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Pennsylvania LLC or corporation registration: Philadelphia restaurant guide

Pennsylvania Department of State

What it is

Creates your legal entity in Pennsylvania. Every later license must list this exact legal name.

When a restaurant needs it

Before signing a lease or applying for any license (unless operating as a sole proprietor).

How to apply

File a Certificate of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation in Business Filing Services.

Documents you’ll need

Business name (checked for availability)
Registered office address in PA
Organizer name and signature

Fee

$125 for a domestic LLC Certificate of Organization

Processing time

Varies — online filings are typically quick

Renewal

Annual report to PA DOS every year ($7): LLCs by September 30, corporations by June 30; failure leads to administrative dissolution

Who files

You, your attorney or a filing service can file.

Good to know

Philadelphia's CAL and food license must show the legal entity and trade name exactly as on your Philadelphia tax account — pick names carefully now.

Official source

PA Business One-Stop Hub — register a PA LLC · Business Filing Services portal

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.