LLC registration in the USA for Non-Residents
LLC registration in the USA for non-residents — preparation of documents, submission to the state registry, obtaining an EIN, and launching the business online. We work with popular jurisdictions for international business, Wyoming and Delaware
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Which types of businesses are suitable for opening an LLC in the USA?
An LLC in the USA is most often opened by entrepreneurs who work online, sell on international marketplaces, develop IT products, or provide services to clients in the USA and other countries.
Advantages of starting a business in the USA
The United States attracts businesses with clear corporate regulations, a strong international reputation, and a well-developed business infrastructure. A US company allows you to build a transparent corporate structure and scale your business in global markets
In some states, such as Wyoming, there is no corporate income tax at the state level. This allows businesses to use flexible tax structures for international operations
LLC registration in popular states, such as Wyoming or Delaware, usually takes from 1 to 3 business days after submitting the documents
Access to the Global Market
A US company allows you to work with clients worldwide, use international payment systems, and sell goods or services on global marketplaces
The most popular jurisdiction for startups
Most venture deals worldwide are structured under Delaware law, which is why companies in the USA are often chosen by startups, SaaS projects, and IT businesses
Planning to open a company in the USA? Get a consultation
Wyoming or Delaware — which state should you choose for your business?
The USA has different corporate law rules depending on the state of registration. For non-residents, the two most commonly chosen states are Wyoming and Delaware. Both jurisdictions allow you to register a company quickly and offer favorable corporate legislation. Below are the key differences between these states for international business.
Advantages of Delaware for business
Advantages of Wyoming for business
Difference between Delaware and Wyoming
Not sure — Wyoming or Delaware? We will help you choose
Which business form to register in the United States?
There are several types of companies in the United States. The most common structures for international business are LLCs, C corporations, and Partnerships. Most foreign entrepreneurs choose an LLC in the USA to work with international clients. Below is a brief explanation of the differences between these business structures.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) — is the most common type of business entity in the United States for small and medium-sized businesses.
An LLC does not pay federal tax at the company level — profits are usually taxed at the owner’s level. Reporting is relatively simple, and annual maintenance costs are generally low.
An LLC is suitable for IT companies, e-commerce, consulting, online services, and international projects.
In the US Corporation (C-Corp) type of company that operates as a separate taxable entity.
A corporation can raise capital; however, it must meet stricter requirements for management, including mandatory annual shareholder meetings. This is the standard for increasing investments and issuing shares.
A C-Corporation is most often chosen by startups that plan to attract investment, work with venture capital funds, or potentially prepare for an IPO in the future.
In the US General Partnership (GP) or Limited Partnership (LP) — are two types of partnerships where two or more partners conduct business together and bear full or limited liability depending on the type.
A partnership is a business structure in the United States in which two or more participants conduct business together. All partnerships have pass-through status, meaning that company profits are taxed directly to the owners rather than at the company level.
Partnerships are often used when a structure with investors who do not manage the company is needed. In most cases, foreign entrepreneurs choose an LLC because it offers a more flexible management structure and a simpler tax structure.
General Partnership (GP) and Limited Partnership (LP) may be suitable for joint projects, investment structures, and consulting businesses.
Main taxes for businesses in the USA
The US tax system has three levels: federal, state, and local. The type of taxes and tax rates depend on the company structure, the state of registration, and the type of business activity.
At the federal level, companies and their owners' income may be taxed depending on the business structure. For C-Corporations, a federal corporate income tax applies, while for LLCs, profits are usually reported on the owner’s tax return. State taxes depend on the place of company registration: in some states, corporate income tax does not apply, while in others it may be required. For non-residents, international tax treaties and double taxation rules may also apply.
| Tax type | Terms |
|---|---|
| Federal Income Tax | For C-Corps, the federal corporate income tax rate is 21%. For LLCs, tax is usually paid by the owner under the progressive personal income tax scale from 10% to 37%. |
| State Taxes | Depend on the jurisdiction. For example, Wyoming, Texas, and Florida do not impose state corporate income tax, while in Delaware it is 8.7% in addition to the federal tax. Some states may also charge additional fees such as franchise tax or filing fees. |
| Sales Tax | The USA does not have VAT. Instead, Sales Tax applies at the state level. The rate depends on the product or service and may range from 0% to 10%. |
| Mandatory Social Contributions | Social contributions usually do not apply if the company does not have employees in the USA. |
| Reporting |
For C-Corps: Form 1120. For LLCs (single-member, non-resident): Form 5472 + pro forma 1120. The usual filing deadline is April 15, with a possible extension until October 15. Read more about reporting requirements on the U.S. accounting and tax compliance page . |
Taxes at the Federal Level in the USA
Federal income tax in the United States (Federal Income Tax) is the main tax paid by companies or their owners at the federal government level , depending on the business structure. For C-Corporations, the federal corporate income tax rate is 21% of company profits. In the case of an LLC, unless another tax regime is elected, profits are usually reported in the owner’s tax return as personal income. The owner then pays federal tax as an individual at rates ranging from 10% to 37% under the progressive federal tax scale.
Therefore, the company structure in the USA determines how federal taxation works. Below are the federal tax rates in the United States depending on the taxable income.
What documents are required to register a company in the USA
To register an LLC in the USA for non-residents, a minimal set of information is usually required. We handle most of the document preparation and application process.
How long does it take to register a company in the USA
Registration of an LLC in the USA for non-residents, after submitting the documents to the state registry, usually takes from 1 to 5 business days.
If you include document preparation, obtaining an EIN tax number, and opening a bank account, the full process of setting up a company in the USA for a non-resident typically takes 4–6 weeks.
The actual timeframe depends on the state of registration, the business structure, and the speed of EIN issuance. In most cases, the fastest registrations are in Wyoming or Delaware, but the process of starting a business does not end with company registration alone. It is also necessary to consider the time required for document preparation, obtaining a federal tax number (EIN), and, if needed, opening a corporate bank account (with a bank or a payment system).
Schedule a consultation about launching an LLC in the USA
We will advise on the appropriate structure and guide you through the registration process
Stages of company registration in the USA for non-residents
Registration of an LLC in the USA for non-residents usually involves several stages: choosing the state and structure, preparing the documents, submitting them to the registry, obtaining an EIN, and opening a corporate account. Below is how this process typically looks in practice.
Cost of LLC registration in the USA for Non-Residents
LLC registration in the USA for non-residents — from $1400 for the basic package.
We help complete the LLC registration process in the USA for non-residents — from the basic LLC setup to extended packages with EIN, ITIN, CFC notification, and additional support for international business. The final cost may vary slightly depending on the state of registration, as each state has different government fees. The prices and packages in this section apply to company registration in Wyoming and Delaware.
BASIC
The optimal option for quick LLC registration in the USA
- Initial consultation (30 min)
- Company name availability check
- Obtaining the Certificate of Formation
- Operating Agreement provided (company charter in electronic format)
- Minutes of Organizational Meeting (MoM) in electronic format
- Obtaining of the EIN tax identification number
- Registered address for 1 year
- Assistance with opening a Payoneer account
STANDARD
The optimal package for entrepreneurs who plan to work with international clients and payment systems
- Everything included in the Basic package, plus:
- Obtaining an ITIN number
PRO
Suitable for businesses that require a comprehensive setup with tax support
- Everything included in the Basic and Standard packages, plus:
- CFC notification filing (for Ukrainians only)
- Expedited EIN processing
Schedule a consultation on company registration in the USA
Your consultant
Ivan Chebotarov
CEO & co-Founder
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We will help select the optimal company structure in the USA, taking into account the tax model and your business development plans
Frequently asked questions about company setup in the U.S
Is it worth registering a business in the USA?
Registering a company in the USA can be beneficial if you need access to the American market, the ability to attract investors, or the opportunity to work with international clients. The U.S. jurisdiction also provides strong intellectual property protection and a transparent corporate system. However, if the main goal is tax minimization, it may be worth considering other jurisdictions as well.
Can a non-resident open a company in the USA?
Yes. U.S. law allows foreign citizens to open and own companies in the United States. To register an LLC, you do not need to be a resident or a U.S. citizen. A company can be registered remotely, and the business can be managed from any country. The process typically includes document preparation, state company registration, and obtaining a federal tax identification number (EIN).
How much does LLC registration cost in the USA?
The cost of LLC registration in the USA depends on the state and the service package. It usually includes the state registration fee, document preparation, obtaining an EIN, and registration support. For popular jurisdictions such as Wyoming or Delaware, the basic setup for a non-resident company usually starts from a few hundred dollars plus state fees.
Which state should I choose for my future American company?
The choice of state depends on the purpose of registering the business, whether there is a physical presence in the USA, and other factors. The most popular states for company registration are Wyoming, due to low taxes, and Delaware, due to its well-developed corporate legislation.
Which company structure should you choose in the USA: LLC or Corporation?
Non-residents can register companies in the USA as an LLC or a C-Corporation. In most cases, for online businesses, consulting, or IT projects, an LLC is more suitable due to its simpler management and taxation structure. If the company plans to attract investment or scale the business, a C-Corporation is often chosen.
What taxes does a company pay in the USA?
A company in the USA may pay federal, state, and, depending on the structure, individual taxes. The exact tax burden depends on the company type, the state of registration, and the owner’s tax residency.
For corporations in the USA, a federal corporate income tax usually applies. For LLCs, profits are often not taxed at the company level but are instead reported in the owner’s personal tax return.
State taxes depend on the place of registration. For example, Wyoming does not have a state corporate income tax, while in other states such taxes may apply.
Additionally, the owner may have individual tax obligations, and international structures may be affected by double taxation treaties..
Do you need to travel to the USA to open a company?
In most cases, opening a company in the USA can be done remotely. Documents are submitted online or through a registered agent in the state of registration. Personal presence may only be required when opening a bank account, depending on the bank’s policy.
Do you need a visa or a green card to register a company?
No. A visa or green card is not required to register a company in the USA. Foreign entrepreneurs can own U.S. companies even if they do not live in the United States.
Can you open a bank account for a company in the USA?
Yes. In many cases, a U.S. company can open a corporate bank account or an account with a payment provider, but the requirements vary by bank or provider. Banks often request confirmation of business activity, company structure, and information about the director. In some cases, an SSN or ITIN may be required. Today, there are also many alternatives to traditional banking. For example, a a Payoneer account allows you to hold accounts in euros and U.S. dollars and receive both domestic and international transfers, which can significantly reduce transaction costs.
Can you manage a company in the USA remotely?
Yes. Many entrepreneurs manage U.S. companies remotely, especially when their businesses operate online. Company management, accounting, reporting, and client work can all be handled from almost any country.
How long does it take to open a company in the USA?
Opening a company in the USA usually takes 1–5 business days after the documents are submitted to the state registry. However, for the company to operate fully, it must obtain a federal tax identification number (EIN). For non-residents, the EIN processing time is usually 2–6 weeks.
Do you need to file reports in the USA if the company has no activity?
Yes. Even if the company has no business activity, it is still required to file annual reports or informational forms with the IRS. The exact reporting requirements depend on the company's structure and the state in which it is registered.
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