LLC Formation for Non-Residents
Start your U.S. business from anywhere in the world. No citizenship, SSN, or physical presence required. ABA 360 Solutions Group guides international entrepreneurs through every step.
Did you know? U.S. law places no citizenship or residency requirement on LLC ownership. Anyone from any country can form an LLC in any U.S. state, serve as a member or manager, and own 100% of the company — all without stepping foot on American soil.
What Is a U.S. LLC?
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax flexibility and operational simplicity of a partnership. It is the most popular business entity in the United States and the ideal structure for international entrepreneurs.
| Feature | LLC | Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Liability Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Tax Flexibility | Multiple options | Limited |
| Formation Complexity | Low | High |
| Ongoing Formalities | Minimal | Extensive |
| Best for Non-Residents | Ideal | Sometimes |
Benefits for International Entrepreneurs
Access to the U.S. Financial System: Open U.S. business bank accounts, accept payments through Stripe, PayPal, and Square, and access U.S.-based credit and financing options.
Global Business Credibility: A U.S. registered business carries significant weight internationally. Clients and partners trust U.S. entities, making it easier to secure contracts and attract investors.
Liability Protection: Your personal assets are legally separated from your business debts and lawsuits.
Tax Planning Opportunities: Depending on your country of residence, foreign-sourced income of a non-resident-owned LLC may not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
Privacy: In states like Wyoming and Delaware, your name does not appear in public formation documents.
Choosing the Right State
Delaware
Best for: Tech startups, investor-backed companies
Court of Chancery (specialized business court), most established body of business case law, preferred by venture capital investors.
Wyoming
Best for: Asset protection, privacy, low cost
Strongest single-member LLC asset protection, lowest annual costs ($60/year), most privacy-friendly state.
Florida
Best for: Latin American entrepreneurs, physical U.S. operations
No state income tax, gateway to Latin American markets, bilingual business environment.
Step-by-Step Formation Process
- Choose Your State and LLC Name — We help you select the best state and verify name availability.
- Appoint a Registered Agent — Every LLC needs a registered agent. ABA 360 Solutions Group includes this service.
- File Formation Documents — We prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the state.
- Create an Operating Agreement — We create a customized operating agreement defining ownership, management, and profit distribution.
- Obtain Your EIN — We obtain your Employer Identification Number from the IRS, even without an SSN. Learn more about EIN services.
- Open a U.S. Bank Account — We provide introductions to banks that welcome non-resident LLC owners.
- Set Up Payment Processing — Connect your bank account to Stripe, PayPal, and other processors.
What You Need (and Do NOT Need)
What you DO need: A registered agent (we provide this), an EIN from the IRS (we handle this), and compliance with filing requirements (we monitor this).
What you DO NOT need: U.S. citizenship or green card, Social Security Number, physical presence in the U.S., a visa or immigration status.
Tax Obligations for Non-Resident LLC Owners
Tax obligations depend on the source and nature of your income. Key principles include:
U.S.-Sourced Income is generally subject to U.S. tax regardless of where you live. Foreign-Sourced Income earned by a non-resident-owned LLC is generally NOT subject to U.S. federal income tax.
All foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file Form 5472 with the IRS, even if no tax is owed. Failure to file can result in a $25,000 penalty per form.
ABA 360 Solutions Group offers tax consultation as part of our premium packages to ensure full compliance.
Ongoing Compliance
Forming your LLC is just the beginning. Staying compliant ensures your LLC remains in good standing:
Annual Report/Franchise Tax — Filed yearly with the state. Registered Agent — Must be maintained continuously. BOI Report — Beneficial Ownership Information report filed with FinCEN. Federal Tax Filings — Form 5472 and applicable returns.
ABA 360 Solutions Group offers compliance monitoring services to ensure you never miss a deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form a U.S. LLC as a non-resident?
Total costs include state filing fees ($50-$300 depending on state), registered agent service, and formation service fees. Contact us for a personalized quote.
How long does it take?
Typical timeline: 1-3 weeks from start to receiving your complete formation package including EIN.
Do I need to visit the U.S.?
No. The entire process — formation, EIN, and ongoing compliance — can be handled remotely.
Can I use my LLC to get a U.S. visa?
An LLC alone does not qualify you for a visa. However, if you are actively investing in or managing a U.S. business, you may qualify for an E-2 Treaty Investor visa. Consult an immigration attorney for specific guidance.
ABA 360 Solutions Group — LLC Formation for International Entrepreneurs. Expert Guidance, Complete Service, Trusted Worldwide.