FAQ for Non-US Residents Forming a U.S. Business
General Company Formation Questions
1
Can a non-U.S. resident form a U.S. LLC or Corporation?
- Yes. You do not need U.S. citizenship or residency to own a company.
- Foreign persons can legally own 100% of a U.S. LLC or Corporation.
2
Do I need to travel to the U.S. to form my company?
- No. Everything can be completed remotely.
- We handle 100% of the formation and filings for you.
3
Which is better for foreign owners — LLC or Corporation?
Most choose an LLC for simplicity and tax flexibility.
Corporations are preferred if you expect:
- Investors
- Venture capital
- U.S. employees
- Equity structures
- We help you choose the right entity.
4
What is the best state for non-U.S. persons to register?
Most foreign owners choose:
- Wyoming (privacy, low fees)
- Delaware (investor friendly)
- Florida or Texas (physical operations)
- We advise based on your goals.
5
Do I need a U.S. address to form a company?
- No, but you must have a registered agent in the state where the company is formed.
- We provide this for you.
- If you need a business address, we provide that as well.
6
Do I need U.S. partners, directors, or managers?
- No.
- You can be the sole owner and manager from anywhere in the world.
EIN, ITIN & Tax ID Questions
Can I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
- Yes.
- Foreign owners do not need a Social Security Number or ITIN.
- We obtain your EIN for you.
Do I need an ITIN to start a business?
- No.
- An ITIN is typically required only when you personally must file a tax return.
How do foreign owners apply for an ITIN?
- We are an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA).
- You do not send your passport to the IRS — we verify your identity ourselves.
Does the company need to file taxes even with no income?
- Yes.
- Foreign-owned companies have special IRS filing requirements, even with zero revenue.
U.S. Bank Account & Payment Platforms
Can a foreign owner open a U.S. business bank account?
- Yes — through:
- Fintech banks (remote)
- Some traditional banks (may require travel)
- We guide you on your best option.
Can foreign owners use Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments?
- Yes.
- Once your LLC has an EIN, U.S. address, and bank account, you can use all major payment processors.
Compliance & Legal Questions
Do I need a U.S. phone number?
No not legally. Some platforms prefer it, and we can help you set one up.
Do foreign owners need to file a BOI report?
- Yes.
- All new businesses must file BOI with FinCEN.
- We can file it for you.
Do I need to pay U.S. taxes as a non-resident?
- It depends.
- Taxation is based on where the income is earned and whether it is effectively connected to U.S. business activity.
- We advise based on your business model.
Will forming a U.S. company give me a visa or immigration benefits?
- No.
- Simply forming an LLC or Corporation does not give immigration rights.
Can forming a U.S. company help with business or investor visas (E-2, L-1, EB-5)?
Yes — indirectly.
A U.S. company can strengthen certain visa applications, such as:
- E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (if your country qualifies)
- L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
- EB-5 Investor Green Card
- However:
- Forming the company alone is not enough.
- You must show investment, business activity, and credible operations.
- We can structure your company formation correctly to support these applications, and work alongside your immigration attorney if needed.
E-Commerce & Amazon Seller Questions
Can foreign sellers form a U.S. LLC for Amazon FBA?
- Yes.
- This is extremely common, and we help with permits, EIN, and 3PL warehousing (via Dibibu.com).
Do I need a reseller permit to buy inventory tax-free?
- Yes — for wholesale inventory purchases.
- We obtain your resale certificate for you.
Filing & Maintenance Questions
What annual filings must non-U.S. owners complete?
Most foreign-owned LLCs must file:
- Federal tax filings
- Form 5472
- BOI report
- State annual report
- Registered agent renewal
- We manage all compliance for you.
Can you prepare taxes for foreign-owned LLCs and corporations?
Yes.
We specialize in:
- 1040-NR
- 1120
- 1065
- Form 5472
- State tax filings
- Sales tax
- Payroll
- FBAR / FATCA
- International tax issues
Can I run an international business entirely from overseas?
- Yes.
- A U.S. LLC is globally accepted and easy to operate remotely.