Register your out-of-state business to do business in South Carolina.

Foreign qualification is what South Carolina requires when an entity formed in another state wants to legally transact business in South Carolina. This guide walks through when it is required, the documents needed, the $110 fee, and the process.

When you need to foreign-qualify in South Carolina

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

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