The Complete Guide: How Non-US Residents Can Form a U.S. LLC in 2025
If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or digital nomad living outside the United States, you’ve probably heard that forming a U.S. LLC can give your business global credibility, access to payment processors like Stripe and PayPal, and even reduce your taxes.
The truth is: forming a U.S. Limited Liability Company (LLC) as a non-US resident is easier than ever in 2025 — no U.S. address, Social Security Number, or physical visit required. This guide explains everything you need to know, from choosing the right state to opening bank accounts and staying compliant.
Why Non-US Residents Choose a U.S. LLC
The U.S. is the world’s most trusted business environment. For foreign entrepreneurs, an American LLC offers:
- 🌍 Global credibility: You can legally invoice international clients in USD.
- 🧾 Tax optimization: Some states like Wyoming or Delaware have zero corporate income tax for non-resident owners.
- 💳 Access to payment systems: Stripe, PayPal, Wise, and U.S. banks recognize your company instantly.
- 🧍♂️ Liability protection: Your personal assets stay separate from business liabilities.
- 💼 Easy administration: No need for complex accounting or expensive lawyers.
In short — you can have a U.S. company while living anywhere in the world.
Choosing the Right State: Wyoming vs Delaware vs Others
When forming an LLC, your choice of state matters. The two most popular states for international founders are Wyomingand Delaware — here’s why.
Wyoming LLC for Non-US Residents
- ✅ Zero corporate income tax
- ✅ Full ownership privacy (members not listed publicly)
- ✅ Low annual renewal fees ($60–$100)
- ✅ Fast processing time (1–3 business days)
- ✅ Ideal for freelancers, eCommerce, digital agencies
- 🏛 Registered Agent Required: A local agent receives official mail for your company (included in most formation packages).
Delaware LLC for Foreign Entrepreneurs
- ✅ Preferred by startups seeking investors.
- ✅ Trusted by tech and SaaS companies.
- ⚠️ Slightly higher renewal fees (~$300/year).
- ⚠️ Less privacy than Wyoming.
For 90% of non-US entrepreneurs (freelancers, consultants, digital businesses), Wyoming offers the perfect mix of simplicity, low cost, and tax efficiency.
Step-by-Step: How to Form a U.S. LLC from Abroad (No SSN or U.S. Address Needed)
1️⃣ Choose Your Company Name
Your LLC name must be unique within the state. You can check availability for free on the Wyoming Secretary of State website. Example: “GlobalNomad LLC” or “ZenCode Agency LLC”.
2️⃣ Hire a Registered Agent
Since you don’t live in the U.S., you’ll need a registered agent — a local business address that receives official mail and tax notices. Services like WyomingExperts.com handle this automatically for you.
3️⃣ File the Articles of Organization
This document officially creates your LLC. It includes:
- Company name
- Registered agent’s details
- Business purpose
- Owner’s (member’s) information
In Wyoming, it costs about $100 and can be filed online in minutes.
4️⃣ Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
The EIN is your company’s “tax ID.”
You’ll need it to:
- Open a business bank account
- Register with Stripe or PayPal
- File taxes with the IRS
If you don’t have a Social Security Number, don’t worry — you can get an EIN as a foreigner by filing IRS Form SS-4 or letting your formation provider obtain it for you in 3–8 business days.
5️⃣ Create an Operating Agreement
Even if you’re a single-member LLC, this document explains ownership, responsibilities, and profit distribution. It’s not filed with the state, but banks often ask for it.
6️⃣ Open a U.S. Business Bank Account
You can open an account with Wise, Mercury, Relay, or Payoneer — all accept non-US residents with LLCs.
A good formation provider will guide you to open up to 7 bank accounts with debit or credit cards.
7️⃣ Keep Your LLC in Good Standing
Each year, you’ll need to:
- File an Annual Report (Wyoming = $60/year)
- Pay your registered agent renewal ($100–$200/year)
- File your IRS return (if required)
If you don’t earn income in the U.S., you typically don’t owe U.S. income tax — but you must file zero-return paperwork to stay compliant.
How to Open a U.S. Bank Account Remotely
This is one of the most common questions: Can I open a U.S. bank account as a non-US resident?
Yes — you can. Services like Mercury Bank, Wise Business, and Relay allow online applications for Wyoming LLCs. You’ll need:
- Your LLC documents (Articles of Organization, EIN)
- Passport copy
- Proof of address (from your country)
- Optional: Operating Agreement
Once approved, you’ll get a U.S. checking account and debit card — perfect for clients paying in USD.
LLC for Freelancers and Digital Nomads
If you’re a freelancer or digital service provider, forming a U.S. LLC instantly boosts your image.
You can:
- Invoice clients in USD
- Connect your LLC with Stripe, PayPal, or Paddle
- Receive payments faster and look more professional
- Deduct business expenses globally
Example: a designer from Morocco or a developer from India can operate legally through their U.S. LLC, receive funds in USD, and pay minimal taxes in their home country (subject to local laws and double-tax treaties).
LLC for eCommerce and Amazon Sellers
If you sell products on Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy, a U.S. LLC is often mandatory to register as a U.S. seller.
Benefits include:
- U.S. bank accounts for payouts
- Access to U.S. fulfillment centers (FBA)
- Lower transaction fees
- Easier integration with payment gateways
Pair your LLC with a Wyoming sales tax exemption (if you sell outside the state) for maximum efficiency.
LLC Taxes for Non-US Residents in 2025
This is where most confusion lies.
Let’s clarify:
- An LLC is a “pass-through” entity, meaning it doesn’t pay corporate tax by itself.
- Non-US residents who don’t have U.S.-sourced income (clients or business inside the U.S.) generally owe no U.S. tax.
- You must still file an informational return to the IRS (Form 5472 + 1120).
Example:
A freelancer in Morocco serving European clients through a Wyoming LLC pays no U.S. income tax — only taxes in Morocco if required.
Still, professional accounting help or an experienced provider like Wyoming Experts can handle the filings for you.
Maintaining Your U.S. LLC from Abroad
Running a U.S. company from abroad doesn’t mean dealing with bureaucracy.
Here’s what you should do annually:
- ✅ File your Wyoming Annual Report – online in 5 minutes.
- ✅ Renew your registered agent – automatic with most providers.
- ✅ Submit IRS filings – especially if you had revenue.
- ✅ Keep business bank accounts active.
- ✅ Maintain proper bookkeeping.
Platforms like the FREE Cloud BookKeeping app (offered by Wyoming Experts) make this process painless — you can track income, expenses, and even generate a Profit & Loss report instantly.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Forming an LLC
Thousands of non-US entrepreneurs make these costly mistakes each year:
- ❌ Using personal addresses instead of a registered agent
- ❌ Not filing annual reports or IRS returns
- ❌ Mixing personal and business transactions
- ❌ Using the wrong state (California or New York = high taxes)
- ❌ Forgetting to draft an Operating Agreement
Working with an experienced formation service ensures all these are covered automatically — and saves you time and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
➡️ Can I open a U.S. LLC from India or Morocco?
Yes. You can complete the entire process online in 1–3 days through an authorized agent like WyomingExperts.com.
➡️ Do I need to visit the U.S. to open a company or bank account?
No. Everything is handled remotely.
➡️ What if I don’t have a Social Security Number?
Not required. You can still obtain an EIN with your passport.
➡️ How much does it cost to maintain my LLC each year?
Around $399/year (includes registered agent, filings, and renewals).
➡️ Do I have to pay U.S. tax?
Only if your LLC earns U.S.-sourced income. Most foreign owners owe $0 U.S. tax but must still file a declaration.
Why 2025 Is the Perfect Year to Form Your U.S. LLC
The U.S. business landscape is more open than ever.
Banks like Mercury and Wise now welcome non-resident founders, Stripe has relaxed verification for foreign LLCs, and states like Wyoming continue to provide world-class privacy and zero corporate tax.
Whether you’re in India, Morocco, Pakistan, or anywhere else, you can now start a U.S. company from your laptop in minutes — with full banking, invoicing, and bookkeeping solutions integrated.
Ready to Form Your Wyoming LLC?
Wyoming Experts has helped over 1,000+ non-US entrepreneurs form and manage their LLCs successfully — with EIN, registered agent, bank setup, bookkeeping, and invoicing apps included.
👉 Start today for just $529 – Form Your LLC Now
Fast EIN (3–8 business days). No U.S. address needed. 100% online setup.
