Setting Up a US company as a Non-Resident (2024)

FAQs

Setting Up a US company as a Non-Resident? ›

Even without being a US resident, you can create your own company and capitalize on the American dream. Opening an LLC can be the first step to launching your US business. Even as a non-resident, you can open and operate LLCs across the US.

Even without being a US resident, you can create your own company and capitalize on the American dream. Opening an LLC can be the first step to launching your US business. Even as a non-resident, you can open and operate LLCs across the US.

Bottom Line on Best State for Non-Resident LLC

For most foreign LLC owners without complex legal or tax issues, Wyoming represents an optimal blend of affordable cost, managerial ease and legal credibility.

Opening a US company is fairly straightforward but there are a few caveats. Founders must be aware of the administrative and legal aspects involved in registering their business. There are important decisions to be made beforehand, especially on the business structure and location of your new company.

For tax purposes, the IRS treats an LLC as a sole proprietorship (since both have a single owner). If the LLC generates non-US sourced income, the LLC owner pays no income tax, LLC members pay no income tax.

For the purposes of starting a US LLC, non-citizens living inside or outside of the US can both legally form a US LLC.

Green card holders need to follow the same procedures as anyone else to set up an LLC, such as following the specific business formation rules of your state. This typically includes paying filing fees and setting up a Registered Agent at an address in the state where the company is being formed.

You can absolutely open an LLC without an SSN, but there are a few caveats. First, the big question is: Why would a business owner not already have a Social Security number to begin with?

Without any activities happening in the United States, the income is foreign-sourced income. The US does not levy federal income tax on foreign-sourced business income. Therefore, it is tax-free in the United States.

Why is Delaware good for LLC? ›

Delaware LLCs put up a barrier between personal assets and business liabilities. Business owners are protected from their business creditors. Delaware's “Charging Order” prevents the creditors of an LLC from taking over the company.

While there are no specific laws that make it more suitable for LLCs than other states, Delaware is the state of choice to incorporate because of their business-friendly corporate tax laws. There's a reason why 66.8% of all Fortune 500 companies choose Delaware as their incorporation state.

Non-resident owners must appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Wyoming to comply with legal and state requirements. Apart from that, the process for non-residents is similar to that for residents: filing the Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State and paying the associated fee.

Cost Of Registering C-Corp

Generally, the cost of forming a C-Corporation in the US for non-US residents can range from $500 to $1,500, and that cost can cover, filing for incorporation with the state, employer identification number (EIN), obtaining a physical U.S. mailing address and setting up a U.S. bank account.

Save this answer. Single owner limited liability companies and single owner corporations are permitted under U.S. law and provide full limited liability protection.

The fee for filing the certificate of incorporation starts at $89 and increases based on the amount of stock issued or raised capital. Next, you'll file an incorporation report and pay your franchise tax. Finally, you must obtain an employer identification number, or EIN.

Neither citizenship nor residency is required to start a small business in the U.S. Of course, there are rules and processes that non-citizens must follow to make their dream a reality. Overall, the steps are similar to those that a U.S. citizen must take when starting a business in the USA.

For immigrant-run businesses, the two most common types of registration are “limited liability company” (LLC), and C corporation. Both of these allow you to run the business from outside of the U.S. and they do not even require residency or citizenship.

USCIS administers the EB-5 Program. Under this program, investors (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence (become a Green Card holder) if they: Make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States; and.