Rhode Island Foreign Qualification

If your LLC or corporation was formed in another state, like Delaware, but you are going to be doing business in Rhode Island, you will need to properly register your business there first. This process is called Foreign Qualification and it involves obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing, appointing a Registered Agent and filing an Application for Registration or Application for Certificate of Authority.

The definition of “doing business” is generally pretty broad. It can also be different in each state. But in general, you will likely need to register your company in Rhode Island if you do any of the following:

• Have a physical location like an office, store, or warehouse in the state.
• Have employees who work in Rhode Island.
• Regularly sell products or provide services to customers in Rhode Island.

If you’re not sure whether your company is considered to be doing business in Rhode Island, the safest bet is to file a Foreign Qualification. States often charge large penalties and fines if businesses do not properly register themselves.

An Assumed Name is like a nickname for your business. It’s a name you use in Rhode Island that’s different from your company’s official legal name. This is also commonly known as a “DBA” (short for “Doing Business As”).

The main reason you would need an Assumed Name is if your company’s official name is already taken by another business registered in Rhode Island.

Because no two businesses can have the same name, Rhode Island would require you to choose a different, “assumed” name to use while operating in the state. Our filing process includes a name search to check if your name is available, and we can help you understand the next steps if it’s already in use.