How to Form a US LLC Without Visiting the US: Step by Step for Non-Residents

You can form a US LLC without ever going to the United States. The state filing, the registered agent, the EIN and the yearly filings are all done online or by post. This guide gives the steps in order, the point where most people get stuck and a short list of what to have ready. For the service itself, see LLC registration in the USA for non-residents.

Key takeaways

• Every step of forming a US LLC can be done remotely.
• Do the steps in the right order: name and state, agent, filing, then EIN, then bank.
• The EIN and the bank account take longer than the formation.
• Keep every name and address identical across all documents.

Step by step

1. Choose the state and the name

Any state is open to a non-resident. Compare formation and yearly costs on our filing fees by state page, then check the name is available in that state. The name must include "LLC" or an accepted variant.

2. Appoint a registered agent

Every LLC needs an agent with a street address in the state. An owner abroad cannot usually act as their own. See registered agent service and registered agent for a US LLC.

3. File the formation document

The filing is called the Articles of Organization in most states and the Certificate of Formation in some. It is filed online with the state, with the fee. Approval can take from a day to a few weeks, depending on the state.

4. Get the EIN

Apply to the IRS after the state approves the LLC. A foreign owner without a Social Security Number applies with Form SS-4 by fax, mail or phone rather than the online form. See get an EIN without an SSN, or use our EIN service.

5. Write the operating agreement

Many states do not require one, but banks and partners often ask for it. See operating agreement for foreign owners.

6. Open a bank account

Some banks ask for a video call or documents rather than a visit, and others do not accept overseas owners. Start early. See a US business bank account for non-residents.

7. Put the yearly filings in your calendar

The state's annual report, and for a foreign-owned single-member LLC, Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120. See Form 5472 guide.

What to have ready

• A passport and proof of address.
• The LLC name and a second choice.
• The state you picked.
• A description of the business.

Where people get stuck

• Applying for the EIN before the state approves the LLC.
• Names and addresses that differ between documents.
• Using a PO box as the registered agent address.
• Waiting too late to start the bank account.

More on these in mistakes non-residents and foreigners make.

A rough timeline

Times differ by state and by how quickly each party answers, so treat these as a guide, not a promise:

1. Name and state: a day or two to decide and check the name.
2. State filing: from a day to a few weeks, depending on the state and whether you pay for faster handling.
3. EIN: longer for a foreign owner without an SSN, because it is not the online route.
4. Bank account: often the slowest step. Start the application as soon as you have the EIN.

Doing it yourself or using a service

You can do every step yourself. The state websites and the IRS publish the forms, and the fees are the same. A service saves you from the parts that trip people up: picking the right filing, supplying the registered agent address, applying for the EIN by the right route and tracking the yearly dates. Compare what is included before you choose, and ask what the second year costs.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to form a US LLC from abroad?

The state approval can take from a day to a few weeks, and the EIN takes longer for a foreign owner. See how long it takes to register an LLC in the USA.

Do I need to sign documents in person?

Generally no. Formation is filed online, and the documents can be signed electronically. Check what the bank asks for separately.

Can I form the LLC in one state and live in another country?

Yes. That is the usual case for a non-resident.

Do I need a lawyer?

Not to form a standard LLC. A lawyer or tax adviser is useful for tax questions in your own country and for complex ownership.

What does it cost?

The state fee plus a service fee if a company files for you, then the yearly costs. See what a US LLC costs each year.

Ready to start?

We form the LLC, arrange the agent and the EIN and keep up the yearly filings: register an LLC in the USA as a non-resident. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.