出海Updated 2026-07

Form a US LLC as a Non-Resident: Remote, Step by Step (2026)

You do not need to live in the US to form an LLC. Why founders do it, the exact remote flow (state → LLC → EIN → bank → Stripe), which services to use, and when NOT to bother.

TL;DR: Non-residents can form a US LLC fully remotely: pick a state (Delaware or Wyoming are common) → register through a one-stop service like Doola or Firstbase and get your EIN → open a business bank account (e.g. Mercury) → connect Stripe and charge subscriptions properly. Worth it when you need Stripe billing, run a SaaS / storefront, or want a US entity for trust. Mind the ongoing cost: annual compliance and tax filings recur every year — if you are not yet at the scale where Stripe billing matters, Payoneer / Wise as an individual is enough. Do not incorporate for its own sake.

1. Why a US LLC

Collect USD, bill customers properly through Stripe, run a SaaS or independent store, and add brand trust. Past a certain scale of going global, it is hard to avoid.

2. Can non-residents do it?

Yes — fully remote: company + EIN (tax ID) + registered agent, no US identity, visa or address required. KYC runs on your passport.

3. Which service

One-stop providers (Doola / Firstbase) handle registration, EIN, bank account and compliance filings — far less friction than doing each step yourself.

4. The flow

Pick a state (Delaware / Wyoming are the defaults) → register the LLC → get the EIN → open a business bank (e.g. Mercury) → connect Stripe and start charging.

5. When NOT to

US companies carry annual compliance and tax obligations with recurring costs. If you are not yet at the scale where you need Stripe subscriptions, individual Payoneer / Wise is enough — do not put the cart before the horse.

Form a US LLC as a non-resident: five remote steps

Step	What you do	What you use
1. Pick a state	Choose your state of formation	Delaware / Wyoming are common
2. Register	File formation + registered agent	One-stop service: Doola / Firstbase
3. Get EIN	Apply for the federal tax ID	Handled alongside registration
4. Open a bank	Open a US business account	Mercury and similar
5. Get paid	Connect Stripe to bill subscriptions	Bridge spend on a US-BIN virtual card until the account clears

FAQ

Can I form a US LLC without ever visiting the US?

Yes. The whole flow is remote: passport KYC plus a one-stop provider handling registration, EIN and the registered agent. No visa, green card or US address required.

How much does a US LLC cost?

State filing fees vary, plus the provider's service fee and recurring annual costs (registered agent, annual report, tax filings). Get the full recurring annual cost quoted before you commit.

Does an LLC mean I can use Stripe right away?

Once you have the company, EIN and a US business bank account you can apply. Stripe reviews business legitimacy — have a verifiable website and a clear business description ready.

How do I pay for company subscriptions and ads before a business card arrives?

A prepaid US-BIN virtual card is the common bridge for SaaS, ads and cloud spend (cocodot issues one in minutes); move to Mercury cards and formal rails as you scale. For tax and compliance questions, consult a professional.