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

Foreign qualification is what Tennessee requires when an entity formed in another state wants to legally transact business in Tennessee. This guide walks through when it is required, the documents needed, the $600 fee, and the process.

When you need to foreign-qualify in Tennessee

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

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