LLC for Non-US Residents: explained.
Foreign founder forming a US LLC: the complete walkthrough. Below: the key questions answered, when this matters, and how to act inside your BOS.
Common questions.
Can a non-US resident form a US LLC?
Yes: non-US residents can form and fully own a US LLC and obtain an EIN, with no requirement to be a citizen, resident, or hold a visa, which is why many international founders use one. We handle the formation, EIN, agent, and US address remotely so you can set up from abroad. See international founders.
What are the steps for a non-resident to form a US LLC?
Broadly: choose a state, pick a name, appoint a registered agent, file the formation, get an EIN, set up a US address and banking, and handle any tax obligations, so it is a defined sequence. We handle the filing, EIN, and agent so the process is manageable from outside the US.
Do I need to visit the US?
No for formation: the entity, EIN, and agent can all be arranged remotely, though opening a US bank account sometimes involves additional verification or an in-person step depending on the provider. We handle the remote setup and flag realistic banking options so the process is realistic from abroad.
Which state should a non-resident choose?
Common choices are Wyoming for a simple, low-cost LLC and Delaware for startups raising investment, though the best state depends on your business and where you operate. We flag the trade-offs so an international founder picks a state that fits the goal rather than a name they have heard.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes: a founder without an SSN can obtain an EIN by applying directly with the IRS, which takes longer than the online route but works, so the lack of an SSN does not block your setup. We obtain the EIN for you so this step is handled.
What tax filings does a foreign-owned LLC have?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC generally must file IRS Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120, with steep penalties for missing it, and the owner may have other obligations, so foreign ownership adds specific filings. We flag these so your entity meets them rather than incurring an avoidable penalty.
Do foreign founders have to file a BOI report?
Under FinCEN's March 2025 interim rule, US-formed entities are exempt from beneficial ownership reporting even when foreign-owned, so a US LLC you form is generally not required to file. We flag your current BOI status precisely so you act on the rule as it stands.
How do I open a US bank account from abroad?
It requires the formed entity, an EIN, and identity verification, and some providers support remote opening while others want an in-person visit, so the path varies. We get the entity and EIN in place and flag realistic options so a foreign founder can pursue banking prepared.