Oregon Foreign Corporation

If you own an out-of-state corporation and want to register as an Oregon foreign corporation, you must file an Application for Authority to Transact Business ($275) and appoint an Oregon registered agent. Sound like a lot? Make it easy on yourself, and hire us to register for you. For just $135 plus state fees, we’ll file your paperwork, provide a year of local registered agent service, and give you immediate access to our library of business resources.

Our Oregon Foreign Corporation Service

When you hire us to register your foreign corporation in Oregon, we’ll file your Application of Authority and provide lifetime business support. Plus, you get all the following:

• A year of local registered agent service.
• Real-time annual report reminders.
• A secure online account to store all your essential documents.
• Fair and transparent pricing—just $135 plus state fees.

You can also register your foreign corporation yourself and hire us for Oregon registered agent service for $35 a year. Either way, you’ll get professional service at a great price!

How to register a foreign corporation in Oregon

When you hire us, registering your foreign corporation in Oregon is painless. We’ll file all the paperwork and provide a year of local registered agent service for just $135 plus state fees. But if you’d rather register yourself, follow the steps outlined below. Remember that you can still hire us for Oregon registered agent service at just $35 a year.

1. Get a Certificate of Existence. All out-of-state corporations that want to conduct business in Oregon must provide a Certificate of Existence (also called a Certificate of Good Standing) from their home state. To get a certificate, you must contact the state department where you initially filed your incorporation documents. The filing fee will vary between states. For example, Montana charges $5 while Wyoming assesses $20. Your Certificate of Existence must be dated at most 60 days before the date you file the Application for Authority.

2. Appoint an Oregon registered agent. Per OR Rev Stat § 60.721 (2023), all foreign corporations must have and maintain an Oregon registered agent. In addition, they must be available during regular business hours to accept service of process. Your registered agent is also required to be an Oregon resident or authorized registered agent company (like us). For just $135 plus state fees, we’ll file your paperwork and provide a year of local registered agent service.

3. Conduct a business name search. Before your corporation can begin business in Oregon, you’ll need to ensure your business name is distinguishable from other companies. Do a business name search to see if your corporation’s name is available. If your name is available, you can reserve it by filing an Application for Name Reservation and paying the $100 filing fee.

If your corporation’s name is unavailable, you must establish an assumed business name (or trade name). You’ll also need to register your name by filing an Assumed Business Name Form. The filing fee is $50. Once your assumed name is approved, you must include it (along with your corporation’s legal name) on your Application for Authority.

4. Submit an Application for Authority to Transact Business. To legally conduct business in Oregon, you must file an Application for Authority to Transact Business to the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division. Along with a $275 filing fee, here’s all the information you’ll need to include:

• Legal name of your corporation and (if applicable) assumed business name.
• Certificate of Existence (attached).
• Date you initially incorporated.
• Duration—if your corporation will close on a specific date, you must indicate that here. Otherwise, you can leave this blank.
• Principal business address—this does not have to be in Oregon.
• Name and address of your Oregon registered agent.
• Mailing address—if different than your principal address.
• Name and address of the corporation’s President and Secretary.
• Professional services—only for corporations that provide state-licensed services, such as medical, legal, or accounting services.
• Name and signature of the person filing your application.

The Application for Authority can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. There is a $275 filing fee.

Online:
Oregon Online Business Registry

Mail/In-person:
Public Service Building
255 Capital St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327

When you hire us to register your foreign corporation, we’ll file the Application for Authority and provide a full year of Oregon registered agent service for just $135 plus state fees. Plus, our prices are always fair and transparent—you’ll never get surprised by sudden increases or hidden costs. We promise you won’t find a better deal.

Oregon Foreign Corporation FAQs

How long will it take to process my Application for Authority?

Online and mail submissions typically take 1-3 business days to process. However, it could take longer, depending on the current workflow. Check the Oregon Secretary of State website for current processing times. If you need faster processing, you can file in person. Filings received before 4:00 p.m. are typically processed the same day.

Do Oregon Foreign corporations need to file an annual report?

Yes. All corporations (foreign and domestic) must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. Your report will be due on your anniversary date. So, if you registered your corporation on January 2, 2021, your report will be due by January 2 each year.

How are Oregon foreign corporations taxed?

Foreign corporations in Oregon that maintain their default tax status are taxed as C-Corps. Your corporation will need to file taxes at the state and federal levels. Oregon assesses a C-Corporation Excise Tax, which will vary depending on your corporation’s annual earnings. For example, if your corporation earns less than $500,000, your minimum tax will be $150. If your total revenue falls between $500,000 and $999,999, your minimum tax will jump to $500.