How to Create a US LLC from Spain (or Any Country): Complete 2026 Guide
Forming a US LLC as a non-resident is much simpler than it seems: no travel, visa or Social Security Number required. This guide walks you through the entire process, real costs and the mistakes to avoid.
What is an LLC and why form one as a non-resident?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the most popular US business structure for international entrepreneurs. It combines three advantages that rarely come together: it protects your personal assets from business debts and claims, it has extremely low maintenance costs (in states like New Mexico, from $0 per year in state reports), and if you have no US economic activity it typically pays no federal income tax on its profits.
With an LLC you can open a US bank account, get paid via Stripe or PayPal, sell on Amazon or Shopify, and invoice clients worldwide through a US legal entity.
Requirements to form an LLC as a non-resident
- Be 18 or older.
- A valid passport from your country.
- An address outside the US (your home address works).
- A company name (it can differ from your brand).
- A registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation.
That is all. You do not need an SSN, a visa, a prior US bank account or any physical presence.
The process step by step
- Choose the state: for most people, Wyoming or New Mexico for cost and privacy.
- Reserve and register the name: Articles of Organization are filed with the Secretary of State.
- Obtain the EIN: your tax ID with the IRS. Non-residents must apply by fax (we handle it; it arrives within 7 days).
- Draft the Operating Agreement: the internal contract governing your LLC.
- Open a bank account: with the LLC and EIN, digital banks like Mercury or Wise Business accept non-residents.
- Annual compliance: state reports and, for foreign-owned LLCs, Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120.
The real cost has three components: state filing fees (from $50 in New Mexico to $500 in Massachusetts), the registered agent (mandatory, $50–300/year if hired separately) and EIN and annual compliance management. With our €600/year all-inclusive plan, year one covers complete formation and from year two you only pay the renewal.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Defaulting to California or New York: minimum annual fees of $800 and $25 respectively, even with zero revenue.
- Not filing Form 5472: the penalty is $25,000.
- Using your personal address as registered agent: illegal if you do not live in the state.
- Waiting months for the EIN by applying the wrong way: the online portal requires an SSN; the correct route for non-residents is fax.
Conclusion
Forming an LLC as a non-resident takes days if you follow the right order and choose the state well. If you want us to handle everything — formation, EIN in 7 days, registered agent, annual compliance and even a domain with professional email — get in touch and we start today.
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€600/year all inclusive: formation, EIN in 7 days, registered agent, annual compliance and a domain with professional email.
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