New Jersey Foreign Qualification

Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in New Jersey is the process by which a business that was originally formed in another state obtains permission to operate in New Jersey. This allows the business to legally conduct operations in the state and ensures compliance with local regulations.

Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in New Jersey or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in New Jersey.

Avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and use Mosey to automate foreign qualification, annual reports, and registered agent service.

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New Jersey Foreign Qualification for LLC, Corporation, LLP

All foreign companies doing business in New Jersey are required to register with the Secretary of State. New Jersey does not explicitly define "doing business" but provides a list of activities that do not constitute "transacting business."

Obtain Certificate of Good Standing
To obtain a New Jersey Certificate of Authority, you must also submit a Certificate of Existence, or Certificate of Good Standing, from your home state of incorporation dated within 30 days.
Establish a Registered Agent or a Registered Office
Establish a registered agent to accept service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. Note: Your registered agent must have a physical address within the state, it cannot be a P.O. Box.
Apply for Certificate of Authority
File a certificate of authority with the New Jersey Secretary of State to transact business in New Jersey. Registration and a certificate can be filed through the State of NJ - Online Business Entity Filing.

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 New Jersey.

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 New Jersey.

New Jersey's Foreign Qualification Agencies

New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES)

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