Register as a Foreign Corporation in Vermont
Want to do business in Vermont? Chances are you’ll need to register your corporation as a foreign entity here. To do this, you’ll need to submit an Application of Certificate of Authority to the Vermont Secretary of State ($125).
Don’t want to do the filing yourself? No problem! We can register your foreign corporation for you.
Get Everything You Need, Hassle Free!
For just $149 + state fees, our professional registered agents will register your foreign corporation in Vermont
and serve as your VT registered agent. (A requirement for foreign registration.)
What’s a foreign corporation in Vermont?
If your corporation was formed outside Vermont it’s considered to be foreign. (In this way, “foreign” just means out of state.) You must officially register your corporation in Vermont as a foreign corporation when you start doing business here.
What constitutes “doing business” in Vermont?
“Doing business” is a legal term that is very broadly defined. Essentially, it includes business activities that generate income (this could mean making sales or manufacturing goods). It generally pertains to ongoing activity rather than an isolated transaction. While there isn’t a clear definition for this term, Vermont’s statutes offer a list of activities that are NOT considered “doing business” (11A V.S.A. § 15.01).
How to Register a Foreign Corporation in Vermont
There are three main steps to registering a foreign Corporation in Vermont:
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Step 1. |
Step 2. |
Step 3. |
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Your foreign corporation must have a registered agent in Vermont. This person (or entity) must be physically located here, and available to receive important legal documents for your business. Need to find an RA? Look no further! We offer the best RA service in the state! |
A certificate of good standing is a document that shows your company is generally fit to do business. You can usually get it from the secretary of state’s office in your home state, or wherever you filed your formation papers. The cost varies by state, but it’s usually between $0-$50. Don’t want to bother getting it yourself? Hire us and we’ll get it for you! |
Submitting an Application for Certificate of Authority is (if approved by the state) ultimately what establishes your legal ability to business in Vermont. It must include basic information about your business, your registered agent information, and your certificate of good standing. Decided to file it on your own? Sure thing! Check out our Foreign Corporation Filing FAQ below. |
Foreign Corporation Filing FAQ
What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Vermont?
The state charges a $125 filing fee.
What do I have to include in my Vermont Application for Certificate of Authority?
Your application must include the following information (see: 11 V.S.A. § 4112):
- Corporation name (and an alternate name if your business name is already in use in VT)
- Name of the state or country where your corporation was formed
- Primary address of your corporation
- Name, street address, and mailing address (if different) of your registered agent (referred to as “designated agent”)
You will also have to attach your certificate of good standing, which Vermont refers to as a “certificate of existence.”
How do I get an alternate name for my foreign corporation in Vermont?
You can register an assumed name for your foreign corporation online through the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division. What Vermont refers to as both an “alternate name” and an “assumed business name” is also called a DBA (they’re all the same thing). Before settling on your alternate name, make sure your preferred name is distinguishable from all other names on the public record, using the state’s Express Search function.
For more rules and guidelines about business names in Vermont, see the state’s Business Name Rules & Availability.
How do I submit my Vermont Application for Certificate of Authority?
You can file online, by mail or in person. (Although the state strongly urges online filings.) If you want to file by mail, you’ll have to request a physical document from the state.
Online: Create a User Account
By Mail: Forms Request
In Person:
Vermont Secretary of State
26 Terrace Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1104
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay taxes in Vermont for my foreign corporation?
If your business operates in Vermont and is registered with the state, yes. Just like a regular Vermont LLC or Vermont Corporation, foreign entities are required to pay state and (if applicable) local taxes.
Benefits of Working with Us
When you hire Vermont Registered Agent LLC, you not only get formation service, you get a professional registered agent—all for a very low price! Here’s how it breaks down:
| Vermont State Fee: | $125 |
| Certificate of Good Standing: | (varies) |
| One Year of Registered Agent Service: | $49 |
| Our Service Fee: | $100 |
| Total: | $274+ |
*Our registration service includes the cost of getting a certificate of good standing, which (depending on the state) can range anywhere from $0-$50.
Plus, our service sets you up to succeed by providing the following:
- Secure Online Account
- Quick Document Delivery
- Regular Annual/Biennial Report Reminders
- Year Round Compliance Monitoring
- Immediate Notification for All Service of Process
- No Hidden Fees, Upsells or “Introductory Prices”
- All Formation Filings Done Online Within Minutes
- How-To Filing Guides and Tips For DIY
Everything you need… and more!