Is a foreign corporation required to file with the Secretary of State of Georgia?
Georgia laws indicate that a foreign corporation may not transact business in this state until it obtains a certificate of authority from the Secretary of State. However, each law lists a number of activities that do not constitute transacting business. Thus, if a companys business falls into one of those categories, it is not required to file with the Secretary of State. Corporations desiring to register as a foreign corporation should review the provisions of O.C.G.A. 14-2-1501 (profit) or O.C.G.A. 14-3-1501 (nonprofit) to ensure that they are in compliance with Georgia laws. Limited liability companies should review O.C.G.A 14-11-702.