Open a US LLC from the UAE

Why founders in the UAE form a US LLC

Entrepreneurs in the UAE use a US LLC to access the US market, US customers and US payment tools while living and often running the business from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. It is a company in a separate country, so the setup and the home-side rules both matter.

UAE-specific points to check

• UAE corporate tax. The UAE now has a corporate tax regime. How it treats your ownership of a foreign company depends on your own structure, so get UAE advice.
• Tax treaty. Check whether a US-UAE income tax treaty applies to your case, since it affects withholding on some payments.
• Free zone or US company. A UAE free-zone company and a US LLC do different jobs. Many founders hold both. A US LLC is for US customers, US platforms and US banking.

How to open a US LLC from the UAE

1. Choose a state. Compare the yearly cost, not only the first-year fee. See LLC filing fees by state.
2. Pick a company name that is available in that state and ends in LLC.
3. Get a registered agent. Every LLC needs one with a US address in its state. The first year is included in our packages.
4. We file the articles of organization with the state for you.
5. Get an EIN. You do not need a Social Security Number. See our EIN service.
6. Open a bank account and keep business money separate.

The yearly IRS form owners outside the US must not miss

If you are the only owner of the LLC and you live outside the US, the LLC files Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 every year, even if it earned nothing. Missing it carries a $25,000 penalty. We prepare it as part of our US LLC tax filing service.

This page is general information, not tax or legal advice.