In this article
Foreigners and non-residents often ask what paperwork is needed to start a US LLC. The short answer is: less than most people expect. You do not need a US visa, a Social Security Number or a US office. What you do need is a small set of identity and business details, and a few documents prepared by the state and the IRS along the way. This guide lists everything in order. If you would rather have it handled for you, see our LLC registration in the USA for non-residents.
Key takeaways
- You need a valid passport, a proof of your home address and your contact details.
- The state needs a company name, a registered agent address and the LLC's details. It does not ask for a visa or SSN.
- The IRS issues the EIN. A foreigner applies without an SSN.
- A bank will ask for more, and usually wants the formation papers, the EIN letter and an operating agreement.
Documents and details you give us
- A passport. A clear copy of the photo page. Banks and payment companies ask for it later, so keep a scan ready.
- Proof of address. A recent utility bill, bank statement or government letter showing your home address. Not always needed to file, but often needed to open an account.
- Your full legal name and address, written the same way as on your passport.
- An email address and phone number where you can receive codes and messages.
- The names and ownership shares of every owner, if there is more than one. See can two foreigners form a US LLC together?
- Two or three name choices for the LLC, in case your first choice is taken. Read how to choose an LLC name.
- The state you want to form in. See which state is good for company registration in the USA.
Documents that are created for you
- Articles of Organization (called a Certificate of Formation in some states). This is the filing that creates the LLC. Read Articles of Organization explained.
- A registered agent address. Every LLC needs a street address in its state to receive legal papers. We supply this with our registered agent service.
- An EIN letter from the IRS, on Form CP 575 or a 147C letter. This is the company's tax number.
- An operating agreement. It sets out who owns what and how the LLC is run. It is not filed with the state, but banks usually ask for it.
The EIN without an SSN
An owner with no SSN or ITIN can still get an EIN. The IRS accepts the application on Form SS-4 with "foreign" entered where an SSN would go. The letter normally comes back by fax or post, which takes longer than an online application. We prepare and submit it as part of our EIN service. See also how to get an EIN without an SSN.
What a bank or payment company asks for
Opening a US business account as a non-resident is a separate step with its own checks. Expect to provide:
- The Articles of Organization and EIN letter.
- The operating agreement.
- Your passport and proof of address.
- A description of what the business does and where the money comes from.
Approval is up to each bank and is never guaranteed. We help with the application. Read Payoneer for a US LLC for one common option.
What you do not need
- A US visa, green card or Social Security Number.
- A US home or office address of your own.
- To travel to the US.
- A lawyer, for a standard LLC.
Documents you will need after the LLC exists
- The state's yearly or two-yearly report, where the state requires one. See annual reports.
- An IRS Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120 each year if the LLC has one foreign owner, even with no income. See do non-residents pay tax on a US LLC?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to register an LLC in the USA?
No. Owning a company does not require a visa. Living or working in the US is a different matter and is governed by immigration law.
Do I need a US address to register an LLC?
You need a US address for the registered agent, but it does not have to be yours. A registered agent service provides it.
Can I register an LLC with only my passport?
The filing needs your name and address, and the passport is what banks check afterwards. Keep a scan of it with your proof of address.
Start with the right documents
Jupiter Filing prepares the filing, supplies the registered agent and applies for your EIN. See the LLC registration service for non-residents.
Related guides
Written by the Jupiter Filing team
Jupiter Filing helps founders from any country form and run a US company online: formation, EIN, registered agent and yearly compliance. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
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