How a US LLC works for
non-residents (step-by-step)
In many cases, a properly structured single-member US LLC owned by a non-resident is not subject to US federal income tax — as long as the owner operates from outside the US and the business has no US-based physical presence.
Before anything is filed, the first step is confirming that you can legally open and own a US LLC as a non-resident, and that your situation qualifies for a proper setup.
Non-US residents are allowed to legally form and own a US LLC.
You do not need to live in the United States, hold US citizenship, or have a Social Security Number to proceed.
At this stage, we confirm the basic eligibility requirements and collect only the minimum information needed to start the formation process securely and correctly.
Once everything is confirmed, your US LLC is officially registered at the state level.
The state then issues the Articles of Organization, which marks the legal creation of your company.
This ensures that your business starts with a compliant foundation and avoids structural issues later in the process.
EIN from the IRS
After your US LLC is officially formed, the next step is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
An EIN is required for every US LLC, including those owned by non-US residents.
You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) or to live in the United States to receive an EIN. For non-residents, the EIN application is submitted using IRS Form SS-4.
We prepare the SS-4 form for you and send it digitally for review and signature.
You simply print the form, sign it, add the date, and send it back to us digitally.
Once signed, we submit the form to the IRS by fax on your behalf.
After submission, the IRS processes the request and issues your EIN.
The processing time is usually 2–3 weeks, depending on IRS workload.
When the EIN is issued, it becomes your official US tax identification number and is required for banking, payments, and future compliance steps.
Once your US LLC is formed and your EIN is issued, the next step is setting up a business account so your company can receive and send payments.
As a non-US resident, this step is completed through regulated fintech platforms such as Mercury and Wise Business, without visiting a physical bank branch.
Fintech platforms are not traditional banks. Instead, they operate on top of licensed and regulated banking partners that hold and safeguard the funds.
From the client’s perspective, the account is managed entirely through the fintech platform, while the underlying banking infrastructure is provided by a regulated bank.
This setup is fully legal, widely used, and designed specifically for international founders.
We complete this step together by connecting via TeamViewer and going through the application process step by step.
You remain in full control of your computer and accounts at all times. I provide guidance and support to ensure the application is completed correctly and consistently with your LLC structure.
Mercury is a US-focused fintech platform built for startups and LLCs, including companies owned by non-US residents.
Wise Business complements this by enabling international payments, multi-currency balances, and global transfers for your US company.
Most applications are reviewed and approved within 2–3 business days, depending on the platform’s compliance process.
No travel to the US, no physical branch visit, and no prior US banking relationship is required.
By the end of this step, your US LLC will have a fully operational business account managed through trusted fintech platforms, backed by regulated banking partners.
Once your US LLC is formed, your EIN is issued, and your fintech business account is active, we move to the final operational step — setting up and verifying your Stripe payment account.
Stripe is a regulated payment platform that allows your US LLC to accept card payments globally and receive funds directly into your business account, such as Mercury or Wise.
Stripe is not a bank
Stripe works as a payment processor and partners with licensed financial institutions to handle transactions securely and compliantly.
A website is required for Stripe approval
Stripe requires a website or landing page that clearly explains your business, services, and contact details. If you already have a website, we review it and ensure it meets Stripe’s requirements. If you don’t have one, we help you create a simple, Stripe-compliant website.
Stripe verification works for non-US residents
Non-US residents can legally use Stripe through a US LLC without a US address or SSN. Verification is based on your company documents, identity confirmation, and overall business transparency.
Once all required information is submitted, Stripe verification usually takes around one business day. In some cases, Stripe may request additional clarification, which we handle together with you.
Expected timeline for this step
The total time depends on whether a website already exists or needs to be created or adjusted. The Stripe verification itself is typically completed within one working day after submission.
Typical costs for a non-resident US LLC setup
The costs below are shown to provide transparency and context while you evaluate your options. Final pricing depends on your state selection and which optional services are relevant to your situation. No commitment is required at this stage.
Core service
This service is required to establish a US LLC. All other services are optional and depend on how you plan to use your company.
US LLC Formation
Form a US LLC as a non-resident – fully remote and compliant
$299
Optional services
Not every non-resident needs these services. They depend on how you plan to use your US LLC.
Fintech Account Setup
Open and use a US business account remotely for your LLC
$69
DHL Forwarding
Secure delivery of US business debit cards worldwide
$199
Stripe Account Setup
Stripe preparation and verification for non-resident LLCs
$399
Interactive Brokers Setup
Invest US LLC funds through a corporate brokerage account
$299
Platforms we use to run US LLCs remotely
We work with established platforms commonly used by non-resident founders to support US LLC operations, payments, and remote business management.
US LLC setup for non-US residents: Frequently asked questions
Starting and running a US LLC as a non-US resident often raises practical questions around process, timing, documentation, and compliance. Below you’ll find clear, step-by-step answers to the most common concerns, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage and can move forward with confidence.
Yes. The entire process can be completed remotely without traveling to the United States. All steps — from LLC formation and EIN application to fintech account setup and payment processing — are handled online with guided support.
In most cases, you’ll only need a valid passport and basic company details. Additional documents may be required for specific steps such as EIN issuance, fintech account approval, or Stripe verification, but requirements are communicated clearly before each stage.
The timeline depends on processing authorities and optional services, but most setups are completed within a few weeks. LLC formation is usually fast, while EIN issuance and payment platform verification may take longer depending on review times.
A traditional US bank account is not required. Most non-US residents use regulated fintech platforms that provide US business accounts, supported by partner banks, and fully compatible with payments, invoicing, and Stripe.
Yes. Non-US residents can use Stripe through a US LLC. Verification typically requires company documents, identity confirmation, and a compliant website that clearly explains your business activity.
Only US LLC formation is mandatory. All other services — including fintech accounts, Stripe setup, card delivery, or brokerage account setup — are optional and depend on how you plan to use your company.