Starting a business in the U.S. as a non-resident? Good news: you don’t need to live in the United States to open an LLC and run a successful online business from anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re launching an eCommerce store, SaaS startup, freelance brand, or consulting agency, this guide will walk you through how to choose the best U.S. state for your LLC, set it up remotely, and start operating like a pro.
🌎 Can You Start an LLC from Outside the U.S.?
Yes, 100%! The U.S. allows foreign individuals and non-residents to form and own Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), even if you never step foot in America.
You do not need:
- A U.S. citizenship or visa
- A Social Security Number (SSN)
- A physical presence in the U.S.
All you need is the right state, the right services, and a few key documents.
🏆 Best States for Non-Resident LLC Owners (2024)
Some U.S. states are much better than others when it comes to:
- Startup costs
- Privacy laws
- Tax structure
- Maintenance requirements
Here are 3 top choices:
| State | Pros | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Strong privacy, low taxes, no income tax, low annual fees | $60 |
| Delaware | Popular for tech/startups, strong legal protections | $300 |
| New Mexico | No annual fees, strong anonymity for members | $0 |
💡 Want help comparing all 50 states? Click here for a state-by-state breakdown
🛠️ What You Need to Form an LLC from Abroad
You’ll need:
- 🏢 A U.S. business address (virtual mailbox accepted)
- 📑 A registered agent (required by law in each state)
- 🔢 An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
- 🏦 A U.S. bank account (like Mercury, Relay, or Wise Business)
- 🪪 Passport or national ID for identity verification
Many platforms like Firstbase.io, Doola, and StartGlobal make this process fast and remote-friendly.
💼 Opening a U.S. Bank Account as a Non-Resident
To get paid by U.S. clients or receive payments via Stripe, PayPal, or Amazon, you’ll need a U.S. business bank account.
Best remote-friendly options:
- Mercury – Free for LLCs and startups
- Relay – Great integrations and no monthly fees
- Wise Business – Multi-currency account + U.S. details
📋 Want a Personalized Plan?
If you’re unsure where to start, I can help you build a custom checklist. Just let me know your goals and I’ll send you:
- ✅ A full list of documents required from your country
- 🗂️ A comparison of states based on your business type
- 🏦 The easiest banks to open online as a non-resident
- 📈 Tax advice for your situation (LLC vs S-Corp, for example)
📌 Final Thoughts
Forming an LLC in the U.S. while living abroad is absolutely possible. You just need a smart plan, trusted partners, and the right state for your goals.
🔍 Need help choosing the best state or setting up your LLC fast and privately?
Let me know, and I’ll help you build a simple launch strategy—even if you’re starting today with zero experience.