Start a U.S. LLC
as a Foreigner
A practical guide to form a Wyoming LLC, get an EIN, open a U.S. business bank account, and understand the main compliance requirements.
No legal jargon. Just the steps.
The process at a glance
Why Many Foreign Founders Choose Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the most commonly recommended U.S. states for non-residents starting an online business. It is not the only option, but it is a practical starting point.
- Simple formation process. The paperwork is minimal and the state is straightforward to work with.
- Relatively low yearly fees. Wyoming's annual report fee is among the lowest of any U.S. state.
- Privacy. Wyoming does not require member or manager names to appear in public state records.
- Common choice for online businesses. Many freelancers, e-commerce sellers, and remote service providers use Wyoming LLCs.
Check If Your Company Name Is Available
Before forming your LLC, confirm your preferred company name is available in Wyoming.
- Your name must end with LLC or Limited Liability Company.
- The name must not already be registered or too similar to an existing Wyoming business.
- You can search the Wyoming Secretary of State database for free.
Choose a Registered Agent
Wyoming requires every LLC to have a registered agent — a person or company with a physical Wyoming address who can receive official mail and legal notices on your behalf.
- Must have a physical Wyoming address — P.O. boxes are not allowed.
- Receives state correspondence and any legal documents on your behalf.
- Most foreign founders use a professional registered agent service.
Recommended service
If you want a straightforward option, this is the registered agent service I recommend. They handle Wyoming filings and keep things simple for foreign founders.
View Registered Agent Option ↗Form the Wyoming LLC
Once you have a registered agent, the LLC can be formed. The agent or a filing service typically submits the Articles of Organization to the Wyoming Secretary of State on your behalf.
- Company name — must include LLC or Limited Liability Company.
- Registered agent details — their Wyoming address.
- Mailing address — can be your own address, even outside the U.S.
- State filing fee — typically around $100. Processing is usually quick.
Once approved, you will receive your Articles of Organization. Keep this document safe — you will need it to open a bank account.
Fill Out IRS Form SS-4
After forming the LLC, the next step is getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. Foreign owners generally cannot use the IRS online system, so you use Form SS-4 instead.
Common SS-4 Fields
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Company name | Your full LLC name including "LLC" |
| Responsible party | Your full legal name (the owner) |
| Mailing address | Your address — can be outside the U.S. |
| Number of members | Usually 1 for a single-member LLC |
| Reason for applying | Started new business |
Download Form SS-4 directly from the IRS website. Fill it out completely before moving to the next step. See the annotated example below for guidance on which fields to complete.
Internal Revenue Service
government agencies, Indian tribal entities, certain individuals, and others.)
Get Your EIN From the IRS
You have a few options for submitting your SS-4. Here is a plain summary of each.
Open a U.S. Business Bank Account
Once you have your EIN, you can apply for a U.S. business bank account. Several providers now accept remote applications from non-U.S. residents.
Common documents you will likely need:
- Your LLC Articles of Organization
- Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
- A valid government-issued ID (passport)
- Sometimes: an Operating Agreement for your LLC
Online-Friendly Providers to Research
Requirements change — always verify directly with each provider before applying.
Understand Basic Ongoing Compliance
Forming the LLC is just the beginning. There are a few ongoing requirements to keep your company in good standing.
- Wyoming Annual Report. Due each year. The fee is minimal. Missing this can put your LLC out of good standing.
- IRS Informational Filings. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs may need to file Form 5472 and a pro forma 1120 each year — even with no income. Consult a tax professional if unsure.
To make tracking these easier, download the free checklist below.
Get the Free Compliance Checklist →Free Foreign Founder Compliance Checklist
I created a simple checklist covering the main setup and compliance steps. Enter your name and email and I'll send it straight to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions from foreign founders.
No. Non-U.S. residents without an SSN or ITIN can still get an EIN. The standard method for foreign owners is to submit Form SS-4 by fax or phone. The IRS online system requires a U.S. SSN or ITIN, so foreign applicants use the alternative methods instead.
By phone, you can receive your EIN during the same call if everything is in order. By fax, the IRS typically responds within a few weeks, though this varies with their current processing times.
Yes, several online-friendly U.S. banks and financial providers accept remote applications from non-U.S. residents. Mercury, Wise Business, and Relay are commonly mentioned. Requirements vary by provider, so verify their current policies before applying.
Yes. Wyoming law requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a physical Wyoming address. Since most foreign founders don't have a Wyoming address, using a professional registered agent service is the standard approach.
No. Delaware and New Mexico are also popular for foreign founders. Wyoming is commonly recommended for its low fees, privacy, and simplicity — but the best state depends on your situation. If you have specific concerns, speaking with a professional is worthwhile.
Ready to Start?
Starting a U.S. LLC as a foreign founder can feel confusing at first, but once the steps are clear, the process is manageable. Use this guide and take it one step at a time.