Can you start a business in the USA for non citizens?

The answer is yes; a non-citizen can start up a business in the United States. United States regulations give a non-citizen the right to create and own an organization without his/her actual presence in the country or obtaining citizenship. Foreign entrepreneurs like to operate under the structure of an LLC and a Corporation, usually C-Corps, as these entities provide flexibility, liability protection, and opportunities to attract investors.

First, a non-citizen must choose a state of registration, as each state's tax structures, fees, and climates for doing business differ. Delaware, Nevada, and Wyoming are some typical choices due to their friendly business environments, but states such as New York and California may be good choices in the case of trying to reach a regional market. Once the state is chosen, incorporation filing must be done with the state's Secretary of State by submitting either Articles of Organization for LLCs or Articles of Incorporation for Corporations. Noncitizens will also need a U.S.-based registered agent who shall serve process and legal correspondence on behalf of the business compliance requirement.

Another essential step is obtaining an Employer Identification Number from the IRS, which would be the tax ID of the business. The number will be needed in opening a U.S. bank account, a requisition to actual financial operations, and filing taxes. While some banks require in-person applications for opening an account, a number of banks and fintech services have remote options for opening a bank account for owners of foreign businesses.

While neither the LLC nor the Corporation requires a visa to create, doing business within the U.S. has certain requirements with either a business or investor visa. Tax requirements can be varied, and usually, foreign-owned businesses benefit by consulting a tax professional to find the requirements for filing under the U.S. tax laws. In summary, with appropriate setup and guidance from professionals, a non-citizen can establish a lawfully operating business, enter the U.S. markets, and lay a solid operational foundation in the U.S. With the right guidance from One IBC USA, foreign entrepreneurs can smoothly navigate the process, access critical resources, and gain the strategic support needed to build a strong operational foundation and succeed in the U.S. market.