How to Form a Company in the USA: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Why Form a US Company?

The United States remains the world''s most business-friendly jurisdiction for foreign entrepreneurs. Turkish citizens and international founders can form a US LLC or Corporation entirely online — no visa, no travel, no US citizenship required.

The benefits are significant: access to Stripe and PayPal, USD-denominated income, global credibility, and a tax structure that often results in zero US federal tax for non-residents with foreign-sourced income.

Advantages of a US Company

• Global Payment Access: Stripe, PayPal Business, Shopify Payments, Mercury, and Wise Business are all accessible with a US LLC.
• Tax Efficiency: LLCs use pass-through taxation — profits flow to the owner without corporate-level tax. Wyoming and Florida have no state income tax.
• International Credibility: A US entity increases trust with international clients, partners, and investors.
• FDIC-Insured Banking: US business bank accounts are insured up to $250,000.

LLC vs Corporation: Which is Right for You?

LLC (Limited Liability Company) is ideal for most foreign entrepreneurs. It offers personal liability protection, flexible management, and pass-through taxation. No annual shareholder meetings required.

Corporation (C-Corp) is best if you plan to raise venture capital or issue stock options. It involves double taxation (corporate + dividend) but is the standard for startup fundraising.

For most e-commerce operators, freelancers, SaaS founders, and consultants, an LLC is the clear choice.

Requirements to Form a US LLC

• Valid Passport: No US citizenship or visa required.
• Registered Agent: Every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the formation state.
• EIN Number: Federal tax ID issued by the IRS — required for banking and tax filings.
• Operating Agreement: Internal governance document — not always legally required but strongly recommended.

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1. Choose Your State: Wyoming and Florida are top choices for foreign entrepreneurs. Wyoming offers maximum privacy and low cost; Florida is ideal for e-commerce and Latin American markets.
2. Choose Your Company Name: Must include "LLC" and be unique in the state database.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent: Required in every state — handles official correspondence.
4. File Articles of Organization: The official formation document submitted to the Secretary of State.
5. Apply for EIN: Free through the IRS. Foreign applicants submit via fax; processing takes 4–6 weeks.
6. Open a US Bank Account: Mercury, Relay, or Wise Business accept foreign-owned LLCs online.
7. Draft an Operating Agreement: Defines ownership, profit sharing, and management structure.

Formation Costs

State filing fees vary by state:

• Wyoming: $100 formation + $60/year annual report
• Florida: $125 formation + $138.75/year annual report
• Delaware: $110 formation + $300/year franchise tax

At Akkemik Consultancy, our US LLC formation packages start from $315, including registered agent, EIN application, Operating Agreement, and banking guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to travel to the US? No. The entire process is completed remotely.

Can I open a Stripe account with a US LLC? Yes. A Wyoming or Florida LLC with EIN and a US bank account qualifies for Stripe.

How long does formation take? Wyoming: 2–3 business days. Florida: 1–3 business days. EIN processing for foreigners: 4–6 weeks.

Will I owe US taxes? Non-resident LLC owners with no US-sourced income generally owe zero US federal income tax, though annual information filings (Form 5472) are required.