Registered Agent Requirements by Country
Everything you need to establish a legal presence in each country — agent requirements, costs, timelines, and official links.
United States
North America
Registered Agent required in the state of formation (can be an individual or entity with physical address in-state)
Each state has its own rules. The agent receives legal documents (service of process) on behalf of the business.
Official PortalCanada
North America
Registered office address required in the province of incorporation (can use a corporate service provider)
A registered office must be a physical address within the province, not a P.O. Box.
Official PortalUnited Kingdom
Europe
Registered office address in the UK (England/Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
Can use your accountant's or a virtual office address. Must be a physical address.
Official PortalGermany
Europe
Geschäftsanschrift (business address) required; agent recommended for non-EU founders
Must have a physical address in Germany. Notarized formation documents required.
Official PortalFrance
Europe
Registered office (siège social) required in France; a representative for non-EU residents
Non-EU founders must appoint a legal representative residing in France.
Official PortalNetherlands
Europe
Registered Dutch address; a local director required for non-EU founders
Must register with KvK (Chamber of Commerce). Physical address in the Netherlands required.
Official PortalSingapore
Asia
Registered filing agent + local registered address required
Must have at least one locally-resident director. Filing agents are licensed by ACRA.
Official PortalIndia
Asia
Registered office in India; statutory auditor required
Foreign companies can set up a liaison, branch, or project office. ROC filing required.
Official PortalUAE
Middle East
Local sponsor/agent required for mainland; free zones allow 100% foreign ownership
Mainland companies need a UAE national as sponsor (51% ownership). Free zones don't require this.
Official PortalAustralia
Oceania
Registered office in Australia; director consent required
Must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Australia.
Official PortalBrazil
South America
Legal representative with CPF; registered address required
Foreign investors need a Brazilian legal representative with a CPF (tax ID).
Official PortalSouth Africa
Africa
Registered office address in South Africa; local director for certain entities
Must register with CIPC. Public companies require at least one local director.
Official PortalNigeria
Africa
Registered address in Nigeria; CAC-accredited agent for filing
Must use a CAC-accredited agent for incorporation. Foreign companies need a local subsidiary.
Official PortalJapan
Asia
Registered address in Japan; corporate seal (hanko) required
A Japanese address is required. A representative director must be appointed.
Official PortalMexico
North America
Registered address in Mexico; legal representative with RFC
Foreign investors need a Mexican legal representative registered with SAT.
Official Portal