United States
8 company types available — choose the structure that fits your business.
Last verified: June 10, 2026
Why Incorporate in the United States?
The United States remains the undisputed global leader for startups, technology companies, and international entrepreneurs. Incorporating in the USA provides unparalleled access to the world's largest consumer market, a highly developed venture capital ecosystem, and globally recognized payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. For international founders, a US entity signals trust, credibility, and scale to investors and customers alike.
The Legal Landscape: LLC vs. C-Corporation
The US offers a highly flexible corporate legal framework, primarily divided into two popular entity types for foreign founders: the Limited Liability Company (LLC) and the C-Corporation (C-Corp).
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): Ideal for bootstrapped startups, e-commerce, and solo founders. It offers pass-through taxation, meaning the company itself does not pay federal income tax; profits pass through to the owners.
- C-Corporation: The gold standard for venture-backed startups. Investors prefer C-Corps (especially in Delaware) because of predictable corporate laws, the ability to issue various classes of stock, and clear exit frameworks.
Founders must also choose a state of incorporation. Delaware is the top choice for C-Corps due to its specialized Court of Chancery. Wyoming and New Mexico are highly favored for LLCs due to low fees, strong privacy protections, and zero state income tax.
Tax Climate and Compliance
The US tax system operates on both federal and state levels. The federal corporate tax rate for C-Corps is a flat 21%. However, state corporate taxes vary widely, ranging from 0% in states like Wyoming, South Dakota, and Texas, up to 11.5% in New Jersey. For non-US resident LLC owners, if the business has no US Effectively Connected Income (ECI) and no physical presence or dependent agents in the US, it may be exempt from US federal income tax, though informational filings (like Form 5472) are strictly enforced.
Banking Reality for Foreign Founders
Historically, opening a traditional US bank account required a physical visit to a branch. Today, the banking reality has shifted dramatically in favor of remote founders. Fintech platforms such as Mercury, Brex, and Relay allow non-resident founders to open US business bank accounts entirely online, provided they have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and proper formation documents. This seamless integration with modern financial tools is a major draw for global entrepreneurs.
Who is the USA Best Suited For?
The US jurisdiction is perfectly suited for high-growth tech startups seeking venture capital, e-commerce businesses needing access to US payment processors, SaaS companies targeting a global audience, and digital nomads looking for a robust, privacy-friendly corporate structure. Whether you are building the next unicorn in Delaware or running a lean, profitable digital business from a Wyoming LLC, the US provides the infrastructure to scale globally.
Why incorporate in United States?
- Unmatched access to global venture capital and angel investor networks.
- Global prestige and trust from international clients, partners, and suppliers.
- Favorable and predictable corporate laws, particularly the Delaware Court of Chancery.
- Direct access to the world's largest consumer market and enterprise clients.
- Robust digital infrastructure and seamless integration with top payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.
- Flexible entity types allowing for pass-through taxation (LLC) or structured equity distribution (C-Corp).
Key facts
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Population
- 349 million
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- GDP per capita
- $89,599
- Corporate tax
- 21% federal corporate tax rate for C-Corps, plus varying state taxes (0% to 11.5%). LLCs are typically pass-through entities.
- EU member
- No
- OECD member
- Yes
- FATF member
- Yes
Economy & ecosystem
- Startup ecosystem rank
- #1
- Global innovation rank
- #3
- Internet speed
- 308 Mbps
- Cost of living index
- 68.8
- English proficiency
- Native
Notable industries
Choose your entity type
Different structures have different tax, liability, and compliance rules. Compare them below.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-US resident form a US company?
Yes, there are no residency or citizenship requirements to form an LLC or C-Corp in the United States.
Do I need an ITIN or SSN to form a company?
No. You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to form a company. You will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which can be obtained from the IRS without an SSN.
Do I need to visit the US to open a business bank account?
No. While traditional banks often require an in-person visit, modern fintech platforms like Mercury, Relay, and Brex allow non-resident founders to open US business bank accounts entirely remotely.
What is the difference between an LLC and a C-Corp?
An LLC offers pass-through taxation and flexible management, making it ideal for solo founders and e-commerce. A C-Corp is taxed separately from its owners and is the required structure if you plan to raise venture capital.
Which state should I choose for my US company?
If you are raising venture capital, a Delaware C-Corp is the standard. If you are bootstrapping an online business, a Wyoming or New Mexico LLC offers low fees, privacy, and no state income tax.
Will I have to pay US taxes as a non-resident LLC owner?
If your LLC is a single-member entity owned by a non-US resident, and you have no physical presence, employees, or dependent agents in the US (no Effectively Connected Income), you may not owe US federal income tax. However, you must still file informational returns like Form 5472.
How long does it take to form a US company and get an EIN?
State formation usually takes a few days to a week. However, obtaining an EIN from the IRS without an SSN can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks depending on IRS processing times.
What are the annual maintenance requirements?
Requirements vary by state but typically include filing an annual report, paying a franchise tax or state fee, maintaining a registered agent, and filing the appropriate federal tax returns with the IRS.