How to form a U.S. LLC as a non-resident

You can form a U.S. LLC as a non-resident without living in the United States, and without a visa or a Social Security Number. Non-residents form them online every day. With EXNNA, you place the order in about two minutes, we file it in New Mexico (NM), a U.S. state, and your documents land in your dashboard.

Who can form a U.S. LLC as a non-resident?

Anyone can open an LLC: any individual, with or without a passport, except people in the small number of sanctioned countries. Founders, freelancers, traders and online sellers outside the U.S. use one to invoice clients, sign contracts, get paid in dollars and hold assets in a company's name.

What do you need to start?

Less than you'd think:

• A company name and two backups, in case the first is taken
• The number of members (names are optional)
• An email address
• A card

No ID documents are needed. Everything happens online.

How do you form a U.S. LLC as a non-resident, step by step?

1. Company. Enter the name you want, two backups and the member count. Add the members' details if you want the Operating Agreement filled in.
2. Services. The registered agent is included for 12 months. Add EIN assistance for $50, or skip it.
3. Sign. Review the order and sign the service agreement online.
4. Pay. The total in U.S. dollars or in your local currency, where available, by card, online.
5. Filing. We sign the Articles of Organization as organizer and file them with the New Mexico Secretary of State.
6. Approval. The State usually approves in 1–3 business days. Your dashboard shows each step as it happens.
7. Documents. Download your Articles and your Operating Agreement (PDF and editable DOCX).

Here is how long it takes to form an LLC in more detail.

Why do non-residents choose New Mexico?

Privacy and low upkeep. New Mexico's Articles of Organization don't have to list the owners or managers, so with EXNNA as organizer and registered agent, your name stays off the public record. And a domestic New Mexico LLC files no annual report and pays no annual fee to the Secretary of State. See how an anonymous LLC works.

What comes after the LLC is formed?

EIN. The EIN is the LLC's federal tax ID. You'll need it for a bank account, payments and taxes. We can apply for it with your formation, or later. Read how to get an EIN without an SSN.

Bank account. The LLC can open a business account with a U.S. bank or fintech. They usually ask for the Articles, the Operating Agreement and the EIN. See opening a U.S. bank account for your LLC.

Registered agent. Every New Mexico LLC keeps one at all times. Ours is included for 12 months, then $99 a year if you renew. You can also name your own eligible New Mexico agent at the same price.

Ready? Form your U.S. LLC online and check every option on our pricing.

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