Ohio Foreign Qualification

Jul 4, 2025

Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Ohio is the process by which a business that was originally formed in another state obtains the legal authority to operate in Ohio. This is necessary for out-of-state businesses to conduct business in Ohio and ensures compliance with state regulations.

There are 4 different ways to foreign qualify in Ohio depending on your legal entity type and tax classification. Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Ohio or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in Ohio.

Ohio Foreign Qualification for Corporation

Foreign nonprofits "transacting business" in Ohio must register with the Ohio Secretary of State by filing a Foreign Nonprofit Corporation Application For License (Form 530B). Ohio does not define activities that do or do not constitute "transacting business" for foreign nonprofits. However, Ohio does provide a list of activities considered not "transacting business" for foreign limited liability companies.

  1. Establish a Statutory Agent

    You must have a statutory agent in Ohio designated to accept service of process. Your statutory agent must have an Ohio address. It can be any Ohio resident or a corporation qualified to do business in the state.

  2. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing

    Ohio requires a Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence) from your home state issued within 90 days.

  3. Create an Ohio Business Central Account

    Create an Ohio Business Central Account to submit online business filings with the Ohio Secretary of State.

  4. File Foreign Nonprofit Corporation Application For License Online

    Log in to your Ohio Business Central account to file your Foreign Nonprofit Corporation Application For License (Form 530B) online.

Ohio Foreign Qualification for LLP

Foreign limited liability partnerships "transacting business" in Ohio must register with the Ohio Secretary of State by filing a Statement of Foreign Qualification (Form 537). Ohio, like most states, provides a list of activities not considered "transacting business."

  1. Establish a Registered Agent

    You must continuously maintain a registered agent, also referred to as a statutory agent, in Ohio designated to accept service of process. Your agent can be an individual who resides in Ohio or a domestic or business authorized to "transact business" in Ohio.

  2. Create a Profile on Ohio Business Central

    Create an online Ohio Business Central Account.

  3. File Statement of Foreign Qualification

    Log in to your Ohio Business Central account to file a Statement of Foreign Qualification, Limited Liability Partnership (Form 537) and pay the filing fees with the Ohio Secretary of State.

Ohio Foreign Qualification for LLC

Foreign limited liability companies "transacting business" in Ohio must register with the Ohio Secretary of State. Ohio, like most states, provides a list of activities not considered "transacting business."

  1. Establish a Registered Agent

    You must continuously maintain a registered agent, also referred to as a statutory agent, in Ohio designated to accept service of process. Your agent can be an individual who resides in Ohio or a domestic or business authorized to "transact business" in Ohio.

  2. Create a Profile on Ohio Business Central

    Visit Ohio Business Central to create a profile.

  3. Register Your Limited Liability Company

    Log in to your Ohio Business Central account to register with the Ohio Secretary of State.

Ohio Foreign Qualification for Professional Corporation, Corporation

Foreign corporations "transacting business" in Ohio must register with the Ohio Secretary of State by filing a Foreign For-Profit Corporation Application for License (Form 530A). For foreign corporations, Ohio does not define activities that do or do not constitute "transacting business." However, Ohio does provide a list of activities considered not "transacting business" for foreign limited liability companies. Note: Annual reports are not required in Ohio.

  1. Establish a Statutory Agent

    You must have a statutory agent in Ohio designated to accept service of process. Your statutory agent must have an Ohio address. It can be any Ohio resident or a corporation qualified to do business in the state.

  2. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing

    Ohio requires a Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence) from your home state issued within 90 days.

  3. Create an Ohio Business Central Account

    Create an Ohio Business Central Account to submit online business filings with the Ohio Secretary of State.

  4. File Foreign For-Profit Corporation Application for License Online

    Log in to your Ohio Business Central account to file your Foreign For-Profit Corporation Application for License (Form 530A) online.

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 Ohio.

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 Ohio.

Ohio's Foreign Qualification Agencies

Review your compliance risks, free.

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

Illinois Minimum Wage Laws: Changes for 2025

Illinois employers face another round of wage adjustments this year as the state continues its commitment to higher worker compensation. These changes require businesses to adapt quickly or risk costly penalties. In this guide, we’re breaking down what Illinois businesses need to know about the changing minimum wage rules. Failing to follow these requirements could lead to hefty fines and legal troubles for unprepared employers. Key Takeaways Illinois minimum wage reached $15.

Paul Boynton | Mar 5, 2025

California's Whistleblower Protection Act: What Employers Must Know

The California Whistleblower Protection Act provides important safeguards for employees who speak out against workplace wrongdoing. Understanding this law helps employees know their rights when reporting violations, while guiding employers on their legal obligations around the law. Today, we’re taking a closer look at this vital legislation and what it means to be a whistleblower in California. As we go, you’ll learn about the legal protections for whistleblowers, as well as what employers should know to get and stay compliant.

Paul Boynton | Mar 12, 2025

DBA: How To File a DBA & FAQs Answered

Business operations and all that they entail can often be a complex endeavor. Making matters worse are the many terms peppered throughout. One such term you might encounter during your foray into the world of business compliance and structure is “DBA.” So, what does this term mean, and how is it essential to your business’s identity? In this guide, we’ll unpack its definition, significance, and history. What Is a DBA?

Alex Kehayias | Dec 6, 2023

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.