Can a foreigner open a corporation in the US?
John Hall
Updated on March 18, 2026
Anyone can form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the USA; you do not need to be a US citizen, or a US company. Foreign citizens and foreign companies can form an LLC in the USA.
Can foreigners open a corporation?
Although foreign persons can be shareholders of a C Corporation, unfortunately, they cannot be an owner of an S Corporation. Many states designate that an LLC can be owned by anyone, including a non-US resident.
How do you start a business in the US as a non resident?
How to Start a Company in USA as a Foreigner
- Step 1: Register Your LLC. To start the process you need to work with what is known as a “Registered Agent”.
- Step 2: Get a Physical Business Address.
- Step 3: Apply for an EIN.
- Step 4: Get a Bank Account.
- Step 5: Get a Payment Processor.
- Step 6: Set up a Bookkeeping System.
Can a foreigner be a shareholder in AC corporation?
Simply put — it’s not an option for foreign owners. Foreign taxpayers (and U.S. C Corporations) are ineligible shareholders in an S Corporation.
Can a foreigner own C Corp?
There are no restrictions on ownership in a C corporation – you can have as many owners as you want, and foreign nationals can own shares in a C corporation.
Is it easy to start a business in USA?
In the World Bank’s annual report on the ease of doing business, the United States ranks eighth out of 190 countries. But it was all the way down at No. 51 on the ease of starting a business, a ranking that weighs factors like procedures, time, and costs.
Can a foreigner be a shareholder of a US corporation?
Yes, under the U.S. tax code, a foreigner, non-citizen, resident alien may be an S corp shareholder. Said another way, an S corporation can be owned by a foreigner, non-citizen, resident alien. However, an S corporation generally cannot be owned by a nonresident alien. Many owners of companies in the United States are not citizens.
Can a foreign citizen form a company in the US?
The procedure for a foreign citizen to form a company in the United States is the same as for a US resident. It is not necessary to be a US citizen or to have a green card to own a corporation or limited liability company formed in the United States.
How to set up a foreigner owned LLC?
The steps to form your Foreigner-Owned LLC are: Highly Recommended: Hiring a formation service, such as ZenBusiness ($39 + State Fees), will mean that they will not only form your LLC for you, but also act as your registered agent.
How to open a US bank account for a foreign company?
Keep in mind, in order to open a bank account for a US company in your country the company documents need to be certified through a process called “Apostille/Embassy Certification” ( see below ). You might as well opt for opening a bank account in an offshore jurisdiction.