Register a Foreign Corporation in Minnesota

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Corporation in Minnesota

What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Minnesota?

$200 for mailed filings.
$220 for online and expedited in-person filings.

How long does it take for the state to process the Minnesota Certificate of Authority?

Minnesota accepts applications online, by mail, and in person. Processing times depend on your method of filing.

• Online: Minnesota handles online filings in about 2 business days.
• Mail: Mailed filings will be processed by Minnesota in about 4 business days, plus additional time for mailing.
• Expedited In-Person Processing: Processed while you wait.

How will I get verification of qualification back from Minnesota?

You will receive a verification certificate by mail.

What forms do I file with Minnesota to qualify my out of state corporation?

The Foreign Corporation Registration Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Minnesota form and the filing fee is required.

What do I need from my home state?

Nothing. There are states that require a certificate of good standing from your home state to qualify as a foreign entity. Lucky for you, Minnesota is not one of them.

Will I need an Minnesota 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 for your MN corporation. 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 in Minnesota.

Does the Minnesota registered agent need to sign the filing?

No.

How can I file the Minnesota Certificate of Authority?

By mail, in person or online.

What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?

Minnesota Secretary of State
Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
Phone: (651) 296-2803

Do the signatures on the Minnesota corporation application need to be original?

No.

Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?

The president, vice-president, secretary or assistant secretary must sign the form.

Are there any weird things about registering in Minnesota?

The Secretary of State recommends that you retain the original signed copy of this document for your records, and submit a legible photocopy for filing.

County filing or publication is not necessary, unless specifically required by the county in which your registered agent resides.

Are there ongoing Minnesota annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?

MN Annual reports are due December 31st.

What are your fees?

You’ll need to have an Minnesota registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in Minnesota. It’s a flat rate, once a year fee, and includes more than other registered agents. Here’s a little more about our registered agent service.

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 MN Corporation Resources:

Minnesota Taxes
Withdraw a Foreign Minnesota Corporation
State By State Foreign Corporation Requirements