The term Domestic and Foreign simply describe where a business was originally created, also known as its “home state” or “state of domicile.”

A “Domestic” entity is a business that was created in Alaska. Alaska is its “home state.” If this Alaska-created business later operates in another state—such as Washington or Texas—it becomes a “Foreign” entity in that other state, even though it is still a Domestic entity in Alaska.

A “Foreign” entity is a business that was created in another state or country, but wants to do business in Alaska. For example, a corporation created in California is Domestic in California. If that business also operates in Alaska, it must register in Alaska as a Foreign entity, which serves as an “extension” of the original California business.

Important Note: You do not need to live in Alaska to create a Domestic (Alaskan) entity. The terms Domestic and Foreign are not based on your personal residency or address. They only refer to the state or country where the business was originally created.

To create a new business entity in Alaska, you must file the appropriate formation or registration documents with the Corporations Section. Once your filing is accepted, the Division will issue an Alaska Entity Number, which serves as your business’s unique ID within the state system.

All required forms can be found under Forms by Entity Type. After opening that page, select your entity type and choose either “Domestic” or “Foreign” in the menu. The first form listed in each category is the form used to create your new entity in Alaska.

Domestic entities can file two ways:

• Use the official state forms provided on our website; or,
• Submit your own "free-form" creation documents (like Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization). Free-form documents must follow Alaska law and may include additional, lawful provisions (see #10).

Foreign entities (created outside Alaska) must use the official state forms only.

Some entity types can be filed online, when available. If no online option is available, you must submit a hard-copy application through U.S. mail (do not e-mail).

Every business entity in Alaska must register a name that is distinguishable from all other reserved or registered names on file with the Corporations Section.

To avoid delays or rejections, we recommend doing a thorough name search before submitting your application:

• Use Search Corporation Database to check whether your desired name is already in use.
• Review the guidance under Reserve or Register a Name to understand exclusive rights and different types of name registrations or reservations.
• Review the guidance under Determine a "Distiguishable Name to understand what the state considers "distinguishable" under Corporations Statutes & Regulations. This resource also explains how "distinguishable" differs from terms like "confusingly similar or "deceptively similar."

Important Note: If you apply online, the system will automatically check name availability and alert you if there is a conflict.

The legal name of an entity must be “distinguishable” from any other reserved or registered name on file with the Corporations Section (see #3 above).

If your business was created in another state or country, the legal name you register in Alaska must exactly match the name on record in your home state or country. For example, if the legal name is “ABC ENTERPRISES, INC.,” you cannot register in Alaska as “ABC ENTERPRISES COMPANY” or “ABC, INC.”

Most entity types must include a “corporate indicator” in their legal name. A corporate indicator signals the type of entity, such as corporation or LLC.

Applications to create an entity list the required indicators (if any), but the most common examples include:

• Business Corporations must include: “Incorporated,” “Company,” “Limited,” “Corporation,” or an abbreviation such as Inc., Corp., Co., or Ltd.
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) must include: “Limited Liability Company,” or an abbreviation such as L.L.C. or LLC. “Limited” may be shortened to “Ltd.” and “Company” may be shortened to “Co.” (Example: “Ltd. Liability Co.”)

Important Note: A business may only use the corporate indicators that apply to its specific entity type. For example:

• A corporation cannot use "LLC" in its name.
• An LLC cannot use "Inc." in its name

An Assumed Name applies only to Foreign entities (businesses created outside Alaska). You will need an Assumed Name only if your legal name is already reserved or registered by another business in Alaska, or it does not meet Alaska’s statutory requirements. If that happens, you must choose a distinguishable Assumed Name to use when registering in Alaska. Some states also refer to this as an “Alternate Name.”

For example: Suppose “ABC ENTERPRISES, INC.” is already registered in Alaska. If a second business with the same legal name wants to operate in Alaska, it must select a different, distinguishable Assumed Name. Once approved, both names will appear in state records:

• LEGAL NAME: ABC ENTERPRISES, INC.
• ASSUMED NAME: ABC ENTERPRISES ALASKA, INC.

Important Note: An “Assumed Name” is not the same as a “doing business as” (DBA) name. After an entity is registered, Business Names (DBAs) are only issued through the state’s Business Licensing Section at www.BusinessLicense.Alaska.Gov. Visit the Business Licensing website for more information about "Business Names" (DBAs).

Most entity types must include a “purpose statement,” sometimes called a “corporate purpose.” This statement explains what your business will do and why it exists. The purpose can be brief—just a few words or sentences—or it can be several paragraphs long, depending on your business needs.

Entities can also choose to include a broad statement such as “any lawful purpose.” This means the business is authorized to engage in any legal business, activity, or transaction not prohibited by law.

Most entity types must provide a NAICS code (North American Industry Classification System). This is a 6-digit code that identifies the main business activity your entity will be engaged in.

Alaska’s most current list of adopted 6-digit NAICS codes can be viewed here: Alaska NAICS Codes (PDF)

For the easiest search experience, we recommend using the Federal U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Code Search tool. Type in a keyword that describes your business activity—such as retail, construction, crafts, engineering, or health care. The search tool will return all codes related to that keyword, along with detailed descriptions for each one.

For additional guidance, visit Line of Business/Alaska NAICS Code.

The application may ask for the entity’s business address or principal office address. This is typically the primary physical and mailing address where the entity conducts its business. These addresses may be in-state, out-of-state, or out-of-country.

All registered entities in Alaska must appoint a Registered Agent in Alaska. The Registered Agent is the business’s official point of contact within the state and must be (continuously) located at the addresses provided.

For most entity types, the Registered Agent may be any individual person or a corporation (excluding an LLC, LLP, or LP). The Registered Agent must maintain both a physical and mailing address in Alaska, and must be located at those addresses. A Registered Agent cannot be out-of-state.

Businesses created outside Alaska (Foreign entities) are not exempt from this requirement. Even if your business address is out of state (see #8), your Registered Agent must still be physically located in Alaska and must be able to receive official notices on the entity’s behalf at the provided addresses on record.

For detailed information on the responsibilities and requirements of Registered Agents, visit Registered Agents FAQs.

Most Domestic entities may include optional provisions, clauses, or additional articles within their formation documents. These additions become part of the entity’s official creation document, such as the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization.

Optional provisions are used when you need to include information beyond what the standard form provides. This may include details specific to your entity’s structure, operations, or governance. They are not the place to attach or include internal documents like bylaws, operating agreements, constitutions, or similar. Those documents are kept by the business itself, not filed with the state.

Common examples of optional provisions include: A statement regarding Nonprofit/IRS tax-exempt status, a dissolution clause, a statement that there are members or no members in a nonprofit corporation, the minimum number of the board of directors for a corporation, shareholder qualifications or restrictions, etc.

Important Note: If you file a Domestic entity online and your formation documents include optional provisions or additional articles, your submission will be routed to an examiner for manual review before it can be approved. This may add processing time.

LLCs can choose one of two management structures: "Managed by its Members" or "Managed by its Managers."

If the LLC is Managed by its Members, the only people involved in the management are the Members (owners). “Members” can be individuals or other entities, including trusts. To be considered a Member, a person or entity must hold a percentage of ownership.

If the LLC is Managed by its Managers, the structure must include at least one Member (owner), and at least one Manager. “Members” and “Managers” can be individuals or other entities, including trusts. Managers have the exclusive authority to manage the company’s affairs. Managers may own 0% of the LLC, if applicable, but they may also be a Member if they hold an ownership interest. For the full statute, refer to AS 10.50.110.

“Alien Affiliates” only apply to these entity types:

• Business Corporations
• Professional Corporations
• Cooperative Corporations
• This does not apply to other entity types.

In general, an "alien affiliate" is any person or entity that controls a corporation, directly or indirectly, and is either a non-U.S. citizen, a non-permanent resident in the U.S., or an entity organized or incorporated out-of-country. For the full statute, refer to AS 10.06.990.

Authorized shares (stock) apply only to certain entity types:

• Business Corporations (AS 10.06)
• Professional Corporations (AS 10.06 & AS 10.45)
• Cooperative Corporations (Optional Authorized Shares under AS 10.15 – See #14)
• This does not apply to other entity types without shares.

Authorized shares represent the maximum number of shares (stock) a corporation is legally allowed to issue. A corporation must have authorized shares – zero (0) is not allowed.

Corporations may also establish more than one class or series of shares, each with different rights or features.

The par value is a nominal or dollar value assigned to shares when they are created. Par value does not reflect market value.

If a corporation was created in another country, and that country’s laws allowed “Unlimited,” Alaska will accept “Unlimited” for a Foreign filing. However, this is not allowed for corporations formed in the United States.

If you're unsure what stock information to provide when registering a Foreign corporation in Alaska, refer to:

1. Your corporation’s Articles of Incorporation (filed in the home state or country).
   or
2. The most recent amendment to the authorized shares (filed in the home state or country).

A Cooperative Corporation under AS 10.15 may have Membership Fees, Membership Stock, or both, depending on how the cooperative is structured.

If the Cooperative Corporation is structured without Membership Stock:

• It may choose to set a Membership Fee.
• It may also (optionally) have Authorized Shares, as long as those shares are not classified as Membership Stock.

If the Cooperative Corporation is structured with Membership Stock:

• It must have Authorized Shares.
• It must specify which class of shares is designated as Membership Stock.
• At least one class of shares must be identified as Membership Stock.
• The cooperative may also choose to set a Membership Fee, but it is not required.

For full statutory detials, refer to AS 10.15.010.

Purpose

Under AS 10.20.005, a Nonprofit Corporation may be formed for a variety of authorized purposes, including religious purposes. It is important to note that Nonprofits with a religious purpose are not required to form as Religious Corporations—they may register simply as Nonprofit Corporations.

Board of Directors

Nonprofit Corporations are required to have at least three (3) Directors who manage the entity’s operations. All individuals who are on the Board (at least 3) must be listed in the filing. In addition, a nonprofit may choose to require more than 3 Directors in its Articles of Incorporation.

Directors vs. Members

In general, “Directors” are the people who run and oversee the nonprofit’s operations. “Members” are usually individuals who participate in or support the organization and may have voting rights. Nonprofits can choose to have one or more classes of members, and a class can be designated with or without voting rights. Alternatively, a nonprofit may elect to have no members at all. See AS 10.20.051 for more information.

Incorporators

To create a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation, there must be at least three (3) Incorporators. These are the individuals who sign and file the formation documents. Incorporators can be the same as the Directors, if applicable.

For more details, please see Non-Profit and Religious Corporations FAQs.

Purpose

Under AS 10.40.010, a Religious Corporation may be formed for acquiring, holding, or disposing of church or religious society property, for the benefit of religion, for works of charity and education, and for public worship. In general, the corporation exists to handle the legal and financial matters of a church or religious group so the organization can carry out its mission.

Sole Official

A Religious Corporation is controlled by one person called the “Sole Official” (or “corporation sole”), who has full authority to manage the corporation’s property, assets, and to sign legal documents. This role is usually held by an Archbishop, Bishop, Presiding Elder, Overseer, or similar position. This individual legally holds the title to any church or religious society property on behalf of the organization. See AS 10.40.020 and AS 10.40.060 – AS 10.40.120 for more information.

Coporate Seal

Under AS 10.40.080 and AS 10.40.090, the Articles of Incorporation for a Religious Corporation must include both the Sole Official’s signature and the corporation’s official seal. A copy of the seal must be kept on file with the state. Please Note: The state does not provide a corporate seal – the corporation must purchase one from a company that makes embossed or stamped seals, typically showing the corporation’s legal name and other optional elements, such as the state of formation, year of incorporation, or an emblem or logo.

The Corporations Section generally does not record or keep copies of internal governance documents. This includes: Bylaws, Operating Agreements, Covenants, Constitution, Board Resolutions, or similar internal documents.

Unless a form specifically requires one of these documents to be filed based on statute (such as a required resolution or written consent), these documents are considered internal, private records.

For most entity types, it is the entity’s own responsibility to create, retain, and maintain these documents in its records.

If internal documents are submitted to the Corporations Section when they are not required, they may be returned to you unfiled.

Initial Report: For certain Domestic entities, an Initial Report is due within 6 months of the date the entity is registered. This report provides information about the entity’s officers, directors, members, managers, and/or ownership.

To file online, go to www.Corporations.Alaska.Gov and select "Initial Report."

The following Domestic entity types must file an Initial Report: Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Business Corporations, Professional Corporations, and Nonprofit Corporations. This requirement does not apply to Foreign entities.

Biennial Report: Most entities must file a Biennial Report every two years to maintain active status; for example, an entity registered in 2026 will file its first report in 2028, and one registered in 2027 will file in 2029, with reports due every two years thereafter. Biennial Reports can be filed online at www.Corporations.Alaska.Gov by selecting "Biennial Report."

For more information, visit Biennial Report FAQs and review or print Notice: The Entity's Responsibility for your records.

REMINDER:

The Corporations Section is STEP #1 at How to Start Doing Business in Alaska.

STEP #2 - Professional Licensing Section (if applicable): Business activities requiring a professional (occupational) license must obtain the appropriate licensing through www.ProfessionalLicense.Alaska.Gov.

STEP #3 - Business Licensing Section (if applicable): Any for-profit or non-profit entity doing business in Alaska must obtain an Alaska Business License. If applicable, an Alaska Business License may be applied online through www.BusinessLicense.Alaska.Gov and click "New Alaska Business License."

STEP #4 - Other agencies: Depending on the type of work and location, an entity may be required to hold other licenses, registrations, or permits on a municipal, state, or federal level to legally conduct its business activities. It is advised that the business conduct a thorough search to ensure compliance with municipal, state, and federal agencies.