The United States remains a premier destination for global entrepreneurs, with 95% of Fortune 500 companies incorporated in states like Delaware. Beyond brand prestige, the U.S. offers direct access to 332 million consumers, compatibility with global payment gateways (e.g., Stripe/PayPal), and robust intellectual property protection.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Business Structure Selection
- LLC: Ideal for SMEs due to pass-through taxation (profits taxed at member level) and minimal compliance. Annual maintenance costs range 300–800, varying by state .
- C-Corp: Preferred for investor-backed ventures (e.g., tech startups). Registration fees average 500–1,500, with flexibility to issue stock and pursue NASDAQ listings .
- Document Submission
Submit Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (C-Corp) to state authorities. Standard processing takes 5–20 business days; expedited services (100–1,000) reduce this to 1–3 days. Non-residents must appoint a registered agent with a physical U.S. address .
- Obtain an EIN
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) via the IRS website. This 9-digit identifier is mandatory for tax filings, hiring, and banking .
- Open a U.S. Bank Account
Major banks (e.g., Chase, Bank of America) require:
- EIN
- Company registration certificates
- Director/owner ID copies (passport/driver’s license)
Non-residents often need legal assistance to navigate KYC checks and initial deposits (100–1,000) .
Post-Registration Compliance
- Beneficial Ownership Reporting: New entities must disclose ownership to FinCEN within 90 days under the Corporate Transparency Act .
- State-Specific Obligations: Annual reports and franchise taxes. California mandates $800/year regardless of income .
- Licensing: Industry-specific permitsrequire separate applications .
Accelerate your U.S. entry with Jilian Group: Local registered agents, 24-hour EIN processing, and end-to-end compliance support.
