Formation / Updated
How to Start a U.S. LLC as a Nonresident
Non-U.S. founders can generally form a U.S. LLC by filing with a state and appointing a registered agent there. Before filing, check whether the company can actually meet your bank or payment provider’s requirements and budget for state renewals and tax reporting.
1. Start with what you need the LLC to do
Write down your goal: accepting payments, selling to U.S. customers, opening a business account, or hiring in the United States. Ask the provider you plan to use about your country of residence, your business address, and the documents it will verify. A formation certificate only proves that the LLC exists.
2. Choose a state based on where you operate
If you have an office, employees, or other business activity in a U.S. state, check that state’s registration rules first. Forming elsewhere can still leave you with registration and annual obligations in the state where you operate. Compare the official filing fee, annual reports, taxes, and registered agent costs before paying a formation service.
3. File, then keep your records together
Appoint a registered agent in your formation state, file the state’s formation document, and save the approved filing. Prepare an operating agreement that records ownership and decision-making. Apply for an EIN once the entity exists and retain the IRS confirmation with your company records.
4. Put ongoing obligations on a calendar
Track state renewals and federal filings separately. A foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity may need Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 when it has reportable transactions. Ask a cross-border tax professional how U.S. and home-country rules apply to your facts, including owner contributions and withdrawals.
Official sources
General information. Check how the rules apply to your business with the relevant provider or a qualified adviser.