When I started offering digital consulting services in London, I never thought I’d one day own a U.S.-registered business — without ever setting foot in the States. But forming a U.S. LLC became one of the smartest business decisions I’ve ever made.
Here’s how and why I did it.
The Turning Point: UK-Based, But U.S. Clients Wanted More
My name is James, and I run a digital strategy and copywriting business from Manchester, UK. Over the years, I built a solid client base in Europe. But when I started getting inquiries from American startups and SaaS companies, I hit a wall.
Here’s what I faced:
- U.S. companies asked for W-9 forms and U.S. tax IDs.
- They preferred to pay via ACH or U.S.-based platforms like Stripe.
- I couldn’t access certain U.S.-only software discounts and integrations.
- UK clients saw my services as premium, but U.S. clients saw me as “foreign and complicated.”
One potential client even said, “We’d hire you if you had a U.S. entity — it’s just easier for accounting.”
That was my lightbulb moment.
Why I Chose a U.S. LLC (Instead of a UK Ltd or Sole Trader)
I already had a sole trader setup in the UK. It was fine — but limiting.
Here’s why I decided on a U.S. LLC:
- U.S. companies trust U.S.-registered vendors.
- LLCs are simple, flexible, and require no partners or shareholders.
- No U.S. residency or citizenship required.
- Ideal for pass-through taxation (great for UK residents under certain treaties).
- It allows me to use Stripe, PayPal, Wise, and Mercury with ease.
Picking the Right State: Wyoming vs. Delaware
I did my research. Delaware seemed “famous,” but most advice pointed to Wyoming for solo founders like me.
Here’s why I chose Wyoming:
- No state income tax.
- Low annual maintenance ($60/year).
- High privacy — member names aren’t publicly listed.
- Registered agents are cheap and efficient.
I used a Wyoming-based registered agent that offered:
- LLC formation service.
- U.S. mailing address with mail scanning.
- EIN filing assistance.
- Ongoing compliance reminders.
Forming My U.S. LLC — Entirely Online from the UK
It was surprisingly easy. I completed the entire process in under 10 days:
- Paid about $180 for the LLC package.
- Received Articles of Organization the next day.
- Agent filed for EIN on my behalf — it arrived in 7 business days.
- Created an Operating Agreement (optional but useful).
- Registered for a Wise Business account to send/receive USD.
Opening a U.S. Business Bank Account
Since I couldn’t travel to the U.S., I went for Mercury — a modern online banking platform built for startups.
To apply, I submitted:
- LLC formation docs.
- EIN confirmation letter (CP 575).
- My UK passport.
- A utility bill showing my UK address.
- A short business description.
The account was approved in 2 days. I received:
- A U.S. routing number and account number.
- ACH and wire transfer support.
- Virtual and physical debit cards.
- Seamless Stripe and PayPal integrations.
Note: I also linked Wise to Mercury for faster international transfers and currency conversion.
Results: My Business Transformed
With my U.S. LLC:
- I onboarded 3 American clients within a month.
- Payments became smoother — no more excuses.
- I looked more professional and “local” to U.S. prospects.
- My Stripe account (U.S. version) allowed lower fees and smoother payouts.
- I could now run Facebook and Google Ads with U.S. billing data.
I even started selling digital templates and e-books globally, hosted on a U.S.-based platform with fewer restrictions.
Was It Worth It? Absolutely.
Here’s a cost breakdown:
- LLC formation (Wyoming): $180
- EIN assistance: $100
- Registered agent renewal (yearly): $99
- Mercury & Wise: Free
- Total setup cost: Around $300–$400 one-time, and $100–$150/year ongoing
Compare that to UK business banking headaches and lost clients — it’s a no-brainer.
TL;DR: How to Start a U.S. LLC from the UK
- ✅ Choose a business-friendly state (Wyoming is great)
- ✅ Hire a registered agent for filings, address, and EIN
- ✅ Form your LLC online — no travel needed
- ✅ Open a U.S. bank account (Mercury + Wise)
- ✅ Set up Stripe, PayPal, and other platforms
- ✅ Start working with global clients
Final Thoughts
If you’re a UK-based freelancer, consultant, or e-commerce founder looking to unlock global markets, forming a U.S. LLC might be the best move you make this year.
It’s not just about taxes or payment gateways — it’s about perception, access, and building a borderless brand.
If I did it from Manchester, so can you.