Thinking of launching a US business from outside the United States? Great move. A US-based company can open doors to global customers, trusted payment processors, and a world of opportunity. But while setting up a US LLC or Corporation as a non-resident is possible, doing it yourself can quickly become overwhelming, especially with unfamiliar paperwork and IRS forms.

That’s why many non-resident entrepreneurs choose to work with a service provider, like us, to make the process fast, simple, and stress-free.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to form a US business and how a full-service package takes care of the hard parts — no US address, SSN, or local presence required.

What you need to form a US business (and what we can handle for you)

Here’s what you’ll need to get started — and what we include in your service package:

1. Choose your business structure

You’ll need to decide between:

  • LLC – Flexible, simple taxes, no ownership restrictions
  • C Corporation – Ideal for startups and fundraising, often better for e-commerce

Not sure which company type is best for you?

2. Select a US state to register in

Popular choices include:

  • Wyoming – Low fees and strong privacy
  • Delaware – Business-friendly laws

We’ll help you pick the state that suits your business strategy.

3. Choose a unique company name

  • Must be available in your chosen state.
  • Select two alternative names, in case your top choice is not available.

We’ll check for you if the name is available.

4. Select a business formation service provider (that’s us)

Here’s what you should expect from a quality provider:

  • Includes registered agent service
  • Prepares and files formation documents
  • Applies for your EIN from the IRS
  • Drafts your Operating Agreement or Corporate Bylaws
  • Provides a US mailing address or mail forwarding option
  • Offers ongoing compliance reminders and tax filing options

Many low-cost services don’t include registered agent service or EIN filing — we do. Check out our guide to hidden costs and surprise fees.

5. Provide basic information to get started

To begin, you’ll need:

  • Full name and address of the owner(s)
  • Preferred company name and two alternatives
  • Business activity description (brief)
  • Preferred state of formation

We collect only what’s legally required and keep your data secure.

6. Open a US business bank account

Once your company is formed and your EIN is issued, we’ll guide you through opening a US business bank account remotely. Remote-friendly options include:

  • Mercury
  • Relay
  • Wise

To open a business bank account remotely, you’ll need:

  • EIN letter
  • Passport or government-issued ID copy
  • Articles of Organization
  • Operating Agreement

Unfortunately, for citizens and residents of some countries, it is not possible to open a US bank account online.

7. Understand your tax responsibilities

Even if you don’t live in the US, your business may need to:

  • File an annual report or franchise tax return (depending on state)
  • File IRS Form 5472 if you own an LLC as a non-resident single owner
  • LLCs with multiple owners and C Corporations have different tax filing requirements.
  • Keep track of income, expenses, and compliance filings

US tax compliance is our expertise, no matter how simple or complex your business taxes Our team also offers add-on services for bookkeeping and other compliance support.

Want your business formed for you? Get started in minutes

Our full-service incorporation package includes everything you need:

  • US Company formation (LLC or Corp)
  • EIN application with IRS
  • Registered Agent Service (1 Year)
  • Operating Agreement or Bylaws
  • Business bank account with Relay
  • US address & mail forwarding

Do you also need support with tax filings and ongoing compliance after forming your LLC? We offer Tax & Compliance packages for different types of entities. 

Still unsure and need more guidance:  Book a consultation

Why work with a full-service provider to register a US entity?

Forming a US business involves multiple moving parts, some of which can be a headache for non-residents:

  • IRS Form SS-4 for your EIN
  • Finding a reliable US registered agent
  • Filing formation documents correctly with the state
  • Drafting your operating agreement or corporate bylaws
  • Understanding which state is best for your business goals

Instead of trying to navigate all this alone, we offer an all-in-one formation service that handles everything, so you can stay focused on growing your business.