Foreign Registration in Michigan

If your company is registered outside of Michigan it is required to obtain a certificate of authority before transacting business in the state.

This process is called “Foreign Qualification”, and it involves filing Application for Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Michigan with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

To approve foreign qualification application Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth requires certificate of good standing or its equivalent from the home state. The certificate must be current within 30 days. Keep in mind, foreign entity is required to appoint and maintain a registered agent in Michigan on file at all times in order to be in good standing.

The filing process with Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth could take about 3-5 business days, plus additional time for mailing. Expedited processing (1 business day, plus mailing) is available for extra fee. Applicants should also allow additional time for obtaining the certificate of good standing from their home state.