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Opening a US LLC for VPS Business
Hi everyone,
I started my company earlier this year. The infrastructure (colo + servers) is fully set up and working well. So far, I only have two clients (friends), and now it’s time to grow.
To do that, I’m planning to open a US company. I’ve been researching how to set up an LLC as a non-resident, but there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. Has anyone here gone through this process and could share their experience? Or recommend a good service that helps with LLC formation for non-residents?
My business focuses on VPS services for clients worldwide, but I want everything to be set up properly and legally in the US.
Appreciate any tips or suggestions.
Thanked by 1nghialele
Comments
Any reason why you've chosen USA? If so, any particular state? From what I know there are significant differences.
https://stripe.com/atlas - you can check them ,have used in past.
But do know you will need an accountant/CPA in US to file your returns etc... + State Tax etc...
Wyoming is fast and easy for residents, and they allow non-residents to register a foreign owned LLC, though I'm not certain what that process in particular requires.
Any specific reason to incorporate in the US? From what I understand, it's always easier to get started locally as you'll likely have more resources to market and more experience to localize/customize for your clients. Once you reach a certain size, then it's about time to consider an expansion.
I would look at https://www.firstbase.io/ or https://stripe.com/atlas, they will help you with everything you need for a reasonable price.
I think Stripe registers LLC's in Delaware but Firstbase seems to support all 50 states. Most people chose Delaware or Wyoming due to local laws and taxes.
Thanks for the questions!
The main reason I’m looking at the US is credibility and global reach. Most of my target audience will be international, and having a US-based company usually helps a lot with trust, payments, and partnerships. Also, all of my infrastructure (colo and servers) is already located in the US.
In the near future, I also plan to acquire my own IP blocks, and I'd prefer to have everything, including IP registrations, under the company name from the beginning.
Since I’m based abroad, opening a local company would only be a temporary solution. Eventually, I would still need to open a company in the US to properly grow internationally.
By opening directly in the US, I’ll be able to sell not only to global customers but also to clients in my own country without restrictions.
As for the state, I’m still researching. Delaware and Wyoming seem to be the common choices, but I’m looking into the pros and cons, especially regarding taxes, annual requirements, and costs.
Appreciate any tips or thoughts you might have on this.
@phin
Here is what I did:
1. Register LLC with state
2. Obtain EIN from IRS
3. Review state requirements for LLC (department of revenue account, etc etc) - you can call the state and talk through
4. Look up local Small Business Developement Center (SMDC), they provide free consulting in most cases sponsored by state
5. Decide if you want to go S Corp route, most small businesses do this to optimize tax payments impacting owners
Paying a registered agent is usually not worth the money unless you just want someone else to do it.
I don't recommend registering a business out of your own country for long run. Take an example if you are in another country and get your business registered in US you will be charged currency conversion when transferring money from business account to your own. And ofcourse the transferred money will be taxed in your country as foreign income and taxed further based on taxation treaties between your country and us withholding certain amount, failing to do so might result in further penalties. For global expansion it doesn't have to be in US I have seen many successful companies operating on global scale and they aren't from US example, scaleway, hetzner, ovh, etc there are also many providers here who are not registered in US and they are doing an amazing job and serving customers from around the world.
You can incorporate quick in British Virgin Islands.
hahahahhahahahhahhahah
In what country are you located right now? Why you dont open a business there?
You can see more information at www.legalzoom.com
maybe exotic location for us?
I am currently in contact with a hoster to get a VPS in Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia and Peru. This is what i call exotic
for me, saarland is exotic!