How Indian Entrepreneurs Can Easily Open a US LLC and Bank Account from India
Many Indian entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners want to expand their business into global markets. Yet, they often face one big barrier — payments. Opening a US business bank account from India and getting access to Stripe, PayPal, and Wise feels nearly impossible without a US presence.
The truth is, it’s absolutely possible to form a US LLC from India without SSN or travel, manage everything online, and operate like a proper American business. In this article, we’ll explore the practical steps, key tools, and smart tax tips that make it work — and why more and more Indians are choosing this route every year.
Why Indian Entrepreneurs Are Opening US LLCs
India’s startup scene is booming. From software agencies and SaaS founders to freelancers and digital marketers, everyone is looking for global exposure. But many Indian founders struggle to collect payments from overseas clients or get accepted by global payment platforms.
A US LLC offers a clean, trusted structure to solve these problems. It allows you to work with international clients, get paid in USD, and reinvest globally. It’s flexible, low-cost, and widely recognized by international banks and platforms.
Moreover, US LLCs have a reputation for reliability and legal stability — something many Indian freelancers find valuable when working with clients abroad.
Setting Up Your US LLC from India
Let’s break it down into realistic, actionable steps for Indian entrepreneurs who want to form a US company.
1. Choosing the Best State
The state you register in determines your LLC’s taxes, privacy, and yearly maintenance. For non-US residents, Wyoming and Delaware are the most recommended.
Wyoming is especially popular because it has no state income tax, low filing fees, and allows privacy for owners. Delaware is best if you plan to raise venture capital or attract American investors later.
For solo founders and small teams in India, Wyoming usually makes the most sense — simple, affordable, and widely accepted by fintech banks.
2. Registering the Company
Once you’ve selected a state, you file your Articles of Organization online with the Secretary of State. You’ll need a registered agent (a local address for legal notices), which can be arranged through a formation provider like WyomingExperts.
The entire process can be completed from India in a few days, and you don’t need to visit the US.
3. Getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
The EIN is your company’s tax ID. It’s required for almost everything — banking, payments, and taxes. Many Indians think they need a Social Security Number (SSN) to get one, but that’s a myth.
You can apply for an EIN without SSN as a foreign owner by submitting Form SS-4 to the IRS. Some services, like WyomingExperts, handle this process for you.
Once you have your EIN, your LLC is officially recognized by the IRS and ready for business.
4. Opening a US Business Bank Account
Here’s where it gets exciting for Indian founders. With your approved LLC and EIN, you can open a US business bank account remotely.
Traditional banks like Chase or Bank of America usually require physical presence, but fintech banks don’t. The most trusted options include Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business (US).
These platforms provide real US bank details (routing and account numbers), letting you receive payments from American clients easily. Wise is especially popular among Indian founders because it supports multi-currency accounts, allowing you to hold USD, EUR, and INR in one place.
So if you ever searched “US LLC India Wise account” or “open US LLC bank account from India”, this is exactly what it means — setting up a real US banking setup from your laptop in India.
5. Connecting Payment Gateways
Once your banking is ready, it’s time to integrate payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Wise Business.
Stripe requires a US entity, EIN, and US bank account. By forming a US LLC, you meet all three requirements. You’ll then be able to issue invoices in USD, receive payments globally, and withdraw to your Indian account through Wise or Payoneer.
For many freelancers and agencies, this is a game-changer. Suddenly, you can charge in USD and appear as a US company on your clients’ invoices.
6. Managing Compliance and Taxes
Now that your LLC is operational, let’s talk about compliance.
In the US, if your LLC doesn’t have US clients or business activity inside the country, you usually don’t owe any income tax. However, you must file Form 5472 and a short pro-forma 1120 annually as a foreign-owned LLC.
In India, as an Indian tax resident, you must declare your foreign business income in your Income Tax Return under “Income from Business or Profession.” The India–US DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) ensures that you don’t pay taxes twice on the same income.
This is where many Indian founders overthink things. The process is simpler than it sounds — as long as you maintain clear records and use a proper accounting system.
If your LLC has profits, you can keep them in the US to pay for global services or transfer them to India using Wise Business under RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) guidelines.
7. Ongoing Management
Each year, you’ll file your Annual Report with the state and pay a small fee (about $60 in Wyoming). You’ll also maintain accurate invoices, contracts, and proof of payments to stay compliant.
Wyoming doesn’t require owner details to be public, which means your privacy stays protected. For most small business owners in India, this is a big advantage.
The Role of Wise and Mercury for Indian Founders
A large portion of Indian searches around US LLCs include “Wise account” or “Mercury bank.” Both have become essential tools for international founders.
Wise Business (US) lets you receive money from clients directly into your USD account and convert to INR at real exchange rates. You can also pay suppliers or freelancers abroad.
Mercury is designed specifically for startups and digital-first companies. It integrates perfectly with Stripe and supports remote onboarding for Indian-owned LLCs.
If you want full control, having both accounts is ideal — Wise for global transfers, Mercury for traditional US-style banking.
Tax Implications of a US LLC for Indians
Taxes are always the biggest concern. The good news is that the system is quite favorable if you structure it properly.
For most Indian founders:
- The US LLC doesn’t pay US tax if the business has no US-source income.
- The owner (you) pays Indian income tax on profits you withdraw or recognize.
- You can claim foreign tax credit under the India–US DTAA if any US tax was withheld.
Always maintain separate bank accounts for your LLC, and avoid mixing business and personal funds. This ensures you preserve your liability protection and simplifies your bookkeeping.
Common Mistakes Indian Founders Make
Even though it’s easy to form an LLC online, many founders overlook critical points that cause problems later.
- Using a personal Wise or Payoneer account instead of a business account.
- Mixing company and personal funds.
- Ignoring annual filing requirements in the US.
- Not reporting foreign income properly in Indian tax returns.
- Choosing the wrong state (e.g., California) with higher costs.
Avoiding these mistakes keeps your LLC legitimate and bank-friendly.
Is a US LLC Right for Every Indian Founder?
A US LLC is perfect for:
- Freelancers and agencies with foreign clients.
- SaaS and eCommerce businesses selling to the US.
- Startups planning to raise funds internationally.
- Professionals offering digital services worldwide.
However, if you only serve Indian clients and have no global transactions, it might not be necessary. The main advantage comes from being able to receive USD payments and access US business infrastructure.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to form your LLC, it’s easier than ever.
WyomingExperts helps Indian residents set up US LLCs, get EINs, open bank accounts, and connect with payment platforms — all online.
You’ll get everything needed: company documents, IRS registration, and banking setup — typically within a week.
Visit the main page: Open a US LLC from India to start your process today.
Final Thoughts
Opening a US LLC from India is not just about having a foreign company. It’s about gaining access — access to global payments, international trust, and opportunities that local structures can’t yet provide.
Whether you’re a freelancer, startup founder, or digital agency owner, a US LLC gives you freedom: the ability to earn globally, operate remotely, and grow without borders.
For Indian entrepreneurs, the world is now truly open — and the gateway often starts with a single step: forming your US LLC.
