Why investing through a US LLC with Interactive Brokers makes sense for non-US residents
For non-US residents, investing in the US stock market often comes with additional limitations, uncertainty, and regulatory questions.
One option that many international investors consider is investing through a US LLC using a corporate brokerage account. While this setup is not required for everyone, in certain situations it can offer structural, operational, and strategic advantages.
This page explains when and why investing through an LLC may make sense, how a corporate account with Interactive Brokers works, and what non-US residents from Serbia should consider before choosing this approach.
What you need to know before choosing an investment setup
Who this setup is for
This approach is designed for non-US residents who want structured access to the US capital markets and are comfortable operating through a legal entity rather than a personal account.
It is most commonly considered by investors who plan long-term exposure to US stocks or ETFs, manage larger portfolios, or prefer a clearer separation between personal finances and investment activities.
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and internationally active investors often choose this setup when investing business capital or when personal brokerage accounts no longer align with their long-term goals.
This structure is not required to invest in the US market, but can be a practical option in specific situations.
Who typically considers this option
This structure is most commonly considered by non-US residents who plan long-term exposure to US stocks or ETFs and want a more scalable and organized investment setup.
It is often used by investors managing larger portfolios, where a personal brokerage account may no longer align with their operational or structural preferences.
Entrepreneurs and freelancers also consider this option when investing business capital, especially when they prefer to separate personal finances from investment activity and operate through a company structure.
For some investors, the decision is driven by flexibility and future planning — not short-term trading — particularly when they expect their investment activity to grow over time.
When an LLC may not be necessary
An LLC is not required to invest in the US stock market.
For smaller portfolios or beginner investors, a personal brokerage account is often sufficient and simpler to manage, without adding additional administrative responsibilities.
For smaller portfolios or beginner investors, a personal brokerage account is often sufficient and simpler to manage, without adding additional administrative responsibilities.
An LLC should be viewed as an optional structure that can make sense in specific situations — not as a mandatory step for accessing US investments.
Why Interactive Brokers for LLCs and non-US residents
Interactive Brokers is one of the few global brokerages that actively supports corporate accounts for non-US entities, including US LLCs owned by foreign individuals.
Many brokers limit or restrict corporate accounts for foreign-owned entities, which is why Interactive Brokers frequently appears in searches related to LLC investing and non-US resident access.
By supporting corporate accounts for US LLCs, Interactive Brokers allows non-US residents to invest in US markets through a clearly defined legal and operational structure.
This makes IBKR a practical choice for investors who want access to US stocks and ETFs while operating through a business entity rather than a personal account.
For non-US residents, this combination of corporate account support and institutional stability is often a key factor when choosing a brokerage platform.
Regulation and safety
Interactive Brokers is one of the most established global brokerage firms, operating under multiple regulatory frameworks across different jurisdictions.
The company is regulated by major financial authorities and has a long operating history, which is a key reason why it is often considered by international investors.
For non-US residents, regulatory oversight and institutional stability are especially important, as they provide an additional layer of confidence when investing across borders.
This level of regulation and transparency is one of the primary reasons Interactive Brokers is frequently mentioned in searches related to safety and legitimacy.
Support for non-US residents and LLC structures
Interactive Brokers supports corporate brokerage accounts for US LLCs owned by non-US residents.
Unlike many brokers that focus primarily on individual or US-based clients, IBKR allows foreign owners to operate corporate accounts without requiring US citizenship or permanent residency.
This makes it a practical option for international investors who want exposure to US markets while operating through a company structure.
As a result, Interactive Brokers is often included in searches related to opening accounts for non-US residents, businesses, and international entities.
Global availability and operational flexibility
Interactive Brokers operates globally and provides access to multiple markets through a single platform. For non-US residents, this global presence reduces friction when managing investments across different regions and currencies.
Investors can access US stocks, ETFs, and other supported instruments without relying on region-specific brokerage solutions. This operational flexibility is one of the reasons IBKR frequently appears in searches related to international trading and investing.
Alignment with long-term and corporate investing
Interactive Brokers is designed to support both individual and corporate investors with long-term investment strategies.
For LLCs, this means the ability to operate an account that aligns with structured investing rather than short-term or speculative activity. Corporate accounts can be configured to support long-term portfolio management, which is often a key consideration for non-US investors using an LLC structure.
Key advantages of investing through an LLC
For non-US residents, investing through an LLC is often less about short-term benefits and more about structure, flexibility, and long-term planning.
While an LLC is not required to access US financial markets, certain advantages make this setup appealing in specific situations — particularly for investors who want to operate through a company structure rather than a personal account.
The advantages outlined below reflect the most common reasons non-US residents consider using an LLC when investing in US stocks and ETFs, based on practical, operational, and structural considerations.
No personal SSN required
Investing through an LLC removes the need to use a personal US Social Security Number, as the account is opened in the company’s name.
This is particularly relevant for non-US residents who do not have a US Social Security Number and prefer not to rely on personal identifiers when accessing US financial markets.
By operating through a company structure, investors can interact with the brokerage at the entity level rather than as an individual, which is a common reason this setup appears in searches related to LLC investing and non-US residency.
Clear separation of assets
An LLC provides structural separation between personal assets and investment activities, which many investors prefer for organizational and risk-management reasons.
For non-US residents, this separation can simplify record-keeping and create a clearer distinction between personal finances and capital allocated for investing.
This structure is often considered by investors who want their investment activity to operate independently from their personal accounts, especially when investing through a business entity.
Scalability
This setup is often better suited for larger portfolios, long-term investing strategies, or future business expansion.
As portfolios grow, operating through an LLC can offer a more adaptable framework compared to a personal brokerage account. Many non-US investors consider this structure when they anticipate increased investment activity over time rather than short-term or occasional trading.
Operational flexibility
Corporate accounts can support trading in US stocks, ETFs, and other instruments available on Interactive Brokers.
This allows LLCs owned by non-US residents to access US markets through a single brokerage platform while operating under a corporate account structure.
For international investors, this flexibility reduces the need for multiple brokerage solutions and aligns with searches focused on how corporate investing through Interactive Brokers works.
How an Interactive Brokers corporate account works
For non-US residents, investing in the US stock market often involves additional structural and operational considerations that go beyond choosing a brokerage platform.
While investing through an LLC is not a requirement, certain advantages make this setup relevant in specific situations — particularly for investors who prefer to operate through a company structure rather than a personal brokerage account.
The points outlined below reflect the most common practical reasons non-US residents explore investing through an LLC, based on how access, account structure, and long-term flexibility are typically addressed when operating across borders.
Account setup
A corporate account is opened in the name of the LLC, with the owner acting as the authorized trader.
This means the brokerage relationship exists at the company level, while trading permissions are assigned to the individual managing the account.
For non-US residents, this structure provides clarity around ownership and control, which is often a key consideration when operating through a US LLC.
The setup reflects how Interactive Brokers supports corporate accounts for foreign-owned entities, a topic frequently referenced in searches related to LLC investing and non-US access.
Funding and withdrawals
Funds are transferred to and from the brokerage account through the company, not the individual. This approach reinforces the separation between personal finances and investment activity conducted through the LLC.
For non-US residents, routing funds at the company level can simplify record-keeping and align with how corporate brokerage accounts are typically structured.
It also reflects how funding and withdrawals are commonly handled when investing through a business entity rather than a personal brokerage account.
Trading access
Depending on account configuration, LLCs can access US stocks, ETFs, and other supported instruments through Interactive Brokers. Trading activity is conducted within the scope of the corporate account, using the tools and markets supported by Interactive Brokers.
For non-US residents, this provides access to US financial markets without relying on a personal account structure.
The available instruments and permissions depend on account settings, which aligns with common searches around what non-US LLCs can trade and how corporate accounts function in practice.
LLC is an option — Not an obligation
Investing through an LLC is not the right solution for everyone.
Many investors start with a personal brokerage account and transition to a corporate structure only when it makes strategic sense. The goal is flexibility — not unnecessary complexity.
For non-US residents, this decision often depends on factors such as portfolio size, investment frequency, and long-term objectives rather than a single “correct” setup.
Choosing whether or not to use an LLC is less about eligibility and more about timing, structure, and personal preference, which is why many investors reassess this option as their situation evolves.
When a personal brokerage account Is often enough
For many non-US residents, a personal brokerage account provides sufficient access to the US stock market, especially when portfolios are smaller or investment activity is limited.
In these cases, adding a corporate structure may introduce additional administration without providing meaningful practical benefits.
This is particularly relevant for beginner investors or those who are still exploring how they want to invest, rather than committing to a long-term or structured approach from the start.
When an LLC structure may make sense
An LLC structure is typically considered later, when investment activity becomes more consistent, portfolio sizes grow, or when operating through a company better aligns with long-term goals.
For some non-US residents, this transition happens naturally over time, as their investing approach evolves and their need for structure, separation, or scalability increases.
The key factor is timing — choosing an LLC structure when it adds clarity and flexibility, rather than complexity.
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
Setting up an investment account for a US LLC
Understand your investment account options, structural requirements, and next steps as a non-US resident US LLC owner.
Account documentation
Learn which documents and company details are typically required when opening a corporate investment account for a US LLC.
Eligibility & ownership
Learn common eligibility considerations, including non-US ownership, account authorization, and ownership verification.
Account options explained
Compare personal and corporate investment account structures, including when each option may make sense.
Next steps & setup evolution
Understand how investment setups typically evolve over time and when a corporate structure becomes relevant.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about US LLCs for nonresidents
Starting and running a US LLC as a non-resident often raises practical and legal questions. Below you’ll find clear answers to the most common concerns around ownership, taxes, residency, and compliance, so you can move forward with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Yes, residents of Serbia are allowed to own a US LLC and invest through that entity, including using a corporate brokerage account with Interactive Brokers, provided that applicable regulations and compliance requirements are met.
This typically involves following US rules related to company ownership and account setup, as well as meeting any relevant obligations in the owner’s country of residence. Many non-US residents use this structure to access US markets through a clearly defined legal entity when working with Interactive Brokers.
US citizenship is not required to own a US LLC or to open a corporate brokerage account in the company’s name.
While a US address is usually required for the LLC itself, this is generally handled through a registered agent or similar service. The owner does not need to be physically located in the United States to operate or invest through the LLC.
Yes, nonresident owners of a US LLC can invest in US markets through a corporate brokerage account with Interactive Brokers, provided the account is opened in the name of the company and meets the broker’s requirements.
This structure allows investment activity to take place at the company level rather than through a personal brokerage account when using Interactive Brokers.
No, a personal brokerage account is not a prerequisite for using an LLC.
Some investors start directly with a corporate structure, while others transition to an LLC later as their investment activity becomes more consistent or structured.
Depending on account configuration, a US LLC can access US stocks, ETFs, and other supported instruments through a corporate brokerage account with Interactive Brokers.
The exact instruments available depend on the broker’s policies and the permissions set during account setup with Interactive Brokers.
There is no single approach that works best for everyone when using Interactive Brokers.
The choice between a personal and corporate account depends on factors such as investment goals, portfolio size, and preference for operating through a company structure rather than as an individual on Interactive Brokers.