The short answer
Yes. Anyone, from any country, can own and run a US limited liability company. No state asks the owners or managers to be US citizens, permanent residents or visa holders, and the whole process happens online. Thousands of founders who have never set foot in the United States own a US LLC.
Five myths that stop founders
- "You need a US visa." No. A visa is about living or working in the US, not about owning a company there.
- "You need a US address." No. The state needs a registered agent's address in the state, which is part of the service. Your own address can be anywhere in the world.
- "You need a Social Security Number." No. The company gets its own tax number, the EIN, and the IRS issues it to foreign owners without an SSN or ITIN.
- "You need to travel to the US." No. Formation, the EIN and fintech bank accounts are all done remotely.
- "You need a US partner or nominee." No. You can own 100% of the company yourself. Avoid anyone who asks to be put on your company as a front.
What you do need
- A company name that is still free in the state you choose.
- A registered agent in that state.
- The formation filing with the state.
- An EIN from the IRS.
- An operating agreement, which banks and payment providers ask for.
All five are in one package with startyour.llc, filed within 48 hours.
What owning a US company does not do
It does not give you a visa, residency or the right to work in the United States, and it does not change where you pay personal income tax. If you plan to move to the US or hire people there, talk to an immigration lawyer and a tax adviser first.
Why founders abroad do it
Access to Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments and US marketplaces; getting paid in dollars; credibility with American clients and investors; and one simple company structure for a business that sells worldwide.
Frequently asked
Do I need to be a US citizen to own an LLC?
No. US citizenship or residency is not required in any state.
Can I be the only owner?
Yes. A single-member LLC with one foreign owner is common and fully legal.
Do I have to visit the US?
No. Everything, including the bank account with fintech banks, can be done from abroad.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; check your own situation with a professional.