Quick Answer
Yes — non-residents can legally run an online business in the US by forming a US LLC or C Corporation, appointing a registered agent, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, and opening a US business bank account. You do not need to be physically present in the US or hold a US visa. The entire process can be completed remotely and typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on the state you choose for formation.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Non-resident entrepreneurs across the globe are building and scaling US-based online businesses every day — without ever setting foot on American soil. The US market offers a stable legal environment, access to global payment processors, and credibility with international customers. But getting started requires navigating LLC formation, tax IDs, and banking in the right order.
This guide covers every step: from choosing your business structure to opening a US bank account as a foreigner — with direct links to the official sources you need.
Can a Non-Resident Really Run an Online Business in the US?
Absolutely. US law does not require business owners to be citizens, residents, or physically present in the country. The IRS allows non-residents to form and operate US companies and obtain federal tax identification numbers. The key is choosing the right legal structure and maintaining compliance with both US federal requirements and your home country’s tax laws.
Most non-residents choose between two structures:
- US LLC (Limited Liability Company) — Pass-through taxation, flexible management, lower compliance burden. Most popular for solo founders and small teams.
- US C Corporation — Separate taxable entity, better for venture funding and stock issuance. More complex compliance but necessary for certain business models.
Which US State Should You Form Your Business In?
State selection significantly affects your fees, privacy, and ongoing compliance. Here is a comparison of the three most popular states for non-resident business formation:
| State | Formation Fee | Annual Fee | Best For | Privacy Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | ~$90 | $300 franchise tax | Investors, startups seeking funding | High |
| Wyoming | ~$100 | $60 minimum | Asset protection, low cost | Very High |
| New Mexico | ~$50 | None (no annual report) | Budget-conscious, maximum privacy | Highest |
Delaware remains the default for businesses planning to raise venture capital. Wyoming is the top pick for foreign nationals prioritizing asset protection at low cost. New Mexico is unique — it has no annual report requirement, making it the lowest-maintenance option.
How to Start Running Your Online Business in the US: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps in order. Skipping steps (especially EIN before banking) will cause delays.
Step 1: Appoint a Registered Agent
Every US LLC or corporation must have a registered agent — a person or service with a physical US address who accepts legal and government documents on your behalf. As a non-resident, you cannot serve as your own registered agent. You need a professional service in your formation state. Business Globalizer provides US registered agent services for non-resident business owners.
Step 2: Form Your LLC or C Corporation
File Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (C Corp) with the Secretary of State in your chosen state. You can do this directly through the state website or via a formation service. Processing times range from same-day (expedited) to 2–3 weeks (standard).
Step 3: Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your EIN is your company’s federal tax ID — required to open a bank account, hire employees, and file US taxes. Non-residents without a Social Security Number (SSN) must apply by mail or fax using IRS Form SS-4. Online EIN applications are restricted to those with a valid SSN or ITIN.
Step 4: Open a US Business Bank Account
This is the most challenging step for non-residents. Traditional US banks (Chase, Bank of America) typically require an in-person visit with a US address and SSN. The practical alternative is a US business neobank — fintech institutions that support non-resident account opening entirely online. You will need your EIN, formation documents, and passport.
Step 5: Set Up Payment Processing
With a US LLC and bank account, you can access Stripe, PayPal, and other major payment processors. US entity status unlocks significantly better rates and acceptance compared to processing through a foreign account. Ensure your payment processor’s Terms of Service allow your business type and the countries you serve.
Step 6: Handle US Tax Obligations
A single-member LLC with a non-resident owner is treated as a disregarded entity by the IRS. However, if you conduct trade or business in the US — or if you have US-sourced income — you may need to file IRS Form 5472 and Form 1120 annually. Consult a US CPA familiar with non-resident taxation. The IRS has specific guidance for foreign persons operating US businesses.
Step 7: Manage International Payments and Currency
Running a US business from abroad means dealing with currency conversion. Use multi-currency business accounts or FX-optimized services to minimize conversion fees. Negotiate payment terms with clients and vendors to reduce exposure to volatile exchange rates. Consider trade credit insurance if you extend credit to international clients.
What Are the Ongoing Compliance Requirements?
Once formed, your US company has annual requirements that vary by state and entity type:
- Annual Report / Franchise Tax — Most states (Delaware, Wyoming, Florida) require an annual report and/or franchise tax payment to keep the company in good standing.
- Registered Agent — You must maintain a valid registered agent at all times. If your agent resigns without a replacement, the state can administratively dissolve your company.
- BOI Report (FinCEN) — As of January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act requires most small businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN. Non-compliance carries civil and criminal penalties.
- Federal Tax Filing — Even with zero US income, a single-member LLC owned by a foreign national may be required to file Form 5472 + Form 1120 annually if it had any reportable transactions.
How to Open a US Bank Account as a Non-Resident
Banking is the most common blocker for foreign entrepreneurs. Traditional banks almost universally require an in-person branch visit and a US Social Security Number. Non-residents have three realistic options:
- US Business Neobanks (Mercury, Relay, Bluevine) — Online-first banks that support non-resident US LLC owners. Require EIN and formation documents. Most can be opened 100% remotely.
- International Banks with US Presence (HSBC, Citibank) — If you already bank with an international institution that operates in the US, you may qualify for a US business account through your existing relationship.
- US-Based Fintech Accounts — Services specifically designed for international businesses needing US-style banking infrastructure, often with multi-currency capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US visa to run an online business in the US?
No. You do not need a US visa to own and operate a US LLC or corporation remotely. You only need a visa if you physically enter the US to conduct business activities. Forming a company, opening a bank account online, and managing your business from abroad does not require any US visa or immigration status.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a US LLC?
Yes. US law places no citizenship or residency requirements on LLC ownership. A non-resident foreign national can own 100% of a US LLC. The only restriction is that certain regulated industries (telecommunications, aviation, defense contracting) impose ownership limits on foreign nationals.
How do I get an EIN as a non-resident?
Non-residents without a US Social Security Number must apply for an EIN by faxing or mailing a completed IRS Form SS-4 to the IRS. Include “None” in the SSN field and note “foreign” in the responsible party section. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks by mail and 1–2 weeks by fax.
Do I need to pay US taxes if my business is a US LLC?
It depends on whether you have effectively connected income from US-based business activities. Even with no tax due, you may still be required to file Form 5472 and Form 1120 annually if the LLC had any reportable transactions. Non-filing penalties start at $25,000 per violation.
What is the best state to form a US LLC as a non-resident?
Wyoming and Delaware are the most popular states for non-residents. Wyoming offers strong asset protection, very low annual fees (~$60 minimum), and high owner anonymity. Delaware is preferred if you plan to raise venture capital. New Mexico has no annual report requirement — the most affordable option.
How long does it take to set up a US company remotely?
LLC formation typically takes 1–3 business days (expedited) to 2–3 weeks (standard). EIN processing adds 1–4 weeks for non-residents applying by fax or mail. Bank account opening at a neobank takes 2–5 business days. Total time: approximately 3–6 weeks when done correctly.
Key Insights
- Non-residents can legally own 100% of a US LLC or C Corporation — no visa, citizenship, or US presence required for remote operation.
- Wyoming is the top state for foreign nationals due to strong asset protection, high anonymity, and low annual fees (~$60/year minimum).
- Delaware is the preferred choice if you plan to raise venture capital or issue equity to US-based investors or employees.
- You must obtain an EIN before you can open a US business bank account — do not attempt to skip this step.
- Non-residents apply for an EIN by mailing or faxing IRS Form SS-4 — the online EIN tool requires a US SSN and cannot be used by most foreign nationals.
- Traditional US banks require in-person visits; US business neobanks (Mercury, Relay) support fully remote account opening for non-residents with an EIN.
- Even with zero US income, a non-resident-owned single-member LLC may be required to file Form 5472 + Form 1120 — non-filing penalties start at $25,000 per violation.
- The Corporate Transparency Act (effective January 1, 2024) requires most small US companies to file a BOI report with FinCEN — failure carries civil and criminal penalties.
- Your entire setup — from LLC formation to bank account — can be completed remotely in 3–6 weeks when each step is done in the correct order.
- US entity status unlocks access to Stripe, PayPal, and major payment processors at far better rates than processing through a non-US account.
- A registered agent with a physical US address in your formation state is a legal requirement — you cannot use a P.O. Box or your own address if you live abroad.
