My name is Erik, and I live in Stockholm, Sweden. I run a small but growing SaaS product for freelancers — and like many European founders, I hit a wall when it came to expanding into the U.S. market.
That’s when I decided to register a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States — completely online, without a visa or visiting the U.S.
Why I Needed a U.S. Company as a Swedish Founder
Let me explain the challenges I faced:
- Stripe Sweden had limited features compared to Stripe U.S.
- American customers asked for W-9 forms and U.S. invoices for tax purposes.
- U.S. software partners and affiliate networks required a U.S. bank account.
- I couldn’t use Mercury Bank or U.S.-only tools with my Swedish business.
I knew that forming a U.S. LLC would solve all of these problems — and more.
Choosing the Right State for My LLC
After doing extensive research, I narrowed down my choices to:
- Delaware — Popular but more expensive and better for funded startups.
- Wyoming — Low-cost, high-privacy, and ideal for solo founders.
- New Mexico — Cheap but no online banking access.
I went with Wyoming because:
- It’s one of the most cost-effective states for non-residents.
- Offers privacy (my name doesn’t appear in public records).
- Annual fee is just $60.
- Friendly to non-U.S. residents, with no physical presence required.
The Formation Process: 100% Remote, 100% Legal
Here’s how I created my U.S. company from Sweden:
- I hired a registered agent in Wyoming ($99/year).
- Filed Articles of Organization online — took 1 day.
- Got my EIN via the agent — necessary for taxes and banking.
- Wrote an Operating Agreement to keep things structured.
- Used my Swedish passport and address for verification.
Total cost? Around $250 to get started.
Opening a U.S. Bank Account Without Visiting the U.S.
This part used to be the biggest problem — but not anymore.
I opened a Mercury Bank account from Sweden using:
- My LLC documents
- My EIN
- Passport and ID
- Proof of address in Sweden
- Business description
I got approved in 48 hours. Now I have:
- U.S. routing and account numbers
- A debit card (virtual + physical)
- ACH and wire transfers
- Smooth Stripe and PayPal integration
I also opened a Wise Business account to handle EUR–USD conversions cheaply.
Connecting Stripe U.S. and Scaling My SaaS
This was the game-changer. With my U.S. entity and Mercury account, I could:
- Create a Stripe U.S. account with full features
- Use Shopify, Gumroad, or Paddle without regional limitations
- Onboard U.S. clients with confidence
- Charge in USD and pay lower fees
I also integrated with several affiliate networks and U.S.-based ad platforms that were previously unavailable to me.
The Impact: More Clients, More Trust, More Growth
Within three months of forming my U.S. LLC:
- I gained 5 new American clients
- My SaaS revenue increased by +70%
- My brand looked more trustworthy to global partners
- I got invited to speak in a U.S. startup webinar
And the best part? I didn’t have to leave Sweden.
Annual Costs and Maintenance
Here’s what I pay to keep everything running:
- Wyoming registered agent: $99/year
- Annual report: $60/year
- Mercury & Wise: Free (no monthly fees)
- Tax filings: I use an accountant familiar with U.S.–Sweden tax treaties
Final Thoughts: Should Other Swedes Do the Same?
Absolutely — if you run an international business, freelance for global clients, or sell digital products, a U.S. LLC gives you:
- Access to U.S. banking
- Credibility with American partners
- Global payment flexibility
- A competitive edge in the SaaS and e-commerce world
Quick Guide: How to Start a U.S. LLC from Sweden
- ✅ Choose a state (Wyoming is best for privacy and low cost)
- ✅ Hire a registered agent
- ✅ File for your LLC online
- ✅ Apply for an EIN from the IRS
- ✅ Open a U.S. bank account (Mercury + Wise)
- ✅ Connect Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, or your preferred platforms
- ✅ Start accepting global payments
If I could do it from a co-working space in Stockholm, so can you.
Your business may be Swedish — but your opportunity is global.