Michigan Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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If you already have an LLC in another state and want a Michigan LLC in Michigan, then starting an LLC would be somewhat different. You must register as a foreign LLC. We have here a guide on how you can qualify and register for a foreign LLC in Michigan.

Forming an Michigan Foreign LLC

A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country but a business formed under the laws of another state. To start a foreign LLC in Michigan, you need to register it with the Michigan Corporation Division.

Step 1: Choose Michigan Foreign LLC Name

Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements at the Michigan Corporation Division. Your LLC’s legal name outside of Michigan will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in Michigan. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC.

Check name availability at Michigan’s business entity names and reserve your LLC name.

Step 2: Select Michigan Foreign LLC Registered Agent

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Michigan and take note that a Michigan registered agent must have a local address. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries:

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Step 3: File Registration of Michigan Foreign LLC

Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application for Registration form via email to [email protected] or by mail to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909.

Include the following:

  • LLC’s full legal name.
  • A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
  • LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses.
  • LLC formation state and date.
  • Registered agent’s name and address in Michigan
  • Date when your LLC will start operations in Michigan.
  • Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee.

The LLC cost in Michigan, even for foreign LLCs will differ between online filing and by mail.

Step 4: Determine How Your Michigan Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the Michigan Business Privilege Tax, and they must file LLC annual reports each year.

Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.

Steps to Filing Michigan Foreign LLC Online

Time needed: 5 minutes

When you are registering for the foreign LLC in the State of Michigan, you will have to submit your Application for Registration of foreign LLC with the Secretary of State which costs $50. After approval, you will receive a Verification Certificate from the State Office. The State offers offline as well as online filing options. We have explained the aspects you need to cover when you apply for Michigan Foreign LLC.

  1. Go to the Official State of Michigan website

    Visit the Corporations Online Filing System on the Secretary of State website. The portal offers a one-stop solution to all business filings and information.

  2. Select the Online Form

    Scroll down the page to the Online form sections. Select the link ‘760 – Application for Certificate of Authority to transact Business in Michigan’ under the heading Foreign Limited Liability Company.

  3. Proceed to fill in the details

    On the following page, start to fill in the needful details in the proper blank spaces provided in the online form. In the first section, provide the name of your Limited Liability Company.

  4. Original Country of Establishment

    In the next section, provide the details about the country and state of the original establishment of your limited liability company. Also, provide the details of the date of the organization. Next, in case your LLC does not aim to have a perpetual establishment in the target State, provide the duration of the company.

  5. Details of the office

    In the succeeding section, provide the street address of your office that is to be maintained in the State of Organization.

  6. Details of the Registered Agent

    In the next section, provide the details of your resident agent, such as name, street address, and the registered office mailing address.

  7. Effective date

    If the effective date of operation is different from the date of filing, mention the exact date from which the business shall become effective in the State of Michigan.

  8. Details of the administrator

    In this section, provide the details of the manager, such as the name and address to whom the State documents shall be addressed to.

  9. Details of your business LLC

    In the final section, provide the details about the nature of the business your Limited liability company intends to carry in the State of Michigan.

  10. Certificate of Good Standing

    Attach the Certificate of Good Standing issued by the relevant authority in the State of Original Establishment stating that your LLC is in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. The Certificate should not date earlier than 30 days prior to the date of receipts in this office.

  11. Signature

    Add the signature of the person in authority. Mention any special instructions that might be applicable to your application.

  12. Submitter’s details

    Enter your details, such as Name, Business name, mailing address, phone number, and email.

  13. Review the information

    Before making the payment, review the information provided in the application carefully to be accurate and correct to your knowledge to avoid any future rejection.

  14. Make the payment

    After reviewing the application, proceed to make the payment of $50. If you wish to expedite the process, accordingly pay the additional fees. Next, submit the application.

    You can also submit the application offline via mail. Download the Application Form PDF. Fill in the required details. Make the check or money order of $50 payable in the name of the State of Michigan. Attach all the documents and submit them to the following address: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau Corporations Division P.O. Box 30054 Lansing, MI 48909. You can also deliver the application in person to the address, 2501 Woodlake Circle Okemos, MI.

After Forming Michigan Foreign LLC

Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your Michigan Foreign LLC

  1. Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
  2. File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
  3. Pay State Taxes like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC.

It is convenient plus easy to file for the foreign LLC if you are doing it online. The steps are very easy and that’s why it’s possible to go along with the steps and form the foreign LLC in Michigan.

F.A.Qs

What is a foreign LLC in Michigan?

If your LLC is formed under the laws of another state, it is referred to as a foreign LLC in Michigan.

Do I need a foreign LLC?

Businesses incorporated outside of the state where they operate must have “foreign qualifications” issued in the other states.

What is the main difference between domestic and foreign LLC?

A domestic LLC is a company registered in Michigan as an LLC. The entity type that has a physical presence in another state is a foreign LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in Michigan

To register as a foreign LLC in Michigan, you can file through mail by paying $50 to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

One of the main costs of registering a foreign LLC in Michigan is the filing fee. The exact fee varies depending on the state in which the LLC is organized, but can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. In addition to the filing fee, there may also be additional costs associated with obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing from the LLC’s home state, as well as any other required documents or forms.

Another significant cost to consider is the cost of hiring a registered agent. In Michigan, all foreign LLCs are required to have a registered agent located within the state who can accept legal documents on behalf of the LLC. Hiring a registered agent can be an added expense for businesses, but it is crucial to ensure compliance with Michigan state law.

In addition to the initial filing fee and ongoing registered agent costs, foreign LLCs may also be subject to annual reporting fees in Michigan. These fees can vary depending on the size of the LLC and other factors, but can add up over time. Failure to pay these annual fees or maintain compliance with state requirements can result in penalties or even the loss of the LLC’s ability to do business in Michigan.

Overall, the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Michigan can be significant, especially for smaller businesses or startups with limited resources. It is important for businesses to carefully budget for these expenses and ensure compliance with all state requirements to avoid any unnecessary costs or legal issues down the line.

Despite the costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Michigan, it is important for businesses to weigh the benefits of operating in the state against these expenses. Michigan offers a range of benefits for businesses, including a diverse economy, a skilled workforce, and access to key markets and resources. By considering these factors alongside the costs of registration, businesses can make informed decisions about where to establish or expand their operations.

In conclusion, the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Michigan can be significant, but it is a necessary expense for businesses looking to operate legally in the state. By carefully considering the various costs and requirements associated with foreign LLC registration, businesses can ensure compliance with Michigan state law and take advantage of the many opportunities that the state has to offer.

In Conclusion

Starting a foreign LLC in Michigan does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. Get a professional registered agent and form your foreign LLC anywhere without a hassle.

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