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Kateryna Dzhevaga·IRS CAA · Authorized IRS e-file Provider·Federal practice (all 50 states)·EN · RU · UK
LLC Formation

Open a US LLC — for immigrants and non-residents

Full LLC formation support: state selection for your business, paperwork, EIN application, business bank account. Remote, in your language, no need to wade through IRS publications.

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Where the LLC came from

Wyoming — the birthplace of the LLC, invented here in 1977

If you're forming an LLC from abroad, you're using a business form Wyoming designed nearly 50 years ago specifically for foreign investors. Today the state remains #1 for non-resident-friendliness.

1977
year the first LLC Act in the world was passed
200K+
new LLCs registered in Wyoming each year
1–2
business days — average filing turnaround
$36M
in annual revenue to the state from filing fees
In 1977 Hamilton Brothers Oil Company — an oil and gas firm operating offshore projects in Panama and other countries — approached Wyoming lawyers with a request: "We need a structure that gives corporate protection but is taxed as a partnership. So foreign investors can come into the US without double taxation." Wyoming's lawyers studied the German GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) and Panamanian limitadas, and on March 4, 1977, the governor signed the Wyoming Limited Liability Company Act — the first LLC statute in US history. It was a complete innovation: no other state had such a form. The IRS treated the new structure with suspicion and only approved pass-through taxation in 1988 — 11 years after the Wyoming Act. From that moment the LLC began its triumphant march across America: by 1996 all 50 states had adopted their own LLC statutes, and today the US has over 21 million LLCs — the most popular business form in the country. Wyoming remains a technology leader: in 2021 the state was the first in the world to enact a law on DAO LLCs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), and the Business Division handles over 500,000 filings annually with a staff of just 11 — one of the most efficient government agencies in the US.
When people talk about "hybrid business forms" — partnership flexibility plus corporate protection — that's largely the Wyoming story. We created the concept for Hamilton Brothers, and it turned out to be so universal that today it's used worldwide.
— Colin Crossman, Director, Wyoming Business Division (Secretary of State)
Source: Wyoming SoS Joint Corporations Committee presentation (May 2023), 2024 Annual Report · Read the full LLC history on the blog →
Wyoming vs Delaware

Two states compete for the "best state for an LLC" title, but they serve different entrepreneurs. Wyoming — for non-residents and small businesses focused on minimizing costs. Delaware — for future startups, corporations, and any business planning venture capital fundraising or an IPO exit.

Corporate Capital of the US

Delaware — the gold standard for startups and Fortune 500 companies

If you're planning to raise venture capital, take a company public, or simply want access to the most refined corporate court system in the US — Delaware is your choice. 68% of Fortune 500 companies are registered here for a reason.

68%
of Fortune 500 companies are registered in Delaware
2M+
legal entities registered in the state
80%
of US IPOs go public as Delaware C-Corporations
1899
year the Delaware General Corporation Law was enacted
Delaware's history as America's corporate capital began in 1899, when the state passed the Delaware General Corporation Law — revolutionary for its time. It offered unprecedented flexibility for business: minimal disclosure requirements, low taxes, and fast registration. But Delaware's real secret weapon was the Court of Chancery, founded in 1792. It's a specialized equity court that hears exclusively corporate disputes — no juries, with judges who are corporate-law experts, with decisions in months instead of years. Over more than 200 years of operation, the Court of Chancery has accumulated an unmatched body of precedent: virtually every possible dispute between shareholders, directors, investors, and management has already been adjudicated. That gives lawyers and investors predictability — they know with confidence how the court will decide a particular situation. Per Delaware Division of Corporations data, over 2 million legal entities are registered in the state — twice the state's population (1 million people). 68% of Fortune 500 companies are Delaware-incorporated, including Apple, Google, Tesla, Walmart, JPMorgan, and Coca-Cola. 80% of US IPOs go public as Delaware C-Corporations — investment banks and VC funds simply don't work without it. The Delaware LLC Act (Title 6, Chapter 18) was passed in 1992 — 15 years after Wyoming — but by then the Court of Chancery infrastructure, the extensive Registered Agent network, and the state's reputation had made it the de facto standard. Today Delaware registers more than 250,000 new entity formations annually, generating over $1.5 billion in state revenue.
The Court of Chancery is not just a court. It's an institutional advantage you can't buy with money. 230+ years of precedent in corporate law means that when you incorporate in Delaware, you're buying predictability — the most valuable thing an investor or entrepreneur can have.
— Andre Bouchard, former Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery (2014–2021)
Source: Delaware Division of Corporations 2024 Annual Report, Court of Chancery statistics · Delaware vs Wyoming — detailed comparison →

What is an LLC and why 90% of Russian-speaking entrepreneurs in the US choose it

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legal business form that combines the best of two worlds: personal-asset protection from debts and lawsuits (like a corporation) + simple taxation and management (like a sole proprietorship). In plain language: if your LLC gets sued or accumulates debts, your home, car, and personal bank account are NOT at risk. Only the company's own assets. This is what "limited liability" means. Without an LLC, any lawsuit automatically targets your personal property. For Russian-speaking entrepreneurs in the US, the LLC has become the standard for several reasons: 1. Available to non-residents — no SSN, Green Card, or US residency required. Can be opened remotely from anywhere in the world. 2. Default pass-through taxation — LLC income flows automatically to the owner's personal tax return (1040 for US persons, 1040-NR for non-residents). No double taxation like a C-Corporation. 3. Flexible structure — single-member (taxed as sole prop), multi-member (taxed as partnership), or elect S-Corp / C-Corp when advantageous. 4. Minimal formalities — no board meetings, no formal minutes, no corporate bylaws. An Operating Agreement governs management and can be written however suits you. 5. Affordable — formation from $40 (Kentucky) to $500 (Massachusetts); a typical state runs $100–$200. Many times cheaper than equivalent foreign forms (LP, LLP, corporation). 6. Internationally recognized — especially with a C-Corp election. Foreign banks understand "US LLC" more readily than many other US entity types. When LLC is NOT the right fit: if you're seriously planning to raise venture capital (Y Combinator, top VC funds) — funds need preferred stock, which only a C-Corp can issue. In that case, register a Delaware Inc. from day one instead of an LLC.

6 key advantages of an LLC for immigrants and non-residents

Why an LLC is the most popular choice for Russian-speaking entrepreneurs in the US

Personal asset protection

Home, car, savings — separated from business debts and lawsuits. LLC creditors cannot reach the owner's personal property.

Pass-through taxation

No double taxation like a C-Corp. LLC income flows straight to the owner's personal return — 1040 for US persons, 1040-NR for non-residents.

Remote formation

Form from anywhere in the world. No SSN, Green Card, or US physical presence required. EIN obtained remotely in 10–14 days.

Flexible structure

1 owner or 50, you can switch tax regime (S-Corp / C-Corp election) when advantageous. Operating Agreement tailored to your situation.

Minimal compliance

No board meetings, no formal minutes. Most states require only one Annual Report per year ($0–$300). Far simpler than a corporation.

Access to the US market

Open Stripe, PayPal, Mercury bank, Amazon FBA seller account, Wise Business. An LLC is the universal key to US services.

How to open a US LLC — 7 steps

Full cycle from state selection to a working LLC with a bank account. Turnkey in 4–6 weeks.

1

State selection

If you live in the US — your state of residence (avoids foreign-LLC registration). For non-residents: Wyoming ($100 + $60/year), Delaware ($90 + $300/year), Florida ($125 + $138/year), Texas ($300 + $0/year). Avoid California ($800/year minimum) and New York ($1,500–2,500 publication requirement).

2

Name selection and verification

Name must contain "LLC" / "L.L.C." / "Limited Liability Company." We check availability via the Secretary of State database of the chosen state. In parallel — trademark conflict check via USPTO.

3

Registered Agent designation

Required in every state. Person/company that receives legal correspondence on the LLC's behalf. For non-residents, a commercial Registered Agent is needed ($100–$200/year). Cannot be the LLC owner unless physically present in the state.

4

Articles of Organization filing

The main formation document filed with the state's Secretary of State. Contains LLC name, address, Registered Agent, members/managers. Processing time: 1–14 days depending on state and expedite option.

5

Operating Agreement

Internal governance document — not filed with the state but legally critical. Defines ownership splits, profit distribution, voting rights, dissolution rules. Banks and IRS may request a copy.

6

EIN application (Form SS-4)

Federal tax ID — required for banking, payroll, taxes. For US persons with SSN — online in 5 minutes. For non-residents — by fax/mail, takes 10–14 business days. We handle both.

7

Bank account opening

Online banks for non-residents: Mercury, Wise Business, Relay. For US residents — local Chase / BoA / Wells. Documents needed: Articles, EIN letter, Operating Agreement, passport. Account active in 1–7 days.

Country-specific LLC formation

Tailored guidance and post-formation considerations for residents of:

🇺🇦
Ukraine
Treaty in force
🇰🇿
Kazakhstan
Treaty in force
🇬🇪
Georgia
No treaty
🌍
Another country
I work with clients all over the world — message me on Telegram

How much does an LLC cost

Total first-year costs for a US LLC: $400–$1,500 depending on state and needs. Breakdown: • Articles of Organization (state filing fee): $40–$500 • Registered Agent: $100–$200/year (required for non-residents) • EIN: free via IRS • Operating Agreement (via specialist): $150–$300 • Annual Report (from year 2): $0–$300/year • My turnkey service: from $299 Cheapest states for LLC: Kentucky ($40 + $15/year), Wyoming ($100 + $60/year), Missouri ($50 + $0/year), Montana ($35 + $20/year), New Mexico ($50 + $0/year). Most expensive: Massachusetts ($500 + $500/year), Tennessee ($300 + $300/year), California ($70 + $800/year minimum franchise tax), Nevada ($75 + $350/year), New York ($200 + publication $1,500–$2,500). Bottom line: a typical Wyoming LLC with my services costs ~$650 in year 1, then ~$160/year ongoing. Delaware is slightly more expensive due to franchise tax ($300/year), but provides the standard reputation for tech startups.
Compare costs across 50 states
Not sure if LLC is the right structure?
Take our 7-question quiz comparing LLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp vs Sole Prop vs Partnership for your specific situation →

Frequently asked questions about LLCs

Common questions from immigrants and non-residents about opening a US LLC

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legal business structure in the USA that combines the personal asset protection of a corporation with the simplicity of taxes and management of a sole proprietorship. The key point: your home, car, and personal savings are separated from the LLC's debts. If the LLC is sued or has debts, creditors can't reach your personal assets. Taxes are pass-through — the LLC's income goes straight into your personal tax return. There's no double taxation. It works for most types of business: freelancer, e-commerce, consulting, real estate, services.

Ready to open your LLC?

Book a consultation — we'll select the state, prepare paperwork, file with IRS, and set up your bank account. Turnkey from $299.

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