Skip to content
Formation Explained

LLC rules, unpacked for first-time owners.

  1. Start
  2. Word list
  3. Foreign LLC

Glossary term

Explaining a foreign llc

An LLC that operates in a state other than the one where it was created. Here foreign means from another state, not another country.
Formation Explained editorial team

Quick reference

Variants
An LLC from another state

Why it matters in practice

Being foreign is normal. Being foreign and unregistered is where problems start.

What the states do

Fees range from $50 (Michigan) to $750 (Texas). Rules in all fifty states.

Pages that use this term

You will find it in these sections: State-by-state LLC formation, Agent requirements in each state, Foreign LLC filings in each state.

Where the facts come from

  1. October 2026 confirmation of LARA Corporations Division at michigan.gov
  2. October 2026 confirmation of LARA limited liability company forms at michigan.gov
  3. October 2026 confirmation of MCL 450.5002, certificate of authority at legislature.mi.gov
  4. October 2026 confirmation of MCL 450.5008, activities that are at legislature.mi.gov
  5. October 2026 confirmation of MCL 450.5007, consequences of transacting at legislature.mi.gov
  6. October 2026 confirmation of LARA annual reports and annual at michigan.gov
  7. October 2026 confirmation of Texas Secretary of State, foreign at sos.state.tx.us
  8. October 2026 confirmation of Form 304 instructions at sos.state.tx.us
  9. October 2026 confirmation of Fee schedule, Form 806 at sos.texas.gov
  10. October 2026 confirmation of Business Organizations Code, Chapter 9 at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
  11. October 2026 confirmation of Texas Comptroller, franchise tax at comptroller.texas.gov