How to open a US LLC from Argentina

Opening a US LLC is an increasingly popular move for Argentine entrepreneurs and freelancers. With a US-based company, you can bill and save in US dollars, access global clients and payment platforms (like Stripe and PayPal), and safeguard your income from Argentina’s inflation and currency controls.

The best part? You don’t need to live in the US. Everything can be managed online. However, it’s crucial to fully understand the process, plus the legal, tax, and compliance implications. This article outlines steps and benefits of setting up a US LLC as a resident of Argentina.

What is an LLC?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal entity that shields your personal assets from business liabilities (similar to a corporation) but with simpler administration and flexible tax treatment. LLCs use “pass-through taxation”, meaning profits are usually only taxed at the owner’s level—not at the company level.

For Argentine entrepreneurs, a US LLC is not just a way to access the American market and international partners, but also a practical mechanism to generate revenue in US dollars, avoid the depreciation of the peso, and protect business income from local currency instability. A US LLC can simplify your international payments.

Why form a US LLC from Argentina?

A US LLC can provide what many Argentine entrepreneurs need most: the ability to earn and store revenue in US dollars, bypassing Argentina’s currency controls, banking limitations, and high inflation. Operating as a US company also boosts your credibility. This is especially important when dealing with American and international clients.

With a US-based business entity, you gain:

• Secure US bank accounts for holding and managing your business funds in dollars
• Easier access to payment platforms such as Stripe, PayPal, and others not available to Argentine companies
• Greater credibility with clients and partners through US-based invoicing
• Protection of personal assets via limited liability
• Smooth international contracts and transactions
• Flexible business structure for easy growth, investment, or changes in ownership

Anyone over 18 with a valid passport can open a US LLC from Argentina. You don’t need US residency, a Social Security Number (SSN), or a US visa to open an LLC.

In short, a US LLC is the bridge to global opportunity, business stability, and financial security for Argentine founders aiming to grow their business beyond local borders.

Access to US banking and dollar account protection

Argentine banks impose significant limitations on holding and transacting in foreign currency, often charge high fees, and are subject to shifting regulations that can freeze or block access to dollars. Setting up a US LLC and bank account lets you keep your business funds in the US and access them freely. This is critical for anyone working with global clients or suppliers.

Is a US LLC right for you as an Argentine?

US LLCs are used by a wide range of Argentine businesses, but are especially popular among:

• Digital professionals – freelancers in tech, design, consultancy, and marketing
• Agencies and outsourcing teams – IT service providers, digital marketing, and outsource firms
• SaaS founders and tech startups – especially those targeting global markets
• Digital creators – online educators, info product sellers, course creators
• Dropshipping businesses

LLC vs C Corp: What’s better for Argentine entrepreneurs?

Many Argentine founders choose to form US entities, but the default LLC isn’t always the smartest move. If you’re running an Amazon FBA or dropshipping business aimed at the US market, a C Corporation can often be a better fit due to how platforms and taxes are structured.

On the other hand, if your customers are mainly in Europe (Italy or Spain for example) then an LLC might still be the right choice.

Choosing the right structure depends on where you sell, how you operate, and what your long-term goals are. This is exactly where expert knowledge and guidance make all the difference.

Check our comparison of LLC and C Corp for non-residents for more guidance.

Choosing the right state for your LLC

The two most popular states are Wyoming and Delaware. For most small and medium-sized Argentine businesses, Wyoming is the recommended choice.

Delaware

Famous for its advanced business court system (Court of Chancery) and popularity with large companies and venture capitalists. However, Delaware’s higher formation and annual fees, plus its “franchise tax”, make it less attractive for small enterprises or those not actively seeking US investors.

Wyoming

Wyoming offers:

• No state income tax on LLC profits for most businesses
• Low formation and maintenance fees
• Strong privacy protections: owners don’t have to be publicly listed
• Simplified compliance, no annual meeting requirements or general business licenses

That’s why so many Argentine entrepreneurs choose Wyoming for their US LLC.

Factor	Wyoming	Delaware
No state corporate income tax	✓	Delaware does impose state income tax, but this usually doesn’t affect LLCs run from abroad.
No tax on corporate shares	✓	✓
Annual report/ Franchise Tax	$60	Minimum $300, but varies based on shares issued; can be substantial
Asset Protection	✓ (Wyoming offers an additional layer of protection through its charging order protection)	✓
Privacy	Stronger privacy; members and managers are not publicly disclosed	Ownership structure is not publicly disclosed; minimal disclosure requirements
Reputation	Offers a favorable environment for LLCs, with no state taxes; strong privacy protections, and low costs	Known for business-friendly legal framework and specialized court system

Step-by-step US LLC setup for Argentine residents

Opening a US LLC from Argentina involves several important steps, whether you’re doing it on your own or getting help from a service provider. Here’s what the process looks like.

1. Choose a state

The most popular options are Wyoming and Delaware, due to low fees, simple regulations, and privacy. For most Argentine entrepreneurs, Wyoming is recommended thanks to lower costs, less bureaucracy, and owner privacy. Delaware may be better if you want prestige or are planning to seek investment.

2. Find a Registered Agent

US law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. The agent receives legal and government mail for your company. Most agents offer this service for $80 to $150 per year. This address becomes your official US company address.

3. File the Articles of Organization

This document officially forms your LLC. It includes your business name, agent address, members’ information, and sometimes the nature of business. You can file online or let your agent handle it, with a one-time fee (e.g., Wyoming: $100).

4. Prepare an Operating Agreement

While not legally required in every state, many banks and partners will ask for it. This document outlines ownership, management, and decision-making rules. For single-member LLCs, it’s a formality, but still recommended.

5. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

This is your company’s tax ID. It is required for banking, Stripe, PayPal, and filing tax returns. As a non-resident without a US SSN, you apply for your EIN by fax or via a service provider, and it takes a few weeks. The EIN is free from the IRS.

6. Obtain a US business address

A US business address is required for every LLC. This can be the address of your registered agent, a physical workspace, or a virtual office solution.

7. Open a US business bank account

This is often the trickiest step for Argentines. While some banks require in-person visits, several fintech banks (like Mercury, Relay, or Wise Business) let foreigners open US business accounts remotely. You’ll need your passport, EIN, LLC documents, and US address.

8. Comply with licenses, permits, and other requirements

Depending on your business activities and the state, you may need specific licenses or permits. Check the SBA website or your state’s Secretary of State/Department of Revenue for what you need, and apply as soon as possible to avoid delays.

9. Compliance with US laws

No matter where the LLC owner lives or is from, the LLC must file US tax forms and stay compliant with US reporting requirements.

The steps may seem simple, but each one includes details that are easy to miss. Many entrepreneurs form a US LLC on their own, but it involves more than just submitting documents. You need to deal with IRS paperwork, meet deadlines, and stay compliant throughout the year.

This is where the right support can make a real difference. We don’t just help you form your LLC. We stay with you through every next step, from getting your EIN and opening a bank account to handling Form 5472, annual reports, and state filings. If you have questions later, you can always reach out. And if Spanish is easier for you, we have team members who speak it.

US taxes for Argentinian-owned US LLC

Every US-registered company, including those formed from abroad, is required to file a tax return. This filing is mandatory and includes reporting your income, expenses, and other financial activity for the year. But filing doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll owe tax.

You may have come across claims about “tax-free” US LLCs online. While these structures can offer tax advantages, whether you owe US tax depends on how your business is set up and where it operates.

So, what if you open a US LLC from Argentina? Will you owe US taxes?

The short answer: sometimes yes. It depends on your specific situation.

If your LLC:

• Is owned by non-US persons,
• Has no US employees, or office,
• And earns only non-US sourced income,

then you may not owe US federal income tax.

To understand if this applies to your situation, check our detailed guide on foreign-owned LLC taxation. With years of experience helping non-US owners, our tax team can help you understand what this means for your LLC.

But even in this case, you’re still required to file an informational tax return, such as Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120, each year. Failing to file can result in steep penalties, even if no tax is due.

Be aware that forming a US LLC doesn’t exempt you from your obligations at home. Argentina considers its tax residents liable for worldwide income. Because there’s no tax treaty between the US and Argentina, profits could potentially be taxed in both countries. Argentine tax rates and regulations can vary, so we always recommend speaking with a qualified local tax advisor.

Managing payments between your US LLC and Argentina

One of the biggest advantages of a US LLC for Argentines is accessing dollar payments. Here’s how to handle funds effectively:

Receiving business income:

• Use Stripe, PayPal Business, Wise, or Payoneer to collect payments globally
• Invoice clients directly from your US company for increased credibility

Accessing your money:

• Pay yourself through owner’s distributions (not salary)
• Use your US business debit card at Argentine ATMs
• Transfer funds to personal accounts via services like Wise or Remitly
• Consider cryptocurrency transfers as an alternative channel

Compliance requirements:

• Document all transfers with clear business purposes
• Report international transfers to AFIP as required
• Maintain separate accounting for business and personal finances
• Remember that funds transferred to Argentina are subject to Argentine income tax

Working with accountants familiar with both US and Argentine regulations is essential to optimize your payment strategy while staying compliant with tax authorities in both countries.

Opening your US LLC from Argentina

Setting up a US LLC from Argentina gives you access to more stable banking options and international business tools. While the process takes several steps, many Argentine entrepreneurs have successfully established their US companies with proper guidance—and we’ve helped many of them along the way.

Remember that long-term success comes from both correct formation and ongoing compliance. Consider your specific business needs when choosing your state and structure. What works for one business may not be ideal for another.

Our team makes the entire process clear and straightforward, from initial setup to ongoing requirements. We have Spanish speakers who understand what Argentine business owners need when starting a company in the US.

If you need support at any stage, whether it’s clarifying the steps, handling compliance, or forming your LLC, our specialists in US incorporation and tax are here to help.