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For foreign founders

Open a U.S. LLC as a non-resident — without the hidden traps

You don't need to live in the U.S. or have a Social Security Number to own a U.S. company. But the setup has steps — and a serious reporting requirement — that most formation services simply skip. We handle all of it.

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A U.S. LLC is one of the most attractive options for founders worldwide — it gives you a U.S. business presence, access to payment processors and banking, and credibility with customers. And yes, a non-resident can own one outright, with no SSN required.

The problem is that the cheap formation services treat a foreign owner exactly like a domestic one. They file the paperwork, hand you a certificate, and leave you completely unaware that a foreign-owned LLC carries a federal reporting obligation with penalties starting at $25,000 a year. By the time owners discover it, they're often already behind.

We set up your LLC as a non-resident the complete way: correct formation, an EIN obtained without an SSN, and the compliance picture explained clearly — so you start on solid ground instead of an unseen liability.

The step nobody mentions: a foreign-owned single-member LLC must generally file Form 5472 every year, even with no profit. We cover the tax side in depth on our foreign-owned LLC taxes page.

Who this is for

What we handle

LLC formation

Your U.S. company formed correctly, with guidance on the right state and structure for a non-resident.

EIN without an SSN

We obtain your federal tax ID even though you have no Social Security Number — a common sticking point.

Compliance from day one

You'll know about Form 5472 and your annual obligations before they become a problem.

One advisor for setup + taxes

The same licensed professional handles your formation and your ongoing filings.

How it works

Done remotely, wherever you are

1

Reach out

Tell us your country and what the business does.

2

We plan

The right state, structure, and steps for you.

3

We form + EIN

Company formed and tax ID obtained, no SSN needed.

4

Compliant & clear

You know exactly what to file going forward.

Common questions

Can a non-resident really own a U.S. LLC?

Yes. There's no citizenship or residency requirement to own a U.S. LLC, and you don't need a Social Security Number. The key is setting it up so you also meet the reporting rules that come with foreign ownership.

Do I owe U.S. taxes on it?

Not always — it depends on whether your income is "effectively connected" to a U.S. trade or business. But even when no tax is due, a filing is usually still required. We cover this on the foreign-owned LLC taxes page.

How do I get an EIN without an SSN?

There's a specific process for applicants without a Social Security Number. We handle it for you — it's one of the most common places foreign founders get stuck.

Which state should I form in?

It depends on your business and where you'll actually operate. We'll advise rather than default you into a state that adds cost or complexity you don't need.

I already formed an LLC through a cheap service. Am I okay?

Maybe — but it's worth checking. Many foreign owners formed this way are missing the Form 5472 filing without knowing it. We can review your setup and get you compliant.

Start your U.S. company on solid ground.

Free consultation, in your language. We reply within one business day.

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