For many entrepreneurs outside the United States, accessing global markets and tools can be a real challenge. But for Yasser, a tech-savvy entrepreneur based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, launching a U.S. Limited Liability Company (LLC) became the key that opened doors to international clients, trusted payment gateways, and global expansion.
The Problem: Limitations in Saudi Arabia for Digital Businesses
Yasser had been offering freelance digital marketing and SEO services for several years. His clients were mainly in the Middle East, but his reputation started attracting inquiries from the U.S., Europe, and Australia. That’s when the problems began:
- Payment platforms like Stripe and PayPal were either restricted or limited in Saudi Arabia.
- U.S. clients wanted invoices from a U.S. entity.
- Setting up a business bank account that supports USD and international payments was a nightmare.
- His website’s credibility was questioned due to lack of business presence in the U.S.
Yasser realized that if he wanted to grow, he had to “go global” — and that meant registering a business in the United States.
Choosing the Best U.S. State for His LLC
Yasser spent weeks comparing different U.S. states. He narrowed his options down to:
- Delaware: Highly reputable but better for larger corporations.
- Nevada: Known for privacy but expensive annual fees.
- Wyoming: Low cost, privacy-focused, foreigner-friendly.
- New Mexico: Cheapest, but limited support for online banking.
He chose Wyoming for these reasons:
- 100% ownership allowed for non-U.S. residents.
- No state income tax.
- Annual fees are just $60.
- Strong privacy laws — member names don’t appear in public records.
- Easy to manage remotely with a registered agent.
Setting Up the LLC from Saudi Arabia
Yasser used a registered agent in Wyoming who offered a package for foreign founders. Here’s how he did it:
- Formed the LLC online: It took only one business day.
- Registered agent provided a U.S. address and mail forwarding.
- Obtained an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS using Form SS-4 — the agent handled the entire process.
- Created an operating agreement, essential for managing internal rules.
Total cost: around $180 for LLC formation + $100 for the EIN service + $50/year for mail forwarding.
Opening a U.S. Business Bank Account Remotely
Banking was the next big hurdle. Yasser couldn’t travel to the U.S., but luckily he found two solutions that didn’t require a physical presence:
- Mercury: A fintech platform built for startups. Accepts non-U.S. founders with proper documents. Offers ACH, wire transfers, virtual and physical debit cards.
- Wise Business: Great for sending and receiving international payments in multiple currencies.
To open his Mercury account, Yasser submitted:
- His LLC formation documents.
- EIN letter from the IRS.
- His Saudi passport and national ID.
- Proof of address (via the registered agent).
He was approved within 3 days and immediately received his U.S. bank details and debit card.
Connecting to Stripe, PayPal, and Scaling Globally
Now equipped with a U.S. company and bank account, Yasser:
- Successfully created a Stripe account for his agency, allowing him to charge U.S. clients in USD.
- Linked Stripe and PayPal to his new Mercury account.
- Gained instant credibility with American and European clients.
- Launched a professional-looking website with a U.S. company presence and tax ID.
His monthly revenue jumped by 40% within 2 months, and he expanded his services to SaaS and affiliate marketing.
Why It Was Worth It
Setting up a U.S. LLC changed everything for Yasser. He no longer felt limited by regional regulations. He could now:
- Bid on international contracts.
- Receive payments easily and legally.
- Use U.S.-based tools, including HubSpot, Notion, Zapier, and Stripe.
- Register his brand as a trademark in the U.S.
Conclusion: You Don’t Need to Live in the U.S. to Build a Business There
Yasser’s story proves that you don’t have to be in the United States to take advantage of its business ecosystem. From Saudi Arabia — or anywhere in the world — you can register an LLC in Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico, open a business bank account remotely, and go global.
Quick Summary: How to Start a U.S. LLC from Saudi Arabia (or Anywhere)
- ✅ Choose your state (Wyoming is great for privacy and cost)
- ✅ Hire a reliable registered agent
- ✅ File for your LLC online
- ✅ Get your EIN from the IRS (you can do it from abroad)
- ✅ Open a U.S. bank account (Mercury or Wise)
- ✅ Set up Stripe, PayPal, and start accepting global payments
- ✅ Run your online business confidently and legally