What is a foreign LLC in Minnesota?
It is an LLC formed in another state that registers to do business in Minnesota. You foreign-qualify by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Minnesota Secretary of State and appointing a Minnesota registered agent.
Quick facts
- What it is
- An out-of-state LLC registering to do business in Minnesota
- Filing
- Application for Certificate of Authority with the Minnesota Secretary of State
- Good standing
- Certificate of Good Standing from the home state, usually required
- Registered agent
- A Minnesota registered agent is required
- Fee
- Set by the state fee schedule; verify before filing
- Ongoing
- Annual report and taxes in Minnesota once qualified
The same question in every other state
This requirement is set at state level, so the answer changes when you cross a state line. Below is how 23 other states answer the same question, each linked to the page that cites the agency it came from. The full breakdown is on foreign LLC fees by state.
| State | Answer |
|---|---|
| Alabama | A foreign LLC in Alabama is a limited liability company that was originally formed in another state or jurisdiction but wishes to transact business in Alabama. It must register with the Alabama Secretary of State by filing a Certificate of Authority. |
| Alaska | A foreign LLC in Alaska is a limited liability company that was originally formed in another state or jurisdiction but wishes to conduct business activities within Alaska. It must register with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. |
| Arizona | A foreign LLC in Arizona is a limited liability company that was originally formed in another state or jurisdiction but wishes to conduct business activities in Arizona. It must register with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to operate legally. |
| Arkansas | A foreign LLC in Arkansas is a limited liability company that was formed in another state or jurisdiction but wishes to conduct business within Arkansas. It must register with the Arkansas Secretary of State to legally operate. |
| California | A foreign LLC in California is a limited liability company that was originally formed in another state or jurisdiction but intends to conduct business within California. It must register with the California Secretary of State to legally operate. |
| Connecticut | A foreign LLC in Connecticut is a limited liability company that was formed in another state or jurisdiction but wishes to conduct business activities within Connecticut. It must register with the Connecticut Secretary of the State. |
| Delaware | A foreign LLC in Delaware is a limited liability company originally formed in another state or country that wishes to transact business in Delaware. It must register with the Delaware Division of Corporations by filing a Certificate of Registration before operating. |
| Florida | A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another U.S. state that registers to do business in Florida. |
| Georgia | A foreign LLC in Georgia is a limited liability company that was originally formed in another state or jurisdiction but wishes to conduct business activities in Georgia. It must register with the Georgia Secretary of State to obtain a Certificate of Authority. |
| Idaho | A foreign LLC in Idaho is a limited liability company originally formed in another state or country that wishes to transact business in Idaho. It must register with the Idaho Secretary of State by filing a Foreign Registration Statement before operating. |
| Iowa | A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another U.S. state that registers to do business in Iowa. |
| Louisiana | A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another U.S. state that registers to do business in Louisiana. |
| Massachusetts | A foreign LLC in Massachusetts is a limited liability company originally formed in another state or country that wishes to transact business in Massachusetts. It must register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division, before operating. |
| Michigan | A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another state or country that transacts business in Michigan. It is not overseas - foreign simply means out-of-state. |
| Mississippi | A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another U.S. state that registers to do business in Mississippi. |
| Nevada | A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another U.S. state that registers to do business in Nevada. |
| New York | A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another U.S. state that registers to do business in New York. |
| Oklahoma | It is an LLC formed in another U.S. state that registers to do business in Oklahoma. |
| Oregon | A foreign LLC in Oregon is a limited liability company originally formed in another state or country that wishes to transact business in Oregon. It must register with the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division, before operating. |
| Pennsylvania | A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another U.S. state that registers to do business in Pennsylvania. |
| South Carolina | It is an LLC formed in another state that registers to do business in South Carolina. You foreign-qualify by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority with the South Carolina Secretary of State and appointing a South Carolina registered agent. |
| South Dakota | A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another U.S. state that registers to do business in South Dakota. |
| Vermont | A foreign LLC is an LLC organised under another state's law. The word refers to another US state, not another country. |
Full context for Minnesota
This page answers one question. The complete Minnesota guide -- covering the surrounding requirements, the forms, the agency, and what happens if you get it wrong -- is at How to Register a Foreign LLC in Minnesota (2026).
LegalGlass provides general information for educational purposes and is not a law firm or a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney or tax professional. Laws and fees change; verify current requirements with the relevant government agency before acting.