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Registering a business as non-residents of US

by jongeorge, Window Shopper

  • Created: July 1, 2009, 8:57 am
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10 comments

Hi, my partner and I are looking to setup an online business. We want to register our partnership in the US . However neither of us are US residents nor citizens. Are we still eligible to do setup in the US? If so, then can we find information pertaining to non-resident business owners?

 

Thanks

Jon

Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Starting & Registering a Business
‹ Help with Buisness Plan Where to establish business ›

ngoriel | Community Moderator | 4/27/2011 - 12:49 pm

Hi, Foreign business entities are incorporated at the state level in the US. The process will vary from state-to-state, but generally involves two steps: applying to register in that particular state, and establishing a registered agent with a valid address in that state (no PO Box numbers).  A registered agent can be either the business owner or another person who is authorized to receive legal papers on behalf of the business, such as an attorney or secretary. The rest of the steps to starting up are similar to those that an American citizen would take.  Click http://www.sba.gov/content/follow-these-steps-starting-business for the breakdown of "10 Steps to Starting a Business" which includes information on naming your business, requirement licenses and permits, and tax matters.   

BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 4/26/2011 - 11:03 am

To register a business in a state in which you do not live, whether you are a US citizen living in another state or you live abroad, you need to have a "registered agent." This is a person or business permanently located in the state in which you register the business who can act as the business's representative.  There are businesses that do this. However, you may want to be careful about such things as giving someone you don't know control of your US bank account. It is one thing for them to act as a "go between" for you with the state and another issue to give too much authority to someone you don't personally know.

Abundant Life Chiropractic | Window Shopper | 4/22/2011 - 8:35 pm

Thank you for posting, I am actively looking how to transition my california based business out of state.     Thanks, Dr. Cory Ignore your Health and It will go Away!
Professional Web Site: http://www.chiropractors-ranchocucamonga.com

comrob | Creator | 2/11/2010 - 2:27 pm

Hello jongeorge, maybe you can try to read this one http://www.start-a-business.com/inc-category/inc-usnonres.html, its about US Non Resident information for Company Formation. 
Professional Web Site: http://

AriM | Former Moderator | 7/1/2009 - 9:49 am

Jongeorge, welcome to the community! Check out this recent thread on a similar topic. You should also check out Business.gov's Starting a Business Guide. There you can follow a step-by-step guide of what you'll need to get your business of the ground. Keep us posted on your progress!

Scorpy | Performer | 5/23/2011 - 7:22 am

Show Replied Text…
Jongeorge, welcome to the community! Check out this recent thread on a similar topic. You should also check out Business.gov's Starting a Business Guide. There you can follow a step-by-step guide of what you'll need to get your business of the ground. Keep us posted on your progress!
  Hi Is there a mininum investment for non us residents and the rules are the same no matter what country I live?   thanks in advance
Professional Web Site: http://www.minijuegosvip.com

Erg Managerial | Window Shopper | 4/4/2011 - 8:09 am

Show Replied Text…
Jongeorge, welcome to the community! Check out this recent thread on a similar topic. You should also check out Business.gov's Starting a Business Guide. There you can follow a step-by-step guide of what you'll need to get your business of the ground. Keep us posted on your progress!
Hello everyone, I have managed to incorporate a LLC in Wyoming and got an EIN from the IRS. Yet, I cannot get a bank account (US based) for my LLC. I have contacted a few banks, Wachovia, Wells Fargo, HSBC, and a couple of local state banks and all of them require a US citizen or permament resident a signatoree of the account. Can you advice on any possibility to open a company account or is it impossible? Best Regards!

jenzy | Performer | 2/11/2010 - 7:27 am

hi, i have a similar question, however the link doesn't answer my question fully. I want to start an online business as a foreigner. the goods would stay in the us and also purchased in the us, so there is no import/export question. i have asked the local office of taxation, and they said it was fine, then i asked a lawyer, who is an immigration lawyer, so i dont know if his answers are correct, but he thought from what i told him in 2 sentences, that it is not legal. so is it or isn't it? how can i find out a CLEAR answer? I need help please!! 

ngoriel | Community Moderator | 5/23/2011 - 1:34 pm

Show Replied Text…
hi, i have a similar question, however the link doesn't answer my question fully. I want to start an online business as a foreigner. the goods would stay in the us and also purchased in the us, so there is no import/export question. i have asked the local office of taxation, and they said it was fine, then i asked a lawyer, who is an immigration lawyer, so i dont know if his answers are correct, but he thought from what i told him in 2 sentences, that it is not legal. so is it or isn't it? how can i find out a CLEAR answer?I need help please!! 
HI, check out our blog article on "Starting a Business in the U.S. as a Foreign National" at http://community.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/business-law-ad... . This article has information on setting up the business in the U.S. and tax information.

ngoriel | Community Moderator | 5/23/2011 - 1:34 pm

Show Replied Text…
hi, i have a similar question, however the link doesn't answer my question fully. I want to start an online business as a foreigner. the goods would stay in the us and also purchased in the us, so there is no import/export question. i have asked the local office of taxation, and they said it was fine, then i asked a lawyer, who is an immigration lawyer, so i dont know if his answers are correct, but he thought from what i told him in 2 sentences, that it is not legal. so is it or isn't it? how can i find out a CLEAR answer?I need help please!! 
HI, check out our blog article on "Starting a Business in the U.S. as a Foreign National" at http://community.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/business-law-ad... . This article has information on setting up the business in the U.S. and tax information.