1. 🎯 Choose the Best State to Form Your LLC
Since you don’t live in the U.S., the most suitable states for privacy, low fees, and ease of setup are:
| State | Best For | Privacy | Annual Fees | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Privacy + eCommerce | ✅ Yes | $60 | No state income tax, anonymous LLCs |
| Delaware | SaaS/Startups | ❌ No | $300 | Legal protection, investor-friendly |
| New Mexico | Budget-friendly + anonymous setup | ✅ Yes | $0 | Great for holding and eCom LLCs |
Recommended for you: 🥇 Wyoming – You’ll get strong privacy, low cost, and it’s startup-friendly.
2. 🧾 Get a Registered Agent Service
You’ll need a registered agent in the state where you form your LLC. They receive legal mail on your behalf.
Top providers:
These companies also help file your LLC.
3. 🆔 Apply for Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required to:
- Open a U.S. bank account
- File taxes
- Work with U.S. clients or platforms like Amazon/Shopify
How to apply:
- Free via IRS Form SS-4: Apply here
- Or use paid services like EIN Express if you want faster support.
4. 🏦 Open a U.S. Business Bank Account (Online)
As a non-resident, you can open a remote-friendly U.S. business bank account with:
| Bank | Good For | SSN Required? | Monthly Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | eCommerce/Startups | ❌ No | $0 | Easy setup, global access |
| Relay | Freelancers/SMBs | ❌ No | $0 | Excellent interface + QuickBooks sync |
| Wise | Global payments | ❌ No | Low FX fees | Great for multi-currency payments |
Recommended for you: ✅ Mercury – Fast approval, no SSN, fully remote.
5. 🛒 Set Up Your E-commerce Platform
Depending on your business model:
- Shopify: Best for branded stores
- Amazon FBA: For U.S. market reach
- WooCommerce: Self-hosted flexibility
You’ll also need:
- Stripe or PayPal Business (can use Mercury account for this)
- Gusto or Deel if you plan to hire remote employees
6. 💼 Think Ahead: Taxes, Growth & Hiring
- Taxes: Hire a tax advisor familiar with non-resident-owned LLCs
- Hiring: Use platforms like Upwork, Deel, or Contractor.com
- Scaling: Consider switching to S-Corp tax classification if profits grow
🧩 Custom Summary for You
| Your Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| E-commerce from outside the U.S. | Wyoming LLC |
| Privacy-focused | Wyoming or New Mexico |
| Need fast banking setup | Mercury or Relay |
| Solo founder | Single-member LLC |
| Plan to hire in future | Use Gusto or Deel |
Need a Free Checklist or Calculator?
📩 I can create:
- A customized launch checklist for your LLC
- A tax savings calculator
- A side-by-side state comparison table
