Starting a U.S. LLC if you live outside the U.S.

You can own a U.S. LLC without living in the U.S. The state filing is the straightforward part. The harder parts are the EIN, a bank account, and tax duties in the U.S. and your home country.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Last updated October 10, 2026.

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What you'll need

• Full legal name and residential address of each owner
• A business name (we check availability with the state)
• A U.S. registered agent in the state you choose (optional add-on: $89/year)
• Any identity documents our form asks for

Step by step

1. Choose a state. See the state comparison.
2. Appoint a registered agent. Required by the state.
3. File the formation document with the state.
4. Write an operating agreement. Usually not filed with the state, but banks often ask for it.
5. Apply for an EIN. See the EIN guide.
6. Open a bank account. Banks and payment providers set their own rules. Approval can't be promised.
7. Plan your taxes. See below.

Taxes to ask a professional about

We don't give tax advice. Questions a qualified tax professional can answer for your situation:

• Does my LLC owe U.S. federal tax, or only an information return? Some foreign-owned LLCs have IRS filing duties even with no income, and penalties can apply for missing them.
• Do I owe state taxes where I do business?
• How is the income taxed in my home country?
• Do tax treaties apply to me?

FinCEN beneficial ownership reports

On August 11, 2026, FinCEN issued a final rule exempting U.S.-formed companies from federal beneficial ownership (BOI) reporting. The rule still applies to foreign companies registered to do business in the U.S., and some states have their own rules. Confirm current requirements at fincen.gov.

Founders in India

• EIN: Without an SSN or ITIN you can't use the IRS online tool. We prepare your Form SS-4 for the fax or phone route. The IRS sets the timing.
• Sending money abroad: Payments from India are subject to Indian rules, such as the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme. Ask your bank and a Chartered Accountant what applies to paying for formation and funding the LLC.
• Tax: A U.S. LLC doesn't remove Indian tax duties and may add U.S. filing duties. Have a CA and a U.S. tax professional review your structure.
• Banking: Some online banks accept non-U.S. owners. Each decides on its own.

Before you start: passport and Indian address proof, your chosen state and business name, and a plan for how you'll receive payments.

Founders in the UAE

• The U.S. side works the same way: state filing, registered agent, then an EIN by fax or phone if you have no SSN or ITIN.
• Tax and licensing rules in the UAE differ by emirate and business type. Ask a UAE-qualified adviser how a U.S. LLC fits your situation.
• Banks make their own approval decisions for non-U.S. owners.

A detailed UAE guide is planned. Email info@fileusllc.com with questions.

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