Oregon LLC Types — Which Structure Fits Your Business

Oregon offers several LLC structures under ORS Chapter 63 to accommodate different business needs, ownership arrangements, and professional requirements. Understanding your options helps you choose the right formation approach from the start. For the formation process, see our LLC formation guide. For ongoing requirements after formation, see our compliance overview.

Available LLC Types in Oregon

Oregon Does NOT Offer Series LLCs

This is important: Oregon has no Series LLC statute. States like Delaware, Illinois, and Texas allow Series LLCs (one parent LLC with multiple internal series sharing liability shields). Oregon does not.

If you need liability separation between multiple business activities in Oregon, your options are:

• Form multiple standard Oregon LLCs (one per activity/property)
• Use a holding company structure (parent LLC owns subsidiary LLCs)
• Form a Series LLC in another state and register in Oregon as a foreign LLC (risky — Oregon courts may not respect the series liability shields)

How to Choose Your Type

Solo business owner in Oregon:

• Single-member LLC — simplest formation, easiest tax filing (Schedule C), full liability protection under ORS Chapter 63

Two or more owners:

• Multi-member LLC — requires an operating agreement to define ownership, profits, management authority, and exit provisions

Licensed professional (doctor, lawyer, engineer, accountant, architect):

• Professional LLC — required under the Oregon LLC Act (ORS Chapter 63) for certain regulated professions in Oregon

LLC formed in another state, now operating in Oregon:

• Foreign LLC registration — $100 Application for Authority with the Oregon Secretary of State

Domestic vs. Foreign — which is right?

• If your business is physically based in Oregon or primarily serves Oregon customers: form a domestic Oregon LLC
• If you're already formed elsewhere and expanding to Oregon: register as a foreign LLC
• See our domestic vs. foreign comparison for detailed analysis

Key Oregon LLC Features (All Types)

Under ORS Chapter 63, all Oregon LLCs share these characteristics:

• Charging order protection — Creditors of a member can only get a charging order (right to receive distributions), not seize LLC assets or force a sale )
• No state-level annual tax — Just the $100 Annual Report fee (no franchise tax, no minimum business tax)
• Operating agreement freedom — the Oregon LLC Act (ORS Chapter 63) gives broad latitude to structure your LLC's internal affairs
• No publication requirement — Unlike New York or Arizona, Oregon does not require you to publish a notice of formation
• No mandatory meetings — LLCs have no requirement for annual member meetings (unlike corporations)
• No sales tax — Applies to all Oregon business entities regardless of type

FAQ

What type of LLC do most Oregon businesses choose?

Single-member LLC is the most common in Oregon, followed by multi-member LLC. Professional LLCs are less common and limited to specific regulated professions.

Can I convert from one LLC type to another?

In most cases, yes. Converting from single-member to multi-member (or vice versa) involves amending your operating agreement and updating the Annual Report. Converting to/from a Professional LLC may require additional filings and verification of professional licensing.

Does the LLC type affect my tax obligations?

Not at the state level — all Oregon LLC types owe the same $100 Annual Report and pass-through income tax. At the federal level, multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 while single-member LLCs report on Schedule C. Tax elections (S-corp, C-corp) are available regardless of LLC type.

Can a non-US citizen own an Oregon LLC?

Yes. Oregon does not restrict LLC ownership to US citizens or residents. Non-US citizens can be members of single-member, multi-member, and professional LLCs (provided they hold the required professional license for PLLCs). See our non-resident formation guide.