Create an eCorp Account
Create an account for the Secretary of State's eCorp service.
Register Online as a Foreign Business
Log into eCorp to submit your Application for Certificate of Authority (Form CD 236).
What else do I need to know?
Once you are registered with the Secretary of State, you may have additional requirements to maintain your "good standing" in the state. Failing to do so can result in fines, back taxes, and forfeiting certain priveleges within the state.
Maintaining a Registered Agent
Most states require that you have a registered agent that can receive important mail from the Secretary of State should they need to contact you. There are many commercial options available or you can use Mosey to be your registered agent and keep your information private in Georgia.
Annual Reports and Taxes
In addition to maintaining a registered agent, most states require you to file a report annually. Registration can also trigger state taxes such as a franchise tax or income tax. You can use Mosey to identify these additional requirements to maintain good standing in Georgia.
