Register a Foreign Nonprofit in Virginia

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Nonprofit in Virginia

How do I register my foreign non-profit corporation in Virginia?

File the Application for a Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Virginia with the Virginia Corporation Commission. Include a certified copy of your articles of incorporation. You can file by mail or in person.

What kind of information is required on the Virginia Certificate of Authority?

Include the following on the form:

• Nonprofit corporation name
• Registered agent information
• Nonprofit corporation‘s purpose
• A certified copy of your articles of incorporation

Virginia is picky about foreign entities, so make sure your information on the certificate exactly matches the information on your original Articles of Incorporation (including periods and commas).

How much does it cost to qualify a foreign non-profit in Virginia?

The cost is $75. You can pay with cash if filing in person; otherwise, send a check or money order. Expediting is an additional $100.

How long does it take Virginia to process my filing?

Virginia’s normal state processing time is around 28 days after receipt. Expediting filings take approximately 3 business days after receipt.

Does Virginia require any paperwork from my home state?

Yes. You must attach a certified copy of your articles of incorporation to the application for certificate of authority.

How many directors are required to sign the Certificate of Authority?

No directors are required to sign.

Who needs to sign the Certificate of Authority?

Anyone authorized by the nonprofit corporation to sign the formation documents.

Does my registered agent need to sign the Certificate of Authority?

No.

Will I need a registered agent in Virginia?

Yes. State law requires all registered business entities to have a Virginia registered agent. Your agent can be you, a trusted employee, or a professional registered agent business like Northwest. With us, you pay a flat yearly rate of $125. As your registered agent, we accept state and legal mail, but we’ll also scan normal business mail—up to five docs per year—FREE. Even better, we list OUR business address on your public filings instead of yours—so you can keep your personal info away from prying eyes.

Do foreign non-profit corporations need to file annual reports in Virginia?

Yes. Annual reports for nonprofit corporations in Virginia are due by the last day of the organization‘s anniversary month. You can file the report online. The filing fee is $25.

Are there any other Virginia state agencies to register with?

You will want to apply to the Virginia Department of Taxation for Virginia tax exemption.

If your non-profit organization collects solicitations for charitable purpose, you will also need to register as a Virginia charity with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Why Choose Northwest?

For starters, as your registered agent, we’ll list our information on your foreign nonprofit formation paperwork, helping keep your personal information off public record.

But, as a foreign nonprofit in Virginia, we know that getting a reliable business address can be difficult or expensive. Sign up for Virginia Mail Forwarding ($20/month) to get a reliable mailing address, a unique suite number, a secure online account, and choose between same-day digital scanning or weekly physical forwarding of your mail.

Want more? Choose Northwest’s Virginia Virtual Office Service ($29/month), which includes a Virginia address with a unique suite number, Phone Service, an office lease, and your choice of weekly physical mail forwarding or same-day digital scanning.

Virginia contact info:

State Corporation Commission
Office of the Clerk
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218-1197
Ph: (804) 371-9733