Foreign Entity Registration

REGISTRATION FOR FOREIGN BUSINESSES

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA):
Register online through the Hawaii Business Express portal: https://hbe.ehawaii.gov

  • Registration is required for most entities (partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies) that will be conducting business in Hawaii. Below are links to information on specific foreign entity registrations.

FOREIGN PROFIT CORPORATION
https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/fpc/

FOREIGN NON-PROFIT CORPORATION
https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/fnpc/

FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/fllc/

FOREIGN GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/fgp/

FOREIGN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/flp/

FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP
https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/fllp/

  • Below are links to information on activities considered NOT transacting business:

Foreign corporations
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol08_Ch0401-0429/HRS0414/HRS_0414-0431.htm

Foreign limited liability companies
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol08_Ch0401-0429/HRS0428/HRS_0428-1003.htm

Foreign general partnership
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol08_Ch0401-0429/HRS0425/HRS_0425-0003_0005.htm

Foreign LLP
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol08_Ch0401-0429/HRS0425/HRS_0425-0162.htm

Foreign limited partnership
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol08_Ch0401-0429/HRS0425E/HRS_0425E-0903.htm

  • You may be required to attach an original certificate of good standing or similar record, dated not more than 60 days prior to the filing of your document.  See form instructions for specific requirements.  Forms and fees vary.
  • For sole proprietors using a business name, the trade name registration is optional. Financial institutions may require this to open an account or to apply for a loan. File the Application for Registration of Trade Name (T-1) form. The filing fee is $51.

Hawaii Department of Taxation:
Apply online at Hawaii Tax Online: https://hitax.hawaii.gov

  • A General Excise number is required for anyone doing business in Hawaii.  It serves as a general business license.  File the State of Hawaii Basic Business Application (BB-1) form. The filing fee is $20.
  • The State Withholding number is required for anyone hiring employees in Hawaii.  File the State of Hawaii Basic Business Application (BB-1) form. There is no fee to apply.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
Apply online at: www.irs.gov

  • A federal ID number (FEIN) is required for your business, if:
    • You are organized as a corporation, s-corporation, partnership, or multi-member LLC; or
    • You are hiring employees; or
    • You are a non-profit organization.
  • Print out your confirmation letter containing your FEIN right away.
  • There is no fee to apply.

Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), Unemployment Insurance Division:
Apply online at https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui

  • An Unemployment Insurance (UI) account number is required if you will be hiring employees in Hawaii.
  • Do not submit request prior to your employment date.
  • There is no fee to apply.