Rhode Island 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.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
rhode island_state_seal

If you already have an LLC in another state and want a Rhode Island LLC, 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 Rhode Island.

Forming an Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, you need to register it with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.

Step 1: Choose Rhode Island Foreign LLC Name

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

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

Step 2: Select Rhode Island Foreign LLC Registered Agent

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Rhode Island and take note that a Rhode Island 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:

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

Learn More

#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

  • Great customer support

  • Established reputation

  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Good customer support

Step 3: File Registration of Rhode Island Foreign LLC

Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application for Registration form via email to [email protected] or by mail to Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street Providence, RI 02904.

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 Rhode Island
  • Date when your LLC will start operations in Rhode Island.
  • Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee.

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

Step 4: Determine How Your Rhode Island Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Foreign LLC Online

Time needed: 5 minutes

To operate your foreign Business LLC in the State of Rhode Island, you must apply for a Certificate of Authority with the Rhode Island Secretary of State office. The filing fee for your registration application is $150. Once approved, you will receive a certified copy of your registration from the Secretary of State’s office. We have explained the aspects you need to cover when you apply for the Rhode Island Foreign LLC. Following are the steps to register a foreign LLC in Rhode Island online.

  1. Visit the Official website of the Rhode Island Secretary of State

    Visit the Official website of the Rhode Island Secretary of State. The Business Services page includes a separate section for Foreign Businesses. Under this section, you can access different online services available for foreign business entity filings. On the given page, click on the second box, ‘Register your business in RI’.
    rhodeisland-foreign-llc-main

  2. Download the Application form PDF

    On the following page, you can learn about all the important aspects required while filing for a foreign LLC. Scroll down to Step 3: Register your business. Under this section, click on the link adjacent to the first option of Foreign Limited Liability Company. You can also access the Application for Registration of a foreign LLC here.
    rhodeisland-register-foreign-llc

  3. Instructions & Requirements

    After downloading the form, read all the instructions and requirements attached to the application form.

  4. Fill in the Application Form

    Further, proceed to fill in the required details in the application form. The form should necessarily be typed on your system. An illegible document typed in ink will be rejected.

  5. Certificate of Good Standing

    You must attach the Certificate of Good Standing/Letter of Status issued within 60 days of the registration application by the State of Original jurisdiction.

  6. Review Application Form

    Review the overall application filled by you. All the details entered by you should be correct and accurate to your knowledge.

  7. Make a Payment

    Issue a money order or check of $150 as the filing fee of your registration application is payable to the ‘RI Department of State’.

  8. Send your Application Form

    Arrange all the documents together and mail or drop in-person to the following address: Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615

After Forming Rhode Island Foreign LLC

Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.

F.A.Qs

What is a foreign LLC in Rhode Island?

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

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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island

To register as a foreign LLC in Rhode Island, you can file through mail by paying a filing fee of $150 to the Rhode Island Division of Business Services.

The cost of registering a foreign LLC in Rhode Island may vary depending on various factors such as the type of business, the services required, and any additional fees that may apply. It is important for businesses to carefully analyze these costs and factors before taking the plunge.

One of the primary costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Rhode Island is the filing fee. This fee is payable to the Rhode Island Secretary of State and is required to officially register the LLC in the state. Additionally, there may be additional fees for expedited processing or other services that businesses may require.

Along with the filing fee, businesses also need to consider the cost of obtaining a registered agent in Rhode Island. A registered agent is a person or entity responsible for accepting legal documents on behalf of the LLC. Having a registered agent is a legal requirement in Rhode Island, and businesses need to factor in the cost of this service when registering a foreign LLC.

Another cost that businesses need to consider is the annual report fee. Once the foreign LLC is registered in Rhode Island, businesses are required to file an annual report with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. This report typically includes information about the business and its operations, and there may be a fee associated with filing this report.

In addition to these costs, businesses may also need to factor in any other additional fees that may apply when registering a foreign LLC in Rhode Island. These may include fees for obtaining a business license, taxes, or any other regulatory requirements that need to be met.

While the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Rhode Island may seem daunting, businesses need to weigh the benefits against the costs before making a decision. Registering a foreign LLC in Rhode Island can provide businesses with access to a new market, enhanced credibility, and expanded business opportunities. However, it is crucial for businesses to carefully consider all costs and factors involved in the registration process to ensure that it is a financially viable move.

In conclusion, the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Rhode Island is an important consideration for businesses looking to expand into the state. By carefully analyzing all costs and factors involved, businesses can make an informed decision that aligns with their strategic goals and objectives.

In Conclusion

Starting a foreign LLC in Rhode Island 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.

Leave a Comment