Foreign Registration Statement For A Foreign Corporation
If you own an corporation outside of Montana and plan to do business here, you’ll need to register your business as a Foreign Corporation by filing a Foreign Registration Statement for a Foreign Profit Corporation. This requires you to apply with the Montana Secretary of State and pay $70 in state fees.
Or, avoid the hassle and hire us to register your foreign corporation for you. We are committed to making sure you start off on the right foot.
4 Steps To Register a Foreign Corporation
If you prefer to file a Foreign Registration Statement for a Foreign Profit Corporation yourself, follow this step-by-step guide to get your corporation registered to do business here.
1. Check Name Availability
Before filing, you’ll want to first check if your corporation’s name is available in Montana by using the state’s Business Search tool. You’ll also want to double-check if the corporation’s name complies with Montana’s naming rules. If the name is too similar to another or is already taken, then you may want to choose a different name, or file as a DBA (Doing Business As).
2. Appoint a Montana Registered Agent
For all corporations and LLCs (including foreign entities) the state of Montana requires that a registered agent must be appointed before any business can be conducted. Before you appoint a registered agent, make sure that person or entity meets the state of Montana’s requirements:
- Open during normal business hours (9AM – 5PM)
- Available to receive important documents and other legal correspondence
- Has a physical address in Montana
You can always hire us to be your registered agent for your foreign corporation. Hiring us will get you affordable and reliable service.
3. Complete The Foreign Registration Statement For A Foreign Profit Corporation
To complete the Foreign Registration Statement for your corporation, go to the Montana Secretary of State website, create an account and complete the statement online. The following information will be needed:
- Business name
- State or country where your corporation was originally formed
- Date your company initially started
- Name of your registered agent and address in Montana
- Names and business addresses of the corporation’s directors and principal officers
- Description of what kind of business will be conducted in Montana
- Signature, phone number, and email of an authorized corporation member or manager
- Email and phone number for signer
Once you have completed the foreign corporation registration application, submit your application and pay the $70 filling fee.
Note: Montana requires that the Foreign Registration Statement for a Foreign Profit Corporation must be completed online.
4. Obtain Your Certificate of Authority
Once approved, you will be notified by Montana’s Secretary of State by email with instructions to retrieve your Certificate of Authority from the state’s online portal. You will have the choice of saving your documents digitally or printing them for your physical records.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I register my business to be a foreign corporation in Montana?
To be considered a foreign corporation, your business needs to be a “transacting business” in Montana. If you meet the qualifications, then you are required to register as a Foreign Corporation. “Transacting business” can include having a physical office in the state or earning revenue in Montana due to local activity.
How much does it cost to receive a Certificate of Authority for a Foreign Corporations in Montana?
The standard cost to file a Foreign Registration Statement for a Foreign Profit Corporation is $70.
After processing and approval, you will receive an email from Montana’s Secretary of state with instructions to retrieve your Certificate of Authority
You can hire us for $100 plus the state filling fee and we can file it for you.
Can I expedite my Foreign Corporation by filing a Foreign Registration Statement for a Foreign Profit Corporation?
The filing fee for your Foreign corporation is $70 and typically takes 7-10 business days for approval. But, the state of Montana has options to expedite your filing:
- 24 Hour (one business day) processing: $90.00
- One hour (one business hour) processing: $170.00
Note: Montana’s Secretary of State only accepts payments done as credit, debit, or e-check.
Am I required to file an annual report for my Montana foreign Corporation?
Yes. If your corporation has been approved to do business in Montana and holds a Certificate of Authority, you are required to file an annual report.
How can I register a Foreign Corporation in Montana?
All Montana business fillings must be filed online through Montana’s Secretary of State Forms page. Select the form that you wish to file under the Profit Corporations section.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing required to register a Foreign Registration Statement for a Foreign Profit Corporation?
Yes. In order to receive a Certificate of Authority for your foreign corporation, you must include within the application a Certificate of Good Standing, which is sometimes called a Certificate of Existence.