get paid in usd as a freelancer

How to Register a US LLC as a Non-Resident to Get Paid for Remote Work

For digital nomads, freelancers, and agency owners living outside the US, a US Limited Liability Company (LLC) acts as a bridge to the global economy. It allows you to invoice clients professionally, access payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, and hold funds in stable USD bank accounts.

The best part? You do not need to be a US citizen, have a US visa, or ever visit the United States to register a US LLC.

Phase 1: Choosing the Right State

While you can register a US LLC in any of the 50 states, 90% of non-resident remote workers should choose between Wyoming and Delaware.

Option A: Wyoming (The Best for Remote Solopreneurs)

Wyoming is widely considered the gold standard for non-residents who simply want to accept payments and hold money.

• Pros: Lower annual fees (~$60/year), no state income tax, and high privacy (they don’t list owner names on public records).

• Cons: Not ideal if you plan to raise venture capital later.

Option B: Delaware (The Best for Startups)

• Pros: The international standard for corporate law. If you plan to raise money from investors (VCs/Angels), they will require a Delaware C-Corp or LLC.

• Cons: Higher maintenance costs ($300/year Franchise Tax) and more expensive filing fees.

Option C: New Mexico (The Budget Option)

• Pros: Very low startup costs and effectively $0 in annual state reporting fees.

• Cons: Less prestige than Delaware/Wyoming; banking can sometimes be slightly stricter with New Mexico entities compared to the “Big Two.”

Recommendation: If you are a freelancer, consultant, or e-commerce seller, go with Wyoming.

Phase 2: The Formation Process

You have two paths: “Do It Yourself” (cheaper but complex) or “Done For You” (recommended).

Path 1: The “Done For You” Services (Recommended)

These companies specialize in helping non-residents. They bundle the registered agent, state filing, and EIN application into one fee.

1. Firstbase.io – Very popular for tech-focused founders. They often include perks like AWS credits.

   • Website: Firstbase.io

2. Doola – Excellent specifically for non-residents. They offer a “banking ready” setup and handle annual compliance well.

   • Website: Doola.com

3. Northwest Registered Agent – Known for privacy and great customer support. Good if you want a simpler, non-tech-focused approach.

   • Website: Northwestregisteredagent.com

Path 2: The DIY Method

If you want to save money, you can do it manually:

1. Hire a Registered Agent: You legally need a physical address in the state to receive government mail. You cannot use a PO Box.

   • Service: Wyoming Agents ($25/year)

2. File Articles of Organization: Go to the Wyoming Secretary of State website and file online.

   • Cost: ~$100 one-time fee.

   • Website: Wyoming Secretary of State

Phase 3: Getting Your EIN (The Tricky Part)

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the tax ID for your business. You cannot open a bank account without it.

Since you do not have a US Social Security Number (SSN), you cannot apply online via the IRS website. You must use Form SS-4.

How to get it as a Non-Resident:

1. Download Form SS-4: Get it directly from the IRS Website.

2. Fill it out:

   • Line 7b: Write “Foreign” (do not fake an SSN).

   • Line 10: Check “Started a new business.”

3. Fax it to the IRS: This sounds outdated, but it is the standard method for foreigners. Fax the completed form to the IRS International EIN team at 1-855-641-6935.

4. Wait: It typically takes 14–30 business days to receive your EIN confirmation letter (Form CP 575) back via fax or mail.

Tip: If you use a service like Doola or Firstbase, they handle this faxing process for you.

Phase 4: How to Open a US Business Bank Account as a Non-Resident (No SSN Required)

This is the single most critical step in your journey. Once you have your LLC and EIN, you need a place to hold your dollars. However, this is also where most international founders get stuck because they attempt to use “traditional” banking methods suited for US residents.

If you walk into a branch of Chase, Wells Fargo, or Bank of America, they will almost certainly require you to be physically present and possess a Social Security Number (SSN). Since you are a non-resident remote worker, this is a dead end.

Instead, you must utilize fintech business banking platforms. These institutions are tech-first, friendly to non-residents, and allow you to open a US business bank account non-resident entirely online.

Top Banking Options for International Founders

Here are the three best platforms that allow you to apply for a business bank account without an SSN.

1. Mercury (The Gold Standard for Startups) Mercury is widely considered the best banking solution for digital nomads and tech startups. They are not a traditional bank but a financial technology company that partners with FDIC-insured banks to store your funds.

• Why it wins: Zero monthly fees, no minimum opening deposit, and a user interface designed for remote teams.

• Key Feature: They offer virtual cards immediately upon approval, meaning you can get a virtual debit card for international business expenses (like hosting or ads) instantly.

• Requirements: LLC Articles of Organization, EIN Letter (CP 575), and your foreign passport.

• Website: Mercury.com

2. Relay Financial (The Best for Budgeting) If Mercury is the “startup” bank, Relay is the “management” bank. Relay allows you to open multiple checking accounts (up to 20) for free, which is excellent for “Profit First” accounting methods.

• Why it wins: You can issue up to 50 physical or virtual Mastercard debit cards, making it easy to manage spending for different departments or employees.

• Integration: It syncs perfectly with Xero and QuickBooks Online.

• Website: Relayfi.com

3. Wise Business (The Best “Mercury Alternative”) Sometimes, compliance departments at Mercury or Relay may reject an application based on your specific country of residence or business industry. In this case, Wise Business (formerly TransferWise) is your safety net.

• Why it wins: Wise is not just a bank account; it is a multi-currency wallet. You can hold 50+ currencies and exchange them at the mid-market rate.

• The Fees: Unlike Mercury, Wise often charges a small one-time setup fee (approx. $31 USD) to get your US routing and account numbers, but the savings on currency conversion make it worth it.

• Website: Wise.com

Pro Tip: When filling out your banking application, be extremely specific about your business activities. Vague answers like “Consulting” often trigger manual reviews. Instead, use specific phrasing like “I provide digital marketing strategy and SEO consulting to US-based SaaS companies.”

Phase 5: Configuring Your Payment Gateways (Stripe & PayPal)

Once your bank account is active, you need a “Point of Sale” to actually charge clients credit cards. You cannot just ask clients to wire transfer money to your bank for every $50 project. You need a payment processor.

Setting Up Stripe for Non-US Citizens

Stripe is the industry standard for accepting credit card payments online. The good news is that a Stripe US account is far more stable and feature-rich than Stripe accounts in many other regions.

How to activate it:

1. Business Type: Select “Company” > “LLC”.

2. Personal Details: Use your home country residential address and phone number. Do not fake a US address here; they verify identity using your passport.

3. Business Details: Use your Wyoming or Delaware Registered Agent address.

4. Bank Account: Connect your new Mercury, Relay, or Wise account using the routing and account number.

Addressing the SSN Field: When Stripe asks for your SSN, there is often a checkbox or alternative option to “Provide EIN” or upload ID documents for non-residents. If forced to enter a number, and you do not have an SSN or ITIN, contact Stripe support immediately before entering random numbers, or you risk being banned.

PayPal US vs. PayPal Local

A common question is: “Should I open a US PayPal account?” Generally, the answer is no. PayPal US is notorious for freezing accounts that access the platform from foreign IP addresses.

The Strategy:

1. Open a PayPal Business account in your home country.

2. Link your Wise Business US bank details to it.

3. When you withdraw funds from PayPal, send them to the US account details provided by Wise.

4. This allows you to accept PayPal without risking a US account ban.

Phase 6: Understanding Taxes (ECI vs. FDAP)

Disclaimer: I am an AI, not a CPA. This is general information.

The US has a unique tax situation for non-resident LLCs called Pass-Through Taxation.

1. The LLC itself pays $0 tax. Profits “pass through” to you, the owner.

2. You, the owner, are a non-resident.

When do you NOT pay US taxes? If you meet these three criteria, your income is often effectively $0 tax in the US (though you likely owe tax in your home country):

1. You are not a US citizen/Green Card holder.

2. You have no physical operations in the US (no office, no employees).

3. You are performing the work from outside the US.

In IRS terms, this means you do not have “Effectively Connected Income” (ECI). You are simply exporting services to the US.

The Golden Rule: You must file Form 5472 and Form 1120 annually with the IRS to declare your information, even if you owe $0 taxes. Failure to file this form carries a penalty of $25,000+.

Summary Checklist

1. Select State: Wyoming (Recommended).

2. Hire Registered Agent: Secure a US address.

3. File LLC: Submit Articles of Organization.

4. Get EIN: Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS.

5. Open Bank: Apply to Mercury or Relay.

6. Get Paid: Connect Stripe/Wise to your new bank.

7. Stay Compliant: File Form 5472 every April.

Useful Resources List

• IRS Form SS-4: Download Here

• Wyoming Secretary of State: Business Search

• Doola (Formation Service): Doola.com

• Mercury (Banking): Mercury.com