Opening a U.S. Company Without an SSN: What Founders Should Know

The US is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a tech startup, setting up a consulting firm, or selling products through e-commerce, a U.S. company can help build trust, attract investors, and tap into a massive consumer market.

But what if you’re not a U.S. citizen — and more importantly, what if you don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN)? Can you still move forward with your plans?

The short answer is: yes. You can complete company registration in USA even if you don’t have an SSN. While there are extra steps involved, non-residents can absolutely register a company in USA and legally operate it from abroad or locally.

This article covers what you need to know about USA company registration without an SSN, including legal entity types, tax IDs, compliance issues, and common challenges.

Why Foreign Entrepreneurs Choose the U.S.

Before diving into the logistics, it’s helpful to understand why so many non-resident founders choose company registration in USA:

• Global credibility and brand trust
• Easier access to U.S.-based investors and VCs
• Support for online businesses and startups
• Robust legal protections and IP enforcement
• Access to payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and U.S. banks

Even without an SSN, you can unlock these benefits with the right process and documentation.

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

The two most common types of business entities for foreign founders are:

1. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

• Simpler and flexible
• Pass-through taxation (profits taxed at the owner level)
• Easier to manage and maintain compliance

1. Corporation (C-Corp)

• Common for startups looking to raise VC funding
• Separate legal entity with corporate taxation
• Delaware C-Corp is the default for tech startups

Most solo entrepreneurs and small teams choose an LLC for ease of management. However, if you plan to raise funds or issue shares, a C-Corp is preferred.

Step 2: Choose a State for Registration

You can register your company in any U.S. state, regardless of where you live. That said, the most popular states for foreign entrepreneurs are:

• Delaware: Known for its business-friendly laws, court system, and privacy.
• Wyoming: Low fees, strong privacy protections, and no state income tax.
• Florida or Texas: Good for those planning to have a physical presence or hire locally.

Your choice of state will affect ongoing compliance and tax obligations, so pick based on your needs and goals.

Step 3: Register Your Company

To register a company in USA, you’ll need to file formation documents with the state’s Secretary of State office.

For example:

• In Delaware, you file a Certificate of Formation (for LLCs) or Certificate of Incorporation (for C-Corps).
• In Wyoming, you submit Articles of Organization online or via mail.

Most states allow online filing and approvals take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks.

Step 4: Appoint a Registered Agent

Every U.S. company must have a registered agent — a person or company authorized to receive legal documents on your behalf. Since you don’t live in the U.S., you’ll need to hire a registered agent service in your chosen state.

Costs range from $50 to $150 per year, and many providers offer bundle packages including company formation and compliance tools.

Step 5: Apply for an EIN Without an SSN

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a tax ID for your business. It’s required for:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees
• Filing taxes
• Using payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)

Normally, EIN applications are submitted online, but the IRS online system requires an SSN or ITIN. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to:

1. Fill out IRS Form SS-4
2. Leave the SSN/ITIN field blank
3. Fax or mail it to the IRS
4. Include a cover letter explaining you’re a foreign applicant with no SSN

You can also authorize a third party (like a formation service or accountant) to apply on your behalf using Form 2848 (Power of Attorney).

Processing times can take 4 to 6 weeks via fax and longer by mail.

Step 6: Open a U.S. Business Bank Account

Opening a bank account is often the trickiest part for foreign founders, especially without an SSN or U.S. address. However, it’s still possible.

Options include:

• Traditional Banks (e.g., Chase, Bank of America): Require in-person visit and substantial documentation.
• Fintech Solutions (e.g., Mercury, Brex, Relay): Remote-friendly and popular among international founders. Mercury, for example, allows foreign-owned U.S. LLCs to apply without an SSN.

You’ll typically need:

• EIN confirmation letter
• Company formation documents
• Passport and proof of address
• Operating Agreement (for LLCs)

Make sure your documentation matches exactly across all entities — spelling errors or inconsistent addresses can cause rejections.

Step 7: Understand Tax and Reporting Obligations

Even if you’re not a U.S. citizen or resident, your U.S. company may still have to comply with IRS rules. As a non-resident owner of a single-member LLC, you’ll generally be treated as a disregarded entity, meaning the IRS will tax you on U.S.-sourced income.

Some key forms and compliance items include:

• Form 5472 (Foreign-owned LLCs must file this annually with the IRS)
• FBAR (if you have foreign bank accounts linked to the business)
• State-level annual reports and franchise taxes

It’s wise to work with a U.S. tax advisor who understands international structures.

Step 8: Operate Your U.S. Business Remotely

Once your U.S. company is set up, you can run it from anywhere. Many Indian, European, and Latin American entrepreneurs use their U.S. LLC or C-Corp to:

• Accept international payments
• Sell via Amazon FBA, Shopify, or SaaS platforms
• Access Stripe, PayPal, and other U.S.-only tools
• Attract U.S.-based investors or clients

Having a U.S. business presence gives you a professional edge and greater scalability.

FAQs

1. Can I open a U.S. company without a Social Security Number (SSN)?
Yes. You can form an LLC or Corporation in the U.S. without an SSN. You’ll need to manually apply for an EIN via IRS Form SS-4 and complete additional documentation.

2. Which is better for non-residents: LLC or Corporation?
LLCs are generally simpler and better for solo entrepreneurs, while Corporations (especially Delaware C-Corps) are ideal for startups planning to raise venture capital.

3. Can I open a U.S. business bank account without visiting the U.S.?
Yes, through fintech platforms like Mercury and Brex. Traditional banks usually require in-person verification.

4. Do I need to pay U.S. taxes if I operate from abroad?
You may need to pay U.S. taxes on income sourced from the U.S. You must also file IRS Form 5472 annually if you’re a foreign-owned single-member LLC.

Registering a company in the USA without an SSN is entirely possible — and increasingly common among global entrepreneurs. With the right strategy and trusted service providers, you can overcome the initial hurdles and build a successful U.S. business from anywhere in the world.

Also Read: CFO for Startups: Why Strategic Financial Leadership is a Game-Changer