Connecticut Foreign LLC Registration (How-to Guide)

Starting a business in a new state can be exciting and challenging, especially when many requirements are involved. If you want to expand your LLC into Connecticut, you’ve come to the right guide.
This guide simplifies the registration process, making it easy and smooth.
Let’s get your foreign LLC up and running quickly!
Key Highlights: Connecticut Foreign LLC Formation
A Connecticut Foreign LLC is a business that’s set up in another state but wants to operate in Connecticut. To register, you need to file a Foreign Registration Statement with the Connecticut Secretary of State and pay a $120 fee.
This process lets your LLC do business in Connecticut legally.
To streamline the process, I would recommend you consider using a registered agent based in Connecticut. Northwest Registered Agent is a great choice.
Connecticut Foreign LLC Requirements
1. Connecticut Registered Agent
You need a registered agent based in the state to register your foreign LLC in Connecticut. This agent acts as your LLC’s official point of contact for receiving legal documents, such as lawsuits and government notices.
Although it’s possible to use friends or family as your registered agent, I recommend hiring a professional registered agent service for a more dependable and efficient solution.
2. Foreign Registration Statement
The Foreign Registration Statement is a key form required to register your out-of-state LLC in Connecticut. This document provides the state with essential information about your LLC. You must complete and submit this statement to the Connecticut Secretary of State to begin registration.
The information included in the Foreign Registration Statement includes:
- Legal Name of the LLC: The official name of your LLC as registered in its home state.
- State of Formation: The state where your LLC was originally formed.
- Principal Office Address: The main office address of your LLC.
- Business Purpose: A brief description of the nature of your LLC’s business.
- Registered Agent Information: The name and address of your Connecticut registered agent.
- Management Structure: Whether members or managers manage your LLC.
- Contact Information: The name and address of a contact person for the LLC.
Connecticut prefers that you complete the application online through the Connecticut business portal. The Secretary of State’s office strongly advises against sending it by mail or delivering it in person.
3. Business Identity
When registering, you must provide details about your LLC’s business identity. This includes your LLC’s official name as it appears in its home state, the trade names it will use in Connecticut, and the address of its main office.
Ensure this information matches the records from your home state to prevent any issues or delays in processing.
4. Certificate of Registration
Once your Foreign Registration Statement is approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Registration from the Connecticut Secretary of State. This certificate officially grants your foreign LLC the right to do business in Connecticut.
Keep this document safe, as it proves that your LLC is registered and compliant with Connecticut’s business regulations.
How to File a Foreign LLC in Connecticut State
Step 1. Selecting Your Business Name (new or existing)
Before registering, ensure your LLC’s name is available in Connecticut. You can search the Connecticut Secretary of State’s business name database here.

If the name is already taken or too similar to an existing one, you’ll need to choose a different one or consider using a trade name. To avoid issues, your LLC’s name must comply with Connecticut’s naming requirements.
Step 2. Appointing a Connecticut Registered Agent (I use Northwest)
Next, you need to appoint a registered agent based in Connecticut. This individual or service will act as your LLC’s official point of contact for receiving legal documents, such as lawsuits and official notices.
A registered agent must have a physical address in Connecticut and be available during regular business hours.
I recommend using Northwest Registered Agent, as they can help you with the entire process of forming your LLC.

Click here to find out why I endorse Northwest Registered Agent.
Step 3: Complete the Foreign Registration Statement
You’ll need to fill out the Foreign Registration Statement, which requires the following information:
- Entity name: The name used in your home state.
- Alternate name: Used in Connecticut if your original name is unavailable (check availability with a Business Records Search).
- State of formation: Where your LLC was originally established.
- Date of formation: When was your LLC formed?
- Start date in Connecticut: When your foreign LLC began or will begin business in Connecticut.
- Principal office address: Street address only.
- Principal office mailing address: Street address or P.O. box.
- Home state address: Address in your home state.
- Email address: Optional; you can choose “none” if preferred.
- NAICS code: Number used for categorizing businesses.
- Registered agent name and address: Details of your Connecticut registered agent.
- Registered agent’s acceptance: Signature from your registered agent accepting their role.
- Manager or member information: List at least one manager or member with their name, title, home, and business address.
Make sure to complete all sections accurately to avoid delays.
The state filing fee is $120. You can conveniently pay this fee online using a credit card.
While you can mail your paperwork or deliver it in person if you’re local, Connecticut strongly prefers that you submit everything online to avoid delays.
Step 4. Launch Your Business Identity
Once your LLC is registered and operating in Connecticut, it’s important to establish a strong local presence. Building a robust and localized digital presence can help connect with new consumers and enhance your business’s credibility.
A well-developed online profile will make your business appear more trustworthy and professional, even if you’re starting to offer services or products in the new market.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate of Registration
Once your Foreign Registration Statement is reviewed and approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration from the Connecticut Secretary of State. This certificate confirms that your foreign LLC is officially authorized to conduct business in Connecticut.
How long does it take?
Connecticut processes online filings for foreign LLCs in about three days. Filing by mail or in person can take one week to a month. There are no options for faster or expedited processing.
Registration Fee – How Much Does a Foreign LLC in Connecticut Cost?
To register a foreign LLC in Connecticut, you must pay a state filing fee of $120. This fee is required to process your Foreign Registration Statement, the form you submit to register your out-of-state LLC to do official business in Connecticut.
Payment Methods:
- Online Payment: The most convenient method is to pay the fee online using a credit card through the Connecticut business portal. This method ensures quick processing and is preferred by the state.
- Mail or In-Person Payment: Connecticut strongly prefers online submissions to avoid delays, and processing times for mailed or hand-delivered filings can be significantly longer, ranging from one week to a month.
No Expedited Processing:
Please note that Connecticut does not offer expedited processing options. Whether you file online, by mail, or in person, the review and approval process cannot be accelerated beyond the standard processing times.
By paying the $120 registration fee, you’ll secure your LLC’s ability to legally operate in Connecticut, ensure compliance with state regulations, and allow you to engage in business activities within the state.
When registering your LLC in Connecticut, you must choose a registered agent with a physical address to handle legal documents. This service usually costs between $200 and $1,000. However, my favorite registered agent charges less than $100. Click here.
Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing from my LLC’s home state?
No, Connecticut does not require foreign LLCs to submit a Certificate of Good Standing when registering. You only need to complete and submit the Foreign Registration Statement to start doing business in the state.
How are Foreign Entity LLCs in Connecticut taxed?
Foreign LLCs in Connecticut are generally taxed as pass-through entities by default. This means the LLC does not pay income taxes at the entity level. Instead, the LLC’s profits or losses are “passed through” to its members, who report these on their tax returns. The members are then responsible for paying the IRS any applicable federal taxes on this income.
This pass-through taxation structure simplifies tax reporting and helps avoid double taxation, which can occur when the entity and the members are taxed separately.
However, foreign LLCs also have the option to elect a different tax treatment if desired. Specifically, they can be taxed as an S-Corp or a C-Corp by filing the appropriate forms with the IRS.
- S-Corp Election: If an LLC is taxed as an S-Corp, it can benefit from pass-through taxation while avoiding self-employment taxes on a portion of its income. However, S-Corp elections come with specific eligibility requirements and operational rules.
- C-Corp Election: Alternatively, if an LLC opts to be taxed as a C-Corp, it will be subject to corporate income tax rates. This can lead to double taxation, where the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and members pay taxes again on any dividends received.
Choosing the right tax classification depends on various factors, including the LLC’s financial situation and long-term business goals.
FAQs on Connecticut Foreign LLC Registration
Can I Be My Registered Agent for My Connecticut LLC?
Yes, you can act as your registered agent for your Connecticut LLC if you have a physical address in Connecticut where you can receive legal documents and official mail during business hours. However, many people hire a professional registered agent to ensure they don’t miss important notices and keep their addresses private.
Why Hire a Connecticut Registered Agent Service?
Hiring a registered agent in Connecticut offers several benefits, including ensuring you receive all legal documents and official notices on time. A registered agent service helps you stay compliant with state regulations and maintains your privacy by providing a professional address for correspondence, allowing you to focus on running your business without worrying about missing important documents.
How Can I Withdraw My Connecticut Foreign LLC?
You must file a Certificate of Withdrawal with the Connecticut Secretary of State to withdraw your Connecticut Foreign LLC. This form formally terminates your LLC’s authority to do business in Connecticut. Ensure all taxes and fees are settled before filing to ensure a smooth withdrawal process.
Is a Physical Presence Required in Connecticut to Form an LLC as a Foreigner?
No, a physical presence in Connecticut is not required to form an LLC as a foreigner. However, your LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in Connecticut to handle legal documents and official notices. This agent can be a professional service that manages these responsibilities for you.
How Do I Amend a Foreign LLC in Connecticut?
To amend a foreign LLC in Connecticut, you must file an Amended Application for Authority with the Connecticut Secretary of State. This form updates any changes to your LLC’s information, such as its name or address. Ensure that all changes are accurately recorded and you comply with any associated requirements.
What Does It Mean to Do Business in Connecticut?
Doing business in Connecticut means actively engaging in activities that require compliance with state laws, such as having a physical office, employing staff, or conducting regular business transactions within the state. Foreign LLCs must file for authority to do business in Connecticut and adhere to state regulations to maintain good standing.
Does a Foreign LLC Have to File an Annual Report in Connecticut?
Yes, a foreign LLC must file an annual report in Connecticut. The report must be filed between January 1 and March 31 of every year. Submitting a report costs $80.
Disclosure: We may earn commissions if you buy via links on our website. Commissions don’t affect our opinions or evaluations. We’re also an independent affiliate of many platforms, including ClickFunnels, Kartra, GoHighLevel, Podia, Northwest Registered Agent, and others. We’re not employees of these services. We receive referral payments from them, and the opinions expressed here are our own and are not official statements of these companies.