California . Foreign Qualification
Register your out-of-state business to do business in California.
Foreign qualification is what California requires when an entity formed in another state wants to legally transact business in California. This guide walks through when it is required, the documents needed, the $70 fee, and the process.
Start California foreign qualification →When you need to foreign-qualify in California
California requires foreign qualification when an out-of-state entity is doing business in the state. Triggers include:
- Physical office or storefront in California.
- Employees working in California.
- Real property ownership in California.
- Holding a bank account or credit line for California-located operations.
- Recurring contracts or sales with California customers.
- Licenses or permits requiring entity registration.