If you’re looking to expand your business across state lines, you’ll need to complete a process called foreign qualification. While you can do this independently, foreign qualification services ensure your business gets formed accurately and may even include additional services to keep your business compliant.
In this foreign qualification services comparison guide, we’ll provide details of some of the top options, their pros and cons, and services included by each provider.
Our #1 Pick: Northwest
Form your business with ease using Northwest’s affordable, reliable foreign qualification services.
Visit NorthwestUnsure if Northwest Registered Agent (Northwest) is right for you? Continue reading our comprehensive review below to learn more and explore your options.
Top Foreign Qualification Services for Startups
| Northwest  4.9/5 Visit Site | Best Foreign Qualification Service Overall
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| LegalZoom
4.8/5 Visit Site | Best for Expedited Registration
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| Harbor Compliance
4.7/5 |
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| Bizee
4.5/5 Visit Site |
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| BizFilings
4.5/5 Visit Site |
|
Foreign qualifications allow businesses to conduct business in another state without forming a separate business entity. Instead, this process registers the business as a foreign limited liability company (LLC) or corporation.
To do this, you must obtain a certificate of good standing from your business’s home state and file the necessary paperwork with the state authority in the state in which you wish to do business. This process is only applicable to domestic businesses, not international companies.
It’s important to complete foreign qualifications to maintain your business’s regulatory compliance. Here are a few criteria that can help you determine if your business should register a foreign qualification: the business has a physical presence in the state, has employees in the state, accepts orders in the state, or has a bank account in the state.
Fortunately, several service providers can help you register your business in a state outside your business’s home state. Keep reading to find the right foreign qualification service for your startup to compliantly expand across state lines.
7 Best Foreign Qualification Services of 2024
Quick, Easy Registration
Northwest makes registering your business easy and affordable with no hidden fees.
Get Started1. Northwest
Northwest is our top choice for foreign qualification and business formation services. In addition to competitively priced and reliable services, Northwest offers customers unparalleled data privacy protection.
The company’s foreign qualification services include gathering and filing all paperwork to register your business. You also can add on necessary services to help establish your business in its new location, such as registered agent services, a virtual office, custom websites, and more.
Finally, Northwest offers transparent pricing, charging only a flat $100 fee for their services (plus state filing fees). Additional services, such as registered agent services or compliance filing, are optional for an extra charge thereby allowing users to customize their package.
Pros
- Unparalleled data privacy protection
- Registered agent services available in all US states
- Access to a team of expert Corporate Guides every step of the way
- Extensive add-on services, including a virtual office, custom websites, and compliance filings
Cons
- Registered agent services aren’t free for the first year
Notable Features
- Registered agent services
- Compliance filings with no initial fees
- Virtual office service available
- Expert support and free resources
Pricing
Northwest charges a flat $100 fee (plus state filing fees) for their foreign qualification services.
Best Service: Northwest
Register your foreign LLC or corporation quickly with Northwest’s top-rated services.
Try NorthwestLearn more by reading our full review of Northwest Registered Agent.
2. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a well-known and trusted name in business services, offering everything from formation services to legal assistance for business owners. LegalZoom’s foreign qualification services are quick and easy, requiring business owners to answer only a few questions. LegalZoom then completes and files all required paperwork for you.
While LegalZoom’s packages are a little more expensive than some competitors, they are a great choice for expedited services because the company offers a rush package for business owners in need of fast service.
Pros
- Trusted name in business and formation services
- Expedited services available
- Quick, easy registration process
- Access to legal advice from independent attorneys
Cons
- Higher cost than many competitors
- Few add-on services available
Notable Features
- Expedited file preparation
- Attorney consultations
- Excellent customer service
- Two-day document delivery
Pricing
- Standard Package: $229 plus state filing fees
- Rush Package: $339 plus state filing fees
Hassle-Free Registration
LegalZoom’s foreign qualification services require only a few steps, saving you time to focus on your business.
Visit LegalZoomLearn more by reading our full review of LegalZoom.
3. Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is a top-rated business services provider that specializes in compliance software and services. The company’s foreign qualification services require customers to simply sign up for the service and select a desired processing time. Harbor Compliance then prepares and files all required documents with the necessary state authority, saving business owners time and energy.
Harbor Compliance’s foreign qualification services cost more than many competitors. However, the company includes several valuable features in their package (e.g., one year of free registered agent services, a certificate of good standing, and more).
Pros
- Certificate of good standing and certified copies included in the package
- Expedited services available
- Includes free registered agent services
- Offers access to compliance software to automatically track state reporting requirements
Cons
- Higher cost than some competitors
- Doesn’t offer services for S corporations (S corps)
Notable Features
- Name availability check
- One year of free registered agent services
- Certificate of good standing included (if required)
- Certified copies included (if required)
Pricing
Harbor Compliance charges a flat service fee of $399 (plus state filing fees) for their foreign qualification services.
4. Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) is a popular provider in the business services industry for good reason. With more than 1 million businesses served since launching in 2004, Bizee has plenty of experience providing foreign qualifications and other business solutions.
This provider offers basic foreign qualification services, preparing and filing the paperwork for you with your chosen state. Additionally, customers can easily add virtual address services to their package for $29 per month that they may cancel at any time.
Pros
- Excellent customer reviews
- Several add-on services available, including “doing business as” (DBA) registration, virtual address services, and more
- Lower cost than some competitors
- Experienced, trusted source for business services
Cons
- No expedited services available
- Lacking features offered by many competitors
Notable Features
- Virtual address services available
- Preparation and filing of all documents
- Additional resources and services available for businesses
Pricing
Bizee charges a $149 fee for their foreign qualification services. In addition to this, customers must pay state filing fees plus any fees associated with obtaining a certificate of good standing from their state authority. Learn more by reading our full review of Bizee.
5. BizFilings
BizFilings’ offers services for business formation, tax preparation, and more. The company’s foreign qualification services include the preparation and filing of all state-required documents. Plus, customers receive free registered agent services, a name check, a certificate of good standing, and expedited filing (for select packages).
Customers looking to take advantage of additional business services can upgrade or customize their package to include business license research, payroll tax registration, and more valuable services from BizFilings.
Pros
- Free registered agent services included
- Several included features, such as a name check and obtainment of a certificate of good standing
- Customer support available via email, phone, and live chat
- Add-on services available, such as tax and annual report filing alerts
Cons
- Hard copies aren’t included in the price
Notable Features
- Preliminary state name availability check
- Free registered agent services for three months
- Free certificate of good standing obtainment
- Preparation and filing of all required documents
Pricing
- Basic Package: $219 plus state filing fees
- Standard Package: $450 plus state filing fees
- Complete Package: $630 plus state filing fees
6. CorpNet
CorpNet offers a variety of services for starting and running businesses. The company’s foreign qualification services include the preparation and filing of all required documents as well as add-on services, such as registered agent services, tax services, and more.
CorpNet’s service fee is comparable to competitors, but they charge additional fees not required by competing providers. Therefore, customers should expect to pay more than the stated service fee for CorpNet’s foreign qualification services.
Pros
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Expedited services available
- Registered agent services available as an add-on in all US states
- Services available for several business structures
Cons
- Slow processing times with several fees required for expedited services
- Shipping and handling costs extra
Notable Features
- Preparation and filing of all required documents
- Registered agent services available
- Employer tax and registration services available
Pricing
CorpNet charges $199 for their foreign qualification services. In addition to this, customers must pay state filing fees, certificate of good standing fees, and a $29 shipping and handling fee.
7. Swyft Filings
Since their inception, Swyft Filings has helped more than 300,000 entrepreneurs form their businesses. The company’s foreign qualification services help business owners expand their business across state lines, taking care of all registration requirements.
While Swyft Filings’ foreign qualification services don’t include many additional features, this provider’s customer support really stands out. Swyft Filings customers have access to business specialists that help guide them through the foreign qualification process, offering a personalized experience.
Pros
- Customized services to meet the needs of your business
- Business specialists assigned to all customers
- Automated process saves time
- Services available for all major business structures
Cons
- Few included features or services
- No expedited services available
Notable Features
- Preparation and filing of all required documents
- Access to business specialists every step of the way
- Periodic filing reminders
Pricing
Swyft Filings charges $199 for their foreign qualification services plus state filing fees.
How to Choose the Right Foreign Qualification Service
When choosing a service to conduct your foreign qualification, you should keep several factors in mind: price, included services, customer support, and add-on offerings.
Price
Finding a platform that fits your business’s budget is usually the first step toward selecting the right service. While many providers offer similar pricing, a few (e.g., Northwest) offer competitively priced services for businesses on a budget.
Included Services
Included services add value to your foreign qualification service package. Look for registered agent services, certificate of good standing obtainment, or other services your business requires to find a provider that includes these services for free or at a low add-on price.
Customer Support
Excellent customer support is important during the registration process to ensure you’ll get answers to all your questions and concerns. Be sure to assess a provider’s customer reviews and support offerings to determine if they offer the level of support your business needs.
Add-On Offerings
If your business needs compliance alerts, registered agent services, or tax registration, you should look for a service provider that can include these as add-on services to ensure your business stays compliant after registration.
FAQs
How much does it cost to register a foreign LLC?
Foreign LLC and corporation registration costs vary based on the state filing fees and any additional fees to obtain certificates of good standing or certified copies of documents.
Can an LLC do business in another state?
Yes, an LLC can do business in another state. However, the business will either need to form a new LLC in the state or register a foreign qualification with the state authority before doing so.
What is an foreign corporation?
A foreign corporation is a corporation that conducts business in one state after completing the business formation process in another state. The process to register a foreign corporation is called foreign qualification.
What is the best state to set up an LLC in?
The best state to form an LLC is the state in which you plan to conduct business. You can opt to do business in other states as your business grows by either establishing an LLC in those states or through foreign qualification.
Can a Florida LLC do business in other states?
Florida LLCs can do business in other states through foreign qualification, which entails registering the business with the relevant state authority (e.g., the Secretary of State).