📌 Guidelines: Registering a US LLC as a Non-US Resident + EIN + BOI Registration

Step 1: Choose a State for LLC Registration

• The most common states for non-US residents:

  • Wyoming → low fees, privacy-friendly.

  • Delaware → popular for business structure, investor-friendly.

  • New Mexico → cheap and no annual reports.

• Check annual fees + ongoing compliance before choosing.

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Step 2: Register Your LLC

1. Pick a unique business name.

2. Hire a Registered Agent (mandatory for non-residents).

3. File Articles of Organization with the state.

4. Pay the state filing fee (varies: $50–$300).

5. Wait for approval (some states approve same day, some 2–5 business days).

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Step 3: Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

• EIN is required to open a US business bank account, pay taxes, and run Amazon, Shopify, etc.

• As a non-resident:

  • You can apply without SSN/ITIN by filling out IRS Form SS-4.

  • You may get an EIN:

    • By Fax → ~72 hours (fastest).

    • By Mail → 4–6 weeks.

    • Some professional agencies can get it for you in 1–3 days.

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Step 4: BOI Registration (FinCEN Compliance – Effective Jan 1, 2024)

• BOI = Beneficial Ownership Information report.

• Required under Corporate Transparency Act.

• Must be filed within 90 days of LLC formation.

• Information needed:

  • LLC name & address

  • EIN (once issued)

  • Beneficial owners’ details (name, DOB, address, passport/ID copy)

• Filing is done online for free at FinCEN’s portal.

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Step 5: Open a US Business Bank Account (Optional but Recommended)

• After EIN approval, you can apply for:

  • Traditional banks (if you can visit the US).

  • Online fintech banks like Mercury, Wise, Relay, Payoneer (non-residents can open remotely).

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✅ Timeline (if done correctly):

• LLC Formation → Same day to 3 days

• EIN → 72 hours (via fax)

• BOI Registration → Online same day

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⚠️ Important Notes for Non-US Residents

• You do not need to be a US citizen.

• You don’t need a US address personally — your Registered Agent provides it.

• You may need an ITIN later for tax filing, but not for LLC or EIN creation.

• BOI filing is mandatory — heavy fines for skipping.