Nevada LLC for International Founders

H1: Nevada LLC for International Founders

Subheadline: eCorp is based in Henderson, Nevada. We file directly with the state. You can be anywhere in the world.

[Start your Nevada LLC today →]

Can Non-US Residents Form a Nevada LLC?

Yes. Fully and legally, with no restrictions.

The United States doesn't require LLC owners to be citizens, permanent residents, or physically present in the country. No Social Security Number. No US address. Founders from India, the UAE, Nigeria, the UK, Canada, and more than 150 other countries have formed Nevada LLCs through eCorp. The process is more accessible than most international founders expect.

Here's what you actually need:

• A valid passport
• A registered agent with a Nevada address (eCorp provides this with every plan)
• State filing fees (~$425 — included in eCorp's all-in pricing)
• An EIN (your federal tax ID — eCorp handles this on Pro and Premium plans)

That's the full list. No flights booked. No bank accounts already open. No US phone number.

Why Nevada Is the Right State for International Founders

Most formation guides tell you Nevada is "business-friendly." True — but that doesn't tell you why Nevada is the right state for someone forming a US LLC from another country.

Here's what actually matters for you specifically.

Nevada doesn't share your business information with the IRS. Most states report business data to the Internal Revenue Service. Nevada doesn't. This is a specific, unusual protection — not available in most other states.

Your name stays off public records. Nevada doesn't require LLC members or managers to be listed on publicly searchable filings. The registered agent's address is what shows. For international founders who value discretion, this is a meaningful advantage over states like Florida or California.

The asset protection here is the strongest in the country. Nevada's charging order statute means that if someone sues you personally, they cannot force your LLC to distribute assets or liquidate. They can only sit and wait for distributions — which you control. That protection is real, and it's backed by decades of Nevada case law.

No state income tax. Nevada charges no personal income tax and no corporate income tax. Other privacy-friendly states still tax LLC income; Nevada doesn't.

We're based in Henderson, Nevada. eCorp files your documents directly with the Nevada Secretary of State — not through a national processing chain. We know the state's timelines, requirements, and compliance calendar because it's what we do, every day.

What You Need to Get Started

No SSN. No US phone number. No visit to America.

A passport. Any valid government-issued passport works.

An LLC name. It must be unique in Nevada's business registry and must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company." eCorp runs the availability check as part of the formation process.

A registered agent. Nevada law requires every LLC to have a registered agent — a person or company with a physical Nevada street address who receives legal and official documents on your LLC's behalf. eCorp acts as your registered agent with every plan, and your registered agent's address becomes the official Nevada address on file for your LLC.

State filing fees. The Nevada Secretary of State charges approximately $425 for the initial filing: Articles of Organization ($75) + Initial List of Members/Managers ($150) + State Business License ($200). These are included in eCorp's pricing — no separate billing, no surprises at checkout.

An EIN. Your Employer Identification Number is your LLC's federal tax ID. You need it to open a US bank account, process payments through Stripe or PayPal, and file with the IRS. Non-US residents can't use the standard IRS online tool — it requires an SSN. eCorp handles the EIN application using Form SS-4 on your behalf (Pro and Premium plans). Starter plan founders can apply independently by calling the IRS international line (+1 267-941-1099) or by fax.

The Formation Process, Step by Step

Most eCorp international clients are fully formed and operational within 1–3 weeks. Here's how it works.

Step 1 — Choose your name and plan. Pick an LLC name and confirm availability. Choose your processing speed: standard (2–3 weeks), rush (3–5 business days), or express (1–3 business days).

Step 2 — eCorp prepares and files your Articles of Organization. We prepare your formation documents and file directly with the Nevada Secretary of State. Electronic signing. No notary. No US presence required.

Step 3 — The state approves your LLC. Nevada's Secretary of State processes your filing and returns your stamped Articles. For rush and express filings, we track the status and notify you the moment it's through.

Step 4 — eCorp obtains your EIN. Pro and Premium plan clients: we handle the SS-4 application with the IRS. This is the step that trips up most international founders applying on their own — we've done it hundreds of times.

Step 5 — Your operating agreement is drafted. An operating agreement defines how your LLC runs: ownership percentages, decision-making, profit distribution. Nevada doesn't legally require one, but banks do, and courts look more favorably on LLCs that have one. Included in Pro and Premium plans.

Step 6 — You receive your formation documents. Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation letter, operating agreement. You'll need all three to open a US bank account.

Step 7 — Open your US business bank account. Mercury (recommended for most international founders — fully remote, no monthly fees, fast approval) or Relay are the standard choices. Wise Business works well for multi-currency needs. Traditional US banks require in-person visits — not practical for most international founders.

After Formation: Banking, EIN, and Ongoing Compliance

Banking. Mercury is where most eCorp international clients start. Remote application. No monthly fees. You'll need your Articles of Organization, EIN letter, and operating agreement to apply. Relay and Wise Business are solid alternatives depending on your currency and transfer needs.

Annual compliance. Your Nevada LLC has two recurring obligations. The Annual List of Members/Managers (~$150) is due by the end of your LLC's anniversary month each year. The Nevada State Business License renewal (~$200) is due annually. Miss either one and your LLC enters default status — which means late fees and potential revocation of good standing. eCorp tracks both deadlines automatically.

US federal taxes. Whether you owe US federal tax depends on where your clients are located, what services you're providing, and any tax treaty between the US and your home country. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs are required to file Form 5472 annually with the IRS — even when they owe zero tax. The penalty for a missed filing is $25,000 per violation. Work with a cross-border tax professional.

International Founders We've Helped

eCorp has formed LLCs for founders from more than 150 countries. The most common situations:

• SaaS founders who need Stripe or PayPal access and want a US entity for credibility with US clients
• Freelancers invoicing US companies who require a W-9
• E-commerce sellers on Amazon FBA, Shopify, or Etsy targeting the US market
• Consultants with US client relationships who need a proper US business structure
• Entrepreneurs who already have a home-country company and want a US entity alongside it

If your business touches the US market — through customers, platforms, suppliers, or payment processors — a Nevada LLC gives you the structure to operate it properly.

Plans and Pricing

All plans include Nevada state filing fees (~$425). No separate billing, no add-ons you didn't ask for.

[Start your Nevada LLC today →]

Questions International Founders Ask

Do I need to visit Nevada — or the US at all? No. The entire formation process is remote. You sign electronically. eCorp files on your behalf. Mercury and Relay (the recommended banks) also approve accounts remotely. There's no point in the process where you need to board a plane.

Can I use my home address instead of a registered agent? No. Nevada requires a registered agent with a physical Nevada street address. Your home address in another country doesn't qualify. And you wouldn't want it to — the registered agent address is what appears on public filings.

What if I already have a company in my home country? It doesn't prevent you from forming a Nevada LLC. Many founders operate a US LLC alongside their existing home-country entity. How you structure the relationship between the two is a question for a cross-border accountant.

Does a Nevada LLC make my income invisible to the IRS? No — and be skeptical of any service that implies otherwise. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file Form 5472 with the IRS annually, even if they owe zero tax. Nevada's policy of not proactively sharing state business data with the IRS is a separate protection — it doesn't eliminate your federal filing obligations.

How long does the process take? Standard processing: 2–3 weeks. Pro (rush): 3–5 business days. Premium (express): 1–3 business days.

This page provides general information only. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. Formation requirements, fees, and tax obligations vary by individual circumstances. Consult a qualified attorney and cross-border tax professional for advice specific to your situation.