Starting a business is never easy—especially when you’re doing it from thousands of miles away. I live outside the United States, yet today I run a fully registered LLC (Limited Liability Company) in America to support my growing e-commerce business. This is my story: how I came up with the idea, chose the right state and bank, and navigated the challenges of launching a US-based company remotely.
Why I Decided to Start a US LLC
It all began when my e-commerce sales started picking up. I was selling digital products online through platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, and eventually my own website. But I faced one major issue: most international payment gateways and platforms had strict requirements for non-US residents. Also, many of my customers were in the US, and I needed to gain their trust with a professional brand identity.
After a lot of research, I realized that forming a US-based LLC would help me:
- Build trust with American customers
- Access reliable payment processors like Stripe and PayPal US
- Open a US business bank account
- Separate my personal and business finances
- Enjoy limited liability protection
Choosing the Right State for My LLC
Choosing the right state was not easy. Each state has different filing fees, annual costs, tax rules, and privacy laws. After comparing Delaware, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Florida, I ended up choosing Wyoming for the following reasons:
- Low annual fees and zero corporate income tax
- Privacy protection for owners (members)
- No requirement for a physical office in the state
- Simple online registration process
It cost me around $150 to file the LLC, plus about $50 for a registered agent who would receive official documents on behalf of the company.
Opening a US Business Bank Account from Abroad
One of the most difficult parts was opening a business bank account in the US. Most banks require your physical presence. However, I found a few online banks and fintech platforms that support non-US residents with US LLCs. I finally chose Mercury Bank, and here’s why:
- 100% online application
- No monthly fees
- Integrates easily with Stripe and PayPal
- Great support and dashboard
To apply, I needed:
- My LLC documents (Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement)
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
- A copy of my passport and proof of address in my country
Mercury approved my application in less than a week.
Applying for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
The EIN is like a Social Security Number for your business. You need it for taxes, banking, and payment gateways. I applied for my EIN directly through the IRS using Form SS-4. Since I had no SSN or ITIN, I sent the form by fax. It took about 4 weeks to receive the EIN.
Some people use third-party services to speed up the process, but I wanted to save money and do it myself.
Benefits I’m Enjoying Now
Starting my LLC was one of the best decisions I ever made. Here’s what I gained:
- Access to Stripe, PayPal US, and other payment tools
- A professional brand image with a US address and LLC name
- Limited liability protection – my personal assets are safe
- Easy accounting through my Mercury dashboard
- Potential access to US business credit in the future
How Much I Pay in Taxes
Since I run a Single-Member LLC as a foreigner, and I don’t have US-sourced income or employees in the US, my tax obligations are minimal. I still file Form 5472 + pro forma 1120 with the IRS every year to report my foreign ownership and activities.
I also pay a small annual report fee to Wyoming ($60). If I start selling to US customers directly, I might need to collect sales tax depending on the state.
I hired an online accountant who specializes in non-resident LLCs. His services cost about $300/year, and it’s worth every penny for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Creating an LLC in the US while living abroad is 100% possible—and very empowering. It opened doors that I didn’t even know existed. Whether you’re a freelancer, e-commerce seller, or digital entrepreneur, a US LLC can be a game-changer for your business.
If you’re just starting and have questions, don’t hesitate to research deeply, ask professionals, and learn from others like me who made it happen. You don’t need to live in the US to play in the global economy.