Today, more foreign entrepreneurs—whether solo founders or small teams—are building their own branded websites to expand into global markets. Many start by selling products individually, which is a simple and quick approach. But if you aim to grow in the U.S. market, earn customer trust, and operate within legal and financial frameworks, registering a U.S. company becomes a smart and necessary step. So, where do you begin?
The process is more accessible than you might think. As long as you follow the key steps and prepare the required documents, company registration in USA for non-residents can be completed without much friction, even without a Social Security Number (SSN). In this guide, we'll walk you through the full process, highlight common pitfalls, and share what non-residents need to know to register a U.S. company successfully.
Why choose company registration in USA?
As the business grows and orders increase, operational and compliance challenges inevitably follow. That's when having a U.S. business entity can make a real difference. Here's why:
-
Boosts brand credibility and professionalism: A registered U.S. company builds trust with customers. Business information listed on your website, invoices, or marketing materials appears more legitimate, which can improve your conversion rates, especially on standalone sites.
-
Enables stable access to payment tools and banking: U.S. entities are better positioned to apply for U.S. versions of Stripe, PayPal, and other payment processors. You can also open a U.S. business bank account, making it easier to manage revenue, build credit, and file taxes properly.
-
Offers a flexible legal and tax structure: LLCs are treated as pass-through entities by default—meaning no double taxation. And by registering in states like Wyoming, you can benefit from low or no state-level corporate tax.
You should seriously consider USA company registration when:
-
Your business targets the U.S. directly, whether through local partners, physical stores, or service operations.
-
Your monthly order volume is consistent, and platforms or buyers start requesting official company information.
-
You want to file taxes legally, build business credit, and operate in a compliant way.
-
You're planning for future financing, business loans, U.S. credit card applications, or expanding your payment options.
-
You want to sign contracts, make purchases, or apply for platform programs under a U.S. company name.
In short, if you see cross-border e-commerce as a long-term business, not just a side project, it's worth investing in the structure to support it. Registering a U.S. company isn't mandatory from day one, but once these needs arise, it's time to make the move.
What business entity types are available for foreign sellers?
In the U.S., the most common structures are LLC and C-Corp. Each has distinct legal and tax features, suitable for different business goals.
Limited liability company (LLC)
An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a flexible and widely used structure in the U.S. It combines the liability protection of a corporation with the simplicity of a sole proprietorship or partnership. For many foreign entrepreneurs and small businesses, an LLC offers the right balance between protection and ease of use.
-
Limited liability protection: Your personal assets (like savings or property) are protected. If the company faces debt or legal claims, only the company's assets are at risk.
-
Single or multiple members allowed: You can form an LLC alone or with partners.
-
More secure than operating as an individual: Compared to a sole proprietorship, an LLC legally separates your personal and business finances.
-
Pass-through taxation: By default, an LLC is treated as a pass-through entity for tax purposes. Profits and losses are reported on the owners' personal tax returns, avoiding corporate-level taxation.
C corporation (C-Corp)
A C-Corp, or C Corporation, is a more formal and structured business entity, often used by larger companies or startups planning for rapid growth, outside investment, or future public listing.
-
The only U.S. entity type eligible for public stock listing.
-
Separate legal identity: The corporation itself can own property, sue or be sued, pay taxes, and enter into contracts.
-
Unlimited shareholders allowed: A C-Corp can issue shares and raise capital through equity investments—ideal for startups seeking venture funding.
-
Double taxation applies: The company pays corporate income tax, and shareholders pay tax again on dividends received. While this may seem disadvantageous, many high-growth companies opt for the C-Corp structure due to its fundraising benefits.
Important note
While the U.S. offers various entity types, such as S-Corps, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, not all are suitable for non-residents:
-
S-Corps: Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can be shareholders.
-
Sole proprietorships: Require U.S. residency or work authorization.
-
Partnerships: Technically allowed, but tax reporting is complex, and general partners may be personally liable for business debts.
Which U.S. states are popular for company registration?
The right state is a key decision for non-resident entrepreneurs. Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada, California, and New York are popular due to their business-friendly laws, flexible registration, and tax benefits. However, each suits different business needs:
-
Wyoming: No state income tax, low fees, strong privacy, and solid protection. It is ideal for small businesses and single-member LLCs.
-
Delaware: Best for large companies, investors, or IPO plans. High maintenance costs and weaker asset protection for single-member LLCs.
-
Nevada: High fees, unclear protection for single-member LLCs, and a higher risk of fraud. Less cost-effective for most.
-
California & New York: Despite higher taxes, their large markets and strong business networks suit certain businesses needing local presence.
Company registration process in USA for non-residents: 7 key steps and requirements
Once you've evaluated your business needs, it's time to move into the core steps of company registration in the USA. Each stage is critical to ensuring legal compliance and smooth operations.
Step 1: Select a business entity
For most non-residents, an LLC is the preferred structure. It requires neither U.S. residency nor an SSN. For larger ventures or those seeking investment, a C-Corporation may be more appropriate. Once the entity type is determined, choose the registration state based on tax, legal, and operational considerations.
Step 2: Choose a company name and define business scope
Before registration, select a business name that is compliant, unique, and brand-appropriate. It should be easy to remember, pronounce, and ideally reflect your business focus or values.
Check name availability on the Secretary of State's website for your chosen registration state to avoid duplication or trademark infringement. Also consider:
Then, you can clearly define your business scope, including:
-
Industry and target market (e.g., tech, e-commerce, services)
-
Online-only operations vs. physical presence (store, office, etc.)
-
Long-term business model and expansion plans
This information affects licensing, tax obligations, and regulatory compliance.
➡️ Useful state name search tools：
Delaware：https://icis.corp.delaware.gov/ecorp/entitysearch/namesearch.aspx
Wyoming：https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx
Nevada：https://esos.nv.gov/EntitySearch/OnlineEntitySearch
California：https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business
New York：https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/
USPTO trademark：https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/search/search-information
Step 3: Appoint a registered agent
All U.S. companies are legally required to designate a Registered Agent in their formation state. This agent is responsible for receiving legal documents, government correspondence, and service of process (lawsuit notifications) on behalf of the company.
Requirements:
Failure to maintain a compliant registered agent can lead to penalties, loss of good standing, or suspension of business operations.
Estimated company registration costs by state
The estimated cost of the following chart includes EIN, government fees, and registered agent service
| State |
LLC Cost (USD) |
C-Corp Cost (USD) |
Processing Time |
| Delaware |
$485 |
$485 |
7–9 business days (expedited: 1 day for +$200) |
| Wyoming |
$405 |
$405 |
Same day |
| Nevada |
$735 |
$1,055 |
7–14 business days |
| California |
$375 |
$430 |
7–10 business days |
| New York |
$890 |
$430 |
1 business day |
Step 4: Submit documents
Based on your chosen company type (LLC or C-Corp), non-resident entrepreneurs must file formation documents with the state business registry:
These documents must include the company name, entity type, registered address, and registered agent information. After approval, you will receive certified copies and key documents such as:
-
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
-
Bylaws (for C-Corps, not filed but must be kept)
-
Operating Agreement (for LLCs, not filed but must be kept)
-
Shareholder agreements, meeting minutes, and stock certificates (for C-Corps)
After submitting documents, state filing fees are required. These fees are usually included in registered agent services, so sellers typically do not pay them separately. Fees vary by state, for example:
-
Delaware: around $110 and up
-
Wyoming: about $100 plus a $3.75 online processing fee
-
Nevada: approximately $420 for the first year, and $350 annually thereafter
Some states have additional requirements. For instance, New York requires LLCs to publish a formation notice in local newspapers for six consecutive weeks as a legal compliance step. Once registration is complete, you can check company registration USA through the official state websites to ensure it is properly recorded in the state database.
Step 5: Obtain an employer identification number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS. It functions as a business's Social Security Number for tax purposes and is essential for filing taxes, hiring employees, and opening a U.S. business bank account. Without an EIN, a company cannot operate legally in the U.S. financial and tax systems.
Non-residents can obtain an EIN by submitting IRS Form SS-4. However, if you don't have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)—which you can apply for using Form W-7 or through a registered agent—you won't be able to use the IRS online EIN application system. In this case, applicants must submit Form SS-4 via fax, mail, or phone:
-
Fax: The fastest option—typically processed within 4 business days.
-
Mail: Takes about 4–5 weeks to receive the EIN.
-
Phone: International applicants can call the IRS at +1-267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The caller must be authorized to receive the EIN and must be able to answer questions on the SS-4 form.
It's strongly recommended to complete Form SS-4 in advance before contacting the IRS. Also, note that the IRS limits the number of EINs issued per responsible party per day to ensure fairness. If you haven't received your EIN by the tax filing deadline, you may write "Applied For" and the date of application on your return—never use an SSN as a substitute.
➡️ IRS SS-4 requirement：https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-ss-4
➡️ IRS W-7 requirement：https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-7
Step 6: Open a U.S. business bank account
For cross-border e-commerce sellers who've registered a U.S. LLC, opening a U.S. business bank account and credit card is highly recommended. It streamlines financial management, enhances account security, helps establish business credit, and ensures tax compliance. If you plan to expand into the U.S. market or seek financing, a U.S. bank account is essential.
That said, if you're just starting and don't yet have an ITIN or plan to visit the U.S., you can still begin operating by using U.S. versions of Stripe or PayPal with personal or business accounts. These platforms support simple operations and are sufficient for most early-stage transactions.
However, if you plan to connect these platforms to your U.S.-registered business, always use the U.S. versions of Stripe or PayPal. Different versions may trigger verification issues, payout delays, or even account freezes, which can disrupt your operations
Bank account setup often turns out to be the most difficult part of the U.S. company registration process for non-residents. While forming a company and obtaining an EIN can be done remotely, most U.S. banks require the owner or responsible party to appear in person. This becomes the final and most challenging step due to:
-
The need for a physical presence in the U.S. (e.g., office or address)
-
Strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance
-
Possible requirement for an SSN or ITIN, despite having an EIN
-
Language and communication barriers during account setup
-
Significant variation in bank policies requires careful research and planning
If you already hold a personal bank account in the U.S., some banks may allow you to apply for a business account remotely as an existing customer.
Tips for opening a bank account
-
Prepare all documents in advance to increase your approval chances.
-
Use a U.S. phone number (e.g., Google Voice) and commercial mailing address (e.g., from your registered agent).
-
If serious about long-term operations, consider traveling to the U.S. to open the account and apply for business credit cards in person.
Common documents required
Opening a U.S. bank account as a non-resident involves stricter compliance checks. While requirements vary by bank, here are typical documents needed (e.g., at Wells Fargo):
For personal accounts:
-
Valid passport with visa page
-
Secondary ID (e.g., driver's license or another government-issued ID)
-
U.S. mailing address (friend's or virtual office address)
-
SSN or ITIN (depending on bank policy)
For business accounts:
-
Valid passport or government-issued ID
-
Certified copy of Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (C-Corp)
-
EIN Confirmation Letter
-
Operating Agreement (for LLC) or Corporate Bylaws (for C-Corp)
-
Proof of U.S. address (e.g., lease or utility bill)
-
U.S. phone number
-
Information on all beneficial owners
Step 7: Apply for business licenses and permits
Whether you need a business license depends on your business model and local regulations.
For fully online businesses, such as cross-border e-commerce, SaaS, or digital services, with no U.S. physical presence (e.g., office, warehouse, staff) and no direct sales to U.S. consumers, a federal or state business license is often not required in the early stages. Many non-resident sellers operating on Amazon or branded websites can begin without one.
However, you may need to apply for licenses or permits if any of the following apply:
-
You have a physical presence in the U.S. (e.g., office, warehouse)
-
You employ staff within the U.S.
-
You sell taxable goods to U.S. consumers
-
You operate in a regulated industry (e.g., food, healthcare, education)
To apply, you may:
-
Research local laws in the state, city, or county where you operate to determine licensing requirements.
-
Contact local agencies (e.g., Secretary of State, city licensing offices) if unsure about required permits.
-
Submit the application with supporting documents (such as your company formation certificate).
-
Pay the required fees and wait for approval.
-
Maintain compliance by renewing licenses on time according to local rules.
Since licensing rules vary significantly by jurisdiction, it's essential to consult the official website of the state or city where your business is registered or operates.
➡️ State website：https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/state-government-websites
FAQ about registering a U.S. Company as a non-resident
During the registration process, non-U.S. residents often encounter practical questions. Below are the most common FAQs to help you avoid pitfalls and move forward smoothly.
Who can register a U.S. company?
Anyone over the age of 18—regardless of citizenship or residency—can legally register a company in the United States. There are no nationality restrictions.
Is there a minimum capital requirement?
No. The U.S. does not require any minimum registered capital or capital verification. You can inject funds as needed based on your business growth.
Are there restrictions on business activities?
Generally, no. U.S. companies are not required to declare a specific business scope during registration. As long as your operations are legal and taxes are filed properly, most business types are permitted. Regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, education) may require additional licenses.
What is a company registration number in the USA?
In the U.S., there is no single national company registration number. Instead, businesses receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for federal tax purposes, and may also be assigned a state registration or entity number by the Secretary of State. These identifiers are essential for legal compliance, banking, and ongoing business operations.
Do I need to be in the U.S. to register a company?
No. The entire company formation process, including obtaining an EIN, can be completed remotely via online submission, fax, or mail.
However, opening a traditional business bank account may require the company owner or representative to visit a U.S. branch in person. Some service providers may offer support for remote account setup.
Can I register a company without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. You don't need a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to register an LLC or C-Corp.
You can apply for an EIN directly from the IRS by submitting Form SS-4 via fax or phone. An ITIN is only needed if you're subject to U.S. tax reporting or using specific platforms (e.g., PayPal) that require personal tax ID. Most platforms—including Stripe—do not require an SSN or ITIN to open an account.
Conclusion
Company registration in the USA for non-residents is a structured and accessible process with the right preparation. By choosing the appropriate entity type, meeting federal and state requirements, and preparing accurate documentation, non-residents can efficiently establish a compliant U.S. company. Hope the steps and insights provided here serve as a clear guide to help you navigate the process and establish a solid foundation for your business in the U.S. market.
(This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or qualified service provider in the relevant state.)