Georgia Corporation Foreign Qualification

Georgia Corporation Foreign Qualification

Steps to Foreign Corporation Qualification in Georgia:

  1. Determine the name your corporation will use in Georgia. The name you use in Georgia must be distinguishable from other company names already registered. If it is not, you will need to alter the name of your corporation (see below) or register a fictitious or trade name for Georgia corporation foreign qualification.
  2. To register a foreign corporation, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority. Accompanying this document, you must include a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state. The total filing fee is $225. File the Application with the Georgia Corporations Division either online, in person, or by mail.
  3. For your foreign corporation qualification to be processed, you must include a Georgia registered agent designation on your Application. A registered agent accepts service of process on behalf of your corporation.
  4. Await processing. Typically, the Corporations Division will process an Application within seven business days.
  5. After you register a foreign corporation, you will be required to file an Annual Registration each year. The filing window is January 1 to April 1. The filing fee is $50. Annual Registrations can be filed online.

Foreign Corporation Qualification Quick Facts

The Form: Application for Certificate of Authority

Filing Fee: $225

Filing Agency: Georgia Corporations Division

Online Filing: Yes

Annual Registration Due Date: April 1

Annual Registration Fee: $50

How Current Does My Certificate of Good Standing Need to Be?

You must submit a Certificate of Good Standing (also called a Certificate of Existence) that is no older than 90 days. You cannot submit a copy of your Articles of Incorporation in place of the Certificate.

How Do I Submit a Fictitious Name?

If you need to submit a fictitious or trade name, then you should label your fictitious name under “Name of Corporation” (the true name of your corporation is listed elsewhere). You must include with your filing a copy of the resolution of your Board of Directors, signed by your Secretary, that approves the adopting of your fictitious name in Georgia.

Georgia Annual Registration

After a foreign corporation qualification is complete, you will need to file an Annual Registration each year and pay the associated $50 filing fee. The Annual Registration can be filed online with the Georgia Corporations Division. The due date is April 1.