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Forming a US LLC: what to know before you start
The LLC (Limited Liability Company) is one of the most common structures used by entrepreneurs, freelancers and SaaS founders growing an international business. Here's, in full transparency, what it actually enables — and what it doesn't guarantee.
A US LLC can simplify an international business, but its relevance and obligations depend on residence, business flows and personal circumstances.
On this pageWhat is an LLC?
An LLC is a form of American limited liability company. It is owned by one or more "members" and is known for simple, flexible governance: little management overhead compared to other structures, light bookkeeping for small operations, and a clear separation between personal assets and business activity.
It is a structure commonly chosen by entrepreneurs who do not reside in the United States but who want to invoice international clients, use American payment tools, or present a professional, internationally recognized image.
The business benefits of a US LLC
Depending on your situation, an LLC can bring concrete benefits for growing your business — none of which is a universal guarantee.
- Access to the US market. Invoice clients based in the United States and present stronger credibility to English-speaking partners.
- Payments and online banking. Many international payment providers and neobanks (like Stripe, Wise, Mercury) are easier to access with a US entity — eligibility remains specific to each provider.
- Simple, scalable structure. Light governance, suited to a business just starting out as well as one growing toward multiple members or investors.
- Preparation for fundraising. A US structure is often more legible to investors used to US market standards.
- Introductions to the right partners. Depending on your needs, we can connect you with suitable banking, accounting, or legal partners.
Who it's for
Which profiles is an LLC relevant for?
The LLC often suits agile, internationally oriented activities. Among the profiles we support:
Freelancers & consultants
Invoice foreign clients and frame a business going international, without administrative weight.
SaaS & startups
Access US payment tools more easily and present a legible structure to future investors.
E-commerce & content creators
Structure an online business that sells to an international audience.
Executives & investors
Set up a US entity for a US presence, expansion, or better organization of your activities.
Full transparency
The limits of an LLC
An LLC is not a universal solution. It's important to know its limits:
- It's not an exemption tool. It does not make your tax obligations in your country of residence disappear.
- Not always ideal for fundraising. Investors often prefer a Corporation (C-Corp).
- Its value depends on your residency. Some countries treat this type of structure unfavorably.
- It involves filing obligations. In the United States (depending on its tax form) and generally in your country of residence.
After the administrative review, we may decline to begin formation or require prior tax or legal validation. That is a useful outcome too.
LLCs and taxation: what you really need to understand
The elements that determine the tax treatment of your situation include, in particular:
- your personal tax residency;
- the country where your business is actually managed (economic substance);
- the type of income generated by the business;
- the bilateral tax treaties between your country of residence and the United States;
- your filing obligations in your country of residence and in the United States.
The precise tax and filing rules applicable to LLCs owned by non-residents (IRS forms, state taxes, tax treaties) change over time and depend on each case. Their application to your situation must be validated by a qualified tax or legal professional before any decision.
Which state should you form your LLC in?
Several US states are commonly used by international entrepreneurs to form an LLC, each with its own rules on cost, timelines and privacy. The choice of state depends on your business, your budget and your goals — it is not a default choice. We coordinate the administrative choice; its tax or legal consequences must be validated by a qualified professional.
The main steps of formation
- 1
Administrative diagnostic
Collection of your business, countries involved, and goals to define the required steps and validations.
- 2
Choosing the structure
Name, state of formation, registered agent and drafting of the formation documents.
- 3
Filing and tax ID (EIN)
Filing documents with the chosen state and obtaining the federal tax identification number.
- 4
Setting up the access you need
Bank or payment account, invoicing tools — depending on providers and your eligibility.
- 5
Tracking annual obligations
Filings and deadlines specific to the LLC, to monitor every year to stay compliant.
- 6
12 months of support
We remain available for one year for administrative questions related to the steps covered by our support.
Our support
Forming your LLC, yes — but above all making it operational
Registering a company is only the first brick. What really makes the difference is everything that comes after: the tax number, the bank account, payments, then filings. That's precisely where we step in, end to end — so your LLC doesn't stay an empty shell but becomes a genuinely operational business.
Full formation, without traveling
We handle the whole formation — state selection, articles, paperwork and registration — entirely remotely. No need to be on-site or a US resident: you stay focused on your business while we manage the procedures.
The EIN, your federal tax number
Without an EIN, an LLC can neither open a bank account, nor use Stripe, nor invoice properly. It's a cornerstone, and getting it can be technical — especially without a US Social Security Number. We obtain this number on your behalf, from start to finish.
The bank account and Stripe: where many give up
This is the most frustrating step for a non-resident. On your own, you often hit refusals, endless supporting documents and weeks lost. We prepare your file, point you to the institutions that genuinely accept non-residents, and maximize your chances of opening an account and activating your payments — so your money finally flows.
IRS obligations: don't forget anything
An LLC owned by a non-resident must file specific returns every year — notably Forms 5472 and 1120 — whose omission triggers heavy penalties. We alert you to the main deadlines and help you organize the necessary information. Preparation, validation, signature and filing remain the responsibility of the client or a qualified professional appointed by the client.
Going further
Official sources
To verify the information yourself, here are official US resources (in English):
- IRS — Limited Liability Company (LLC): the federal definition and tax treatment of the LLC.
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Choose a business structure: comparison of US structures (LLC, Corporation…).
These links point to official US websites. Rules change and apply differently depending on your situation: we confirm them with our partner tax specialists for your case.
Frequently asked questions
About LLC formation
Is a US LLC legal for a non-US resident?
Yes, forming an LLC as a non-resident is a legal and common practice. What must stay compliant is how it is used and reported: genuine business substance and compliance with filing obligations in your country of residence and in the United States. We help you stay within that framework.
Do I need to move to the United States to form an LLC?
No, that's not required: many entrepreneurs form and manage their LLC from their country of residence. Your personal situation (tax residency, place of effective management) remains a key factor for the applicable taxation — to be reviewed with you.
How long does it take to form an LLC?
Timelines vary depending on the state chosen and how complete your file is. We give you a precise timeline after the initial diagnostic of your situation.
Let's check together whether an LLC fits your situation
No generic answers: we review your business, tax residency and goals before making any recommendation.
Book a diagnostic