Starting an LLC in the United States can be a strategic move for non-residents who want to run an e-commerce business with U.S.-based and international customers. Whether you live outside the U.S. or plan to expand globally, forming a U.S. LLC can offer credibility, access to American banking, and legal protection.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—step-by-step—to start your LLC, protect your privacy, and set up for future growth.
✅ Why Form an LLC in the U.S. as a Non-Resident?
- Access to U.S. payment processors (like Stripe, PayPal, and Square)
- Ability to open a U.S. business bank account
- Professional credibility with American clients
- Limited liability protection for your personal assets
- Potential tax advantages, especially with the right structure
🧩 Step 1: Choose the Best State for Your LLC (Privacy + Simplicity)
For e-commerce businesses prioritizing privacy and ease of setup, the top states are:
- Wyoming – No state income tax, anonymous ownership allowed, low fees
- Delaware – Popular with startups, strong legal protection
- New Mexico – Excellent privacy, no annual reporting
If you don’t have a physical presence in the U.S., these states allow remote LLC registration and are ideal for online businesses.
🧾 Step 2: Hire a Registered Agent
Every U.S. LLC needs a registered agent in the state of formation. This is a person or company that receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
You can easily hire a registered agent online. Some recommended providers include:
🌐 Step 3: Register Your LLC Online
Most states let you file your LLC online through the official Secretary of State website. Filing typically takes 1–5 business days, though expedited options are available.
For example:
- Wyoming Secretary of State LLC Filing
- Delaware Division of Corporations
- New Mexico Secretary of State
Filing fees range from $50 to $300 depending on the state.
🏦 Step 4: Open a U.S. Business Bank Account
To receive payments and operate legally, you’ll need a U.S. bank account. Here’s how:
- Apply through fintech companies like Mercury (mercury.com) or Relay (relayfi.com)
- These platforms support non-resident founders and don’t require a U.S. Social Security Number
- You’ll need your LLC documents (Articles of Organization), EIN, and a U.S. address (your agent’s address usually works)
🆔 Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
The EIN is your company’s tax ID. You need it to:
- Open a bank account
- File taxes
- Work with U.S. clients
You can apply for free via IRS Form SS-4. If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll need to fax or mail it, or hire a provider like EIN Express.
📋 Step 6: Prepare for Future Growth (Employees + Scaling)
If you plan to hire employees in the future:
- Understand U.S. labor laws (based on the state you hire in)
- Consider remote or freelance contractors (via platforms like Upwork)
- Use HR tools like Gusto or Deel for international hiring
You’ll also want to:
- Choose a cloud accounting tool (like QuickBooks or Xero)
- Set up an e-commerce platform (like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Amazon)
- Plan for U.S. taxes—especially sales tax if you’re selling physical products
💡 Final Thoughts
Starting a U.S. LLC as a non-resident is more accessible than ever. With the right setup, you can run your e-commerce business from anywhere in the world and serve customers in the U.S. and beyond.
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