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

Open a US LLC from Russia

Remote LLC registration for Russian citizens. We account for the treaty suspension (2024), currency controls, and current banking restrictions. The full process with minimized compliance risk.

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TL;DR

Russian citizens can open a company in the US, but there are important nuances: • Company registration is possible — neither the IRS nor state agencies have citizenship restrictions • The US-Russia tax treaty has been suspended since August 2024 — the tax on dividends is now 30% instead of the previous 5-10% • Opening a bank account is harder — Mercury and Wise sometimes decline Russian citizens. Alternatives: Relay, Brex, or an account opened via residency in a third country (Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan) • Currency controls of the Central Bank of Russia — if you are a Russian tax resident, you must notify the tax authority of opening an account within 30 days • Recommended state: Wyoming (names are not published, inexpensive) or Delaware (the recognized standard). Avoid California ($800 per year mandatory tax) • Timeline: 6-8 weeks — 2 weeks longer than for other countries due to enhanced banking due diligence
📅 Updated: May 20, 2026

Can a Russian Citizen Open a US Company in 2026?

Yes, it's possible. There are no direct restrictions on company registration for Russian citizens — neither from the IRS nor from state agencies. Many of my Russian-citizen clients opened a company after 2022 and successfully work with American clients. But there are several important nuances: 1. The US-Russia tax treaty has been suspended since August 2024. Russia announced it first, and the US did the same in response. This means the tax on dividends from a US company to a non-resident Russian citizen is now 30% (it used to be 5-10% under the treaty). 2. Banks perform enhanced due diligence. Mercury and Wise sometimes decline Russian citizens. Alternatives: Relay, Brex, or opening an account via residency in Armenia / Georgia / Kazakhstan. I know which bank is currently accepting (the situation changes every month). 3. Currency controls of the Central Bank of Russia. Russian residents are required to notify the tax authority of opening an account abroad within 30 days. Once a year — a report on cash flows. Penalties for violations range from 75% to 100% of the transaction amount. 4. Sanctions risk. If the business is connected to regulated industries (oil, gas, dual-use technology) — a separate consultation with an attorney specializing in US sanctions is needed. I am not an attorney — that's a different specialty. 5. Time difference. Moscow is 7-10 hours ahead of the US. We usually schedule calls in the evening Moscow time / morning US time. For most IT freelancers, online sellers, and online consultants, a company is opened without problems. It's harder for those with substantial capital or a business in regulated industries.

Documents from a Russian Citizen

• Russian international passport — a photo of the first page and the page with the photograph. If the passport expires within the next 6 months — renew it before opening a bank account. • The address where you live — it can be in Russia or in the country you relocated to (Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Turkey, UAE). If it's in Russia — some banks ask for an address in a third country to simplify verification. • A selfie with your passport — a standard bank requirement for identity verification. • Proof of source of funds — a statement from a bank account (Russian or foreign) for 3-6 months. Mercury and Relay may request it. • A business description in English — what you plan to do through the company. 2-3 sentences. Avoid any mention of a connection to regulated industries. • Optional: if you plan large transactions — a legal opinion on US sanctions may be needed for the bank. What won't work for the bank: a Russian internal passport, military ID, SNILS, or INN.

Important: the US-Russia Tax Treaty Is Suspended

Since August 2024, the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation between the US and Russia (signed in 1992, in effect since 1994) has been suspended by both sides. This means: • Tax on dividends from a US company to a Russian citizen — 30% (the standard rate with no benefits) • Tax on interest — 30% (was 0%) • Tax on royalties — 30% (was 0%) • There is no protection from double taxation — taxes paid in the US are not credited against Russian taxes (the Russian tax authority does not recognize them). And vice versa. For owners of a US company, this means that if it pays dividends to a non-resident Russian citizen, the IRS will withhold 30%. Can it be recovered through a 1040-NR return? Only if there is an active treaty article — and there isn't one right now. If the treaty is restored (possibly after a change in the political situation) — the tax will drop again. But you need to plan for the current 30% rate. How to work around it: some clients obtain residency in a third country (Armenia, Georgia, UAE) — they become tax residents there and apply that country's treaty with the US. Armenia and Georgia have active treaties with the US. This is complex and requires consultation with a tax attorney.

The Process of Opening an LLC from Russia

6-8 weeks — slightly longer than for other countries due to enhanced banking due diligence.

1

Consultation (Telegram, 30 min)

We discuss your business, your current country of residence, your plans for getting US tax residency or not, and your client types. We decide which state and which bank fit your situation.

2

Preparing documents (1-2 weeks)

You upload your passport + supporting docs. I prepare the Articles of Organization (Wyoming or Delaware — my recommendation), the Operating Agreement (RU+EN), and the SS-4 for the EIN with careful disclosure for compliance.

3

LLC and EIN registration (2-3 weeks)

Online filing with the Secretary of State. The SS-4 for the EIN is faxed to the IRS in Cincinnati. The EIN arrives in 14-21 days (1 week longer due to enhanced verification for Russian applicants).

4

Banking application (2-3 weeks)

We apply to the chosen bank (determined at step 1). There may be multiple applications if the first one is declined. We prepare a backup option in advance. Approval timeline: 1-3 weeks, sometimes longer with requests for additional info.

5

Onboarding + currency control compliance

I hand over the credentials, LLC docs, and EIN letter. I explain how to notify the Russian tax authority of opening a foreign account (the notification form within 1 month). I help with decisions: whether to apply a third-country treaty or not, and which transactions to run through the LLC vs personal.

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FAQ — Opening an LLC from Russia

The main questions from Russian citizens about opening a US LLC in 2026

Yes, it's possible. The IRS and the Secretary of State of any state do NOT have citizenship restrictions when registering an LLC. Many Russian citizens have registered an LLC after 2022. The difficulties are mainly with banking (some banks perform enhanced due diligence) and tax planning (the treaty is suspended). With the right approach, this is manageable — I have a streamlined process with real cases from 30+ Russian clients.
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