Start a U.S. LLC as a Non-Resident
Set up your LLC, get your EIN, and open a U.S. business bank account from outside the U.S.
Many founders use a service to handle setup and avoid mistakes.
Many founders use a service to handle setup and avoid mistakes.
The 4 core steps most foreign founders follow
You can do this yourself, but most founders use a service for the LLC setup and then handle the rest with a simple checklist.
Why Many Foreign Founders Choose Wyoming
Wyoming is a common choice for foreign founders. It is low cost, private, and simple to maintain.
- Simple formation process
- Low annual fees
- Strong privacy protections
- Widely used for online businesses
If you do not have a specific reason to choose another state, Wyoming is a simple place to start.
Check If Your Company Name Is Available
Pick a company name and check availability in Wyoming. If it is taken, adjust it and move forward.
This takes about a minute.
- Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
- Cannot already be registered or too similar to another business
- Free to check using the Wyoming Secretary of State database
If your name is not available, try a variation.
Check Name Availability ↗Choose a Registered Agent
Every Wyoming LLC must have a registered agent with a physical Wyoming address. If you do not have one, you need a service.
This is the first paid step.
- Must have a physical Wyoming address (no P.O. boxes)
- Receives legal documents and state correspondence
- Services handle this requirement
Recommended for most founders
If you want the simplest path, use a service. It handles the registered agent requirement and the LLC formation.
Start Your LLC ↗Best if you want to set this up quickly without filing paperwork yourself.
Form the Wyoming LLC
Once you have a registered agent, forming the LLC is straightforward. The service files the Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State and sends you the approved documents.
- Choose your company name
- Include your registered agent details
- Complete the LLC formation filing
Total first-year cost is about $139, including the formation service and state filing.
Once approved, you receive your Articles of Organization. You will need this document to open a U.S. business bank account.
This is where many founders stop doing it manually and use a service to get it filed correctly.
Use the Recommended LLC Service ↗Fill Out IRS Form SS-4
After forming the LLC, the next step is getting an EIN from the IRS. Foreign owners cannot use the IRS online system, so you use Form SS-4.
Common SS-4 Fields
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Company name | Your full LLC name including "LLC" |
| Responsible party | Your full legal name (the owner) |
| Mailing address | Your address — can be outside the U.S. |
| Number of members | Usually 1 for a single-member LLC |
| Reason for applying | Started new business |
This is where the process starts to feel confusing for many people.
If you use a service, they guide you through these fields or complete the form for you. It still helps to understand what is being submitted.
Download Form SS-4 from the IRS website and complete it before moving to the next step. Use the annotated example below as a reference.
Internal Revenue Service
government agencies, Indian tribal entities, certain individuals, and others.)
Once your SS-4 is ready, the next step is deciding whether to wait, call the IRS yourself, or have someone handle it for you.
Get Your EIN From the IRS
There are three ways to get your EIN. The right option depends on speed and whether you want to deal with the IRS.
If you want the simplest path, call the IRS or use a done-for-you service. Faxing works but takes longer.
Open a U.S. Business Bank Account
Opening a U.S. business bank account becomes straightforward once your LLC and EIN are ready. Some providers allow remote applications.
Common documents you will need:
- LLC Articles of Organization
- EIN confirmation letter
- Passport
- Sometimes an Operating Agreement
Make sure your LLC and EIN details match. Banks use this information to verify your identity.
Popular Remote-Friendly Options
Requirements change — always verify directly with each provider before applying.
Start with Mercury. Use Wise if you need multi-currency support. Use Relay for a simple setup.
Understand Basic Ongoing Compliance
Once your LLC is set up, compliance is simple if you track deadlines.
- Wyoming Annual Report. Due each year. Missing it can affect your LLC status.
- IRS Filings. Foreign-owned LLCs may need to file Form 5472 and a pro forma 1120 each year, even with no income.
This is straightforward once you stay organized.
Use a checklist to track what to file and when.
Get the Free Checklist →This helps avoid missed deadlines.
Get the Free Foreign Founder LLC Checklist
I put together a simple checklist covering the main setup steps, EIN notes, bank account requirements, and the compliance items many foreign founders miss.
Useful whether you do everything yourself or use a service for the setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions from foreign founders.
No. Non-U.S. residents without an SSN or ITIN can still get an EIN. The standard method for foreign owners is to submit Form SS-4 by fax or phone. The IRS online system requires a U.S. SSN or ITIN, so foreign applicants use the alternative methods instead. If you'd rather skip the phone process entirely, a done-for-you EIN service is also an option.
By phone, you can receive your EIN during the same call if everything is in order. By fax, the IRS typically responds within a few weeks, though this varies with their current processing times. If speed matters, the phone option or a done-for-you service will get you there faster.
Yes, several online-friendly U.S. banks and financial providers accept remote applications from non-U.S. residents. Mercury, Wise Business, and Relay are commonly mentioned. Requirements vary by provider, so verify their current policies before applying. Once your LLC and EIN are ready, comparing providers is much easier.
Yes. Wyoming law requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a physical Wyoming address. Since most foreign founders don't have a Wyoming address, using a professional registered agent service is the standard approach. That is why most foreign founders use a professional registered agent service.
No. Delaware and New Mexico are also popular for foreign founders. Wyoming is commonly recommended for its low fees, privacy, and simplicity — but the best state depends on your situation. If you are unsure, Wyoming is usually the simplest default.
Ready to Set Up Your LLC?
If you want the simplest path, start with the recommended LLC service, then follow the checklist for EIN, banking, and compliance.
This is the same path most foreign founders follow.