Register a Foreign Corporation in Michigan
To register a foreign corporation in Michigan, you must file a Michigan Application for Certificate of Authority to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Michigan with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You can submit this document online, by mail, or in person. The Application for Certificate of Authority for a foreign Michigan corporation costs $60 to file. Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about how to file the Application for Certificate of Authority and register a foreign corporation in Michigan. Or, sign up for our Michigan Foreign Corporation service, and we’ll handle your filing instead!
Free PDF Download
Download the Michigan Application for Certificate of Authority to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Michigan. Fill out the form and submit it to the state.
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Our free account and tools will walk you through registering your Foreign Corporation in Michigan. All for free.
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Hire Northwest and let our experts register your Foreign Corporation in Michigan. Includes 1 year of registered agent service.
$ 285 TotalFree Guide to Registering a Foreign Corporation in Michigan
What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Michigan?
$60 for normal processing (includes initial franchise fee).
$50 additional for expedited 24 business hour processing.
$100 additional for expedited same day processing (must be received by 1 p.m. EST or EDT).
$500 additional for expedited 2 business hour processing (must be received by 3 p.m. EST or EDT).
$1,000 additional for expedited 1 business hour processing (must be received by 4 p.m. EST or EDT).
How long does it take for the state to process the Michigan Certificate of Authority?
Michigan accepts applications by mail, online, or in person. Processing times depend on your method of filing.
- Mail: It takes Michigan about 2 weeks to process mailed filings, though you’ll need to factor in additional time for mailing.
- Online: Michigan typically processes online applications within 10 days of being received.
- In Person: Michigan typically processes hand-delivered applications within 10 days of receipt.
- Expedited: Michigan will process your application same-day, 24-hours, 2-hours, or 1-hour depending on the speed of service you pay for.
How will I get verification of qualification back from Michigan?
You will receive the originally filed form back to the address listed on the form or possibly by fax.
What forms do I file with Michigan to qualify my out of State Corporation?
The Application for Certificate of Authority to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Michigan form, a Certificate of Good Standing, and the filing fee is required. A copy of the Articles of Incorporation and all amendments are also required for non-profit filings. An expedite form is required for expedite service.
What do I need from my home state?
A Certificate of Good Standing.
In addition to the Certificate of Good Standing, a certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation and all amendments is required for non-profit corporations only.
Does it need to be an original copy?
No.
How current does the certificate need to be?
It cannot be dated earlier than 30 days prior to filing.
Will I need a Michigan registered agent for my corporation?
Yes, when you hire Northwest as your registered agent, it’s a flat rate yearly price of $125 a year, you’ll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states your registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to 4 people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You’ll receive annual report reminders. It’s the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees.
You’ll also see all the pre-populated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page, in your online account, and they are emailed to you immediately upon signing up for 1 year of registered agent service.
Does the Michigan registered agent need to sign the filing?
No.
How can I file the Michigan Certificate of Authority?
By mail or in person. An expedite form is required for expedite service.
What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Bureau of Commercial Services
Corporation Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909-7554
In Person:
2501 Woodlake Circle
Okemos, Michigan
Phone: (517) 241-6470
Fax: (517) 636-6437
Email: [email protected]
Do the signatures on the Michigan corporation application need to be original?
No.
Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?
An authorized officer or agent of the corporation must sign the form.
Are there any weird things about registering in Michigan?
County filing or publication is not necessary for foreign corporations, unless specifically required by the county in which your registered agent resides.
Are there ongoing Michigan annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?
Profit corporation Michigan annual reports are due May 15th. Non-profit corporation annual reports are due October 1st.
You may also want to learn about Michigan taxes.
What are your fees?
You’ll need to have an Michigan registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in Michigan. It’s a flat rate, once a year fee, and includes more than other registered agents.
We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state, and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down.
Additional Resources:
Michigan corporation
Withdraw foreign corporation in Michigan