How long does it take to register a business in Minnesota?

Processing times vary: 5-7 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Minnesota?

Minnesota does not require a state-level business license, but individual cities and counties may have their own requirements. Check with your local government for specific licensing needs.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Minnesota?

The LLC filing fee is $155. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $250.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Minnesota. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Minnesota Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Minnesota Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Minnesota LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Minnesota businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Minnesota

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Minnesota?

$155

Filing Fee

5-7

Processing (days)

570K

Total Businesses

60K/yr

New Businesses

Home to Fortune 500 companies

No annual report required

Strong healthcare industry (Mayo Clinic)

High quality of life and educated workforce

Starting a Business in Minnesota

Top Cities for Business

Minneapolis429,954
Saint Paul311,527
Rochester121,395
Bloomington89,987
Duluth90,880

Popular Industries

Healthcare
Finance
Manufacturing
Agriculture
Retail

Cost to Start a Business in Minnesota

LLC Filing Fee$155

Name Reservation (optional)$35 for 365 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$250

Processing time: 5-7 business days

Minnesota Tax Overview

Minnesota has income tax rates from 5.35-9.85%. Corporate tax is 9.8%. Sales tax is 6.875% state plus local.

Minnesota Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for Minnesota

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

North Star Table
Minnesota Cuisine
Twin Cities Kitchen
Midwest Dining
Minneapolis Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

Minneapolis Cuts
Premium Grooming
North Star Barbers
Classic Style
Minnesota Shave
Expert Service

construction

Minnesota Builders
Quality Construction
North Star Build
Building MN
Twin Cities Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Minneapolis Strategy
Business Growth
North Star Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Minnesota Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Minnesota Mercantile
Local Goods
North Star Market
Quality Products
Twin Cities Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

Minnesota Home Care
Complete Solutions
North Star Services
Professional Care
Twin Cities Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Minneapolis Tech
Innovation
North Star Digital
Tech Solutions
Minnesota Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Minnesota Wellness
Quality Healthcare
North Star Medical
Patient Care
Twin Cities Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Minnesota Properties
Dream Homes
North Star Realty
Expert Service
Twin Cities Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Minneapolis Fitness
Peak Performance
North Star Strong
Community Fitness
Minnesota Athletics
Elite Training

Official Minnesota Business Resources

Minnesota Secretary of State

Business registration

Minnesota Department of Revenue

Tax information

Minnesota SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in Minnesota

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Minnesota LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

No annual report required
Maintain registered agent
Pay state taxes
Renew local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Minnesota Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Minnesota Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Minnesota Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.