Register your out-of-state business to do business in Illinois.

Foreign qualification is what Illinois requires when an entity formed in another state wants to legally transact business in Illinois. This guide walks through when it is required, the documents needed, the $150 fee, and the process.

When you need to foreign-qualify in Illinois

Illinois requires foreign qualification when an out-of-state entity is doing business in the state. Triggers include:

• Physical office or storefront in Illinois.
• Employees working in Illinois.
• Real property ownership in Illinois.
• Holding a bank account or credit line for Illinois-located operations.
• Recurring contracts or sales with Illinois customers.
• Licenses or permits requiring entity registration.