Pennsylvania LLC Foreign Qualification

Pennsylvania LLC Foreign Qualification Information

Steps to Pennsylvania LLC Foreign Qualification:

  • Select a Name:  You must decide upon a name for your limited liability company to use in Pennsylvania. This can be your LLC’s legal name, but only if the name is not already registered to another entity within the Commonwealth. If your name is already in use, you need to register a different name for use within the State.
  • File a Foreign Registration Statement:  To qualify a foreign LLC, you must file a Foreign Registration Statement with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. There is a $250 filing fee. This form can be filed online. On the Statement, you must designate a Pennsylvania commercial registered office provider to accept service of process. A Docketing Statement must be included with the Registration or else it will not be processed.
  • Await Approval:  Average processing time in Pennsylvania is 10-15 business days. There are no expedite options, but you can file the form online, which generally increases processing time.

Pennsylvania Foreign LLC Qualification Quick Facts

What is a Docketing Statement?

A Docketing Statement is a simple form asking for the following information:

  1. Entity Name (foreign LLCs using an alternate name in the Commonwealth should list the alternate name)
  2. Name and Address of Tax Responsible Party
  3. Description of Business Activity

There is no fee associated with this form. It must be included with the Foreign Registration Statement.

What is “Jurisdiction of Formation”?

The jurisdiction of formation is the state (or foreign country) where your LLC was first formed. Your principal business office should be in your jurisdiction of formation.

Can I Make Changes to My Foreign Registration Statement?

Yes. To make a change to your Foreign Registration Statement, you must file an Amendment of Foreign Registration. Changes to the name listed on your Registration Statement must conform to the State statute 15 Pa.C.S. § 414 and §§ 201-209.

When filing an Amendment, you must include a Docketing Statement (Changes) form.

The filing fee for an Amendment of Foreign Registration is $250. The filing can be completed online.

Pennsylvania Commercial Registered Office Provider

A Pennsylvania commercial registered office provider must fulfill the following duties for all the client entities it represents:

  • Have and maintain a registered office within the Commonwealth (must be a physical location, not a post office box)

  • Maintain regular business hours throughout the year

  • Accept service of process and official business mail on behalf of clients

  • Contact clients when documents are accepted

  • Forward all documents to clients in a timely manner

Decennial Report

After you qualify a foreign LLC, you are required to submit a Decennial Report every 10 years. The Decennial Report is filed only in years ending in 1 (2021, 2031, etc.). The report can be filed online. There is a $70 filing fee.