introduction
A foreign investor who wishes to establish a business in Washington will need to comply with certain business licensing and registration requirements under Washington state and local law. This Chapter describes some of the more important requirements. These state requirements are in addition to any requirements under United States federal law. While this Chapter describes Washington licensing and registration requirements applicable to companies generally, specific types of business may need to comply with additional specific licensing requirements. It is therefore advisable to consult with an attorney who is familiar with Washington law governing the type of business the company proposes to engage in prior to establishing the business and commencing operations in Washington. This Chapter is meant as an overview and an introduction, and is not a substitute for competent legal advice.
In this Chapter, a “license” is the permission, granted by authorities of the State of Washington or a locality (such as a city or county) within Washington, to conduct an activity, such as a particular type of business. A license in Washington will generally authorize a particular type of business (for example, a pesticide dealer). Licenses are generally required to be renewed periodically. A “registration” is the report made to authorities of the State of Washington or a locality within Washington in connection with the establishment of a business.
In this Chapter, the term “company” refers to businesses however organized, including corporations, sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships, whether organized under the laws of Washington or the laws of a foreign state or country. A “domestic” company in this Chapter means a company organized under or governed by the laws of Washington, while a “foreign” company means one organized under or governed by the laws of another state or of a foreign country.
In this Chapter, a “license” is the permission, granted by authorities of the State of Washington or a locality (such as a city or county) within Washington, to conduct an activity, such as a particular type of business. A license in Washington will generally authorize a particular type of business (for example, a pesticide dealer). Licenses are generally required to be renewed periodically. A “registration” is the report made to authorities of the State of Washington or a locality within Washington in connection with the establishment of a business.
In this Chapter, the term “company” refers to businesses however organized, including corporations, sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships, whether organized under the laws of Washington or the laws of a foreign state or country. A “domestic” company in this Chapter means a company organized under or governed by the laws of Washington, while a “foreign” company means one organized under or governed by the laws of another state or of a foreign country.