US Incorporation for 
Foreign Owners

There are no federal or state U.S. laws that bar foreign residents from opening an enterprise in the United States. There is no requirement that you must be a resident of the United States or have a green card to own an enterprise here. Foreign nationals’ incorporation is almost the same as that of United States residents.

How to Incorporate

Incorporating a business in the U.S. means registering a legal entity in the state of your choice. Whether it’s Florida, Delaware, or another state, the process is straightforward. Below is a breakdown of what you should know, including how to open a U.S. bank account, obtain licenses, and complete registration. Need help? Contact us via phone (******), email, or live chat.

What should I do before I incorporate?

01

Step 1

Select a business structure. You have several choices: General Corporation, Close Corporation, Non-Stock Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Limited Partnership (LP). Choose the one that suits your objectives.

02

Step 2

Select a business formation package that fits your needs. All packages include state filing, registered agent services, and shipping. No hidden fees.

03

Step 3

Choose a business name and suffix (Inc., Corp., Co., LLC, etc.). Make sure it reflects your entity type and avoids restricted terms like “bank,” “insurance,” or “university.”

FAQ'S

You’re not required to form your company in the state where your business is physically located. You can choose any U.S. state based on your legal or tax preferences.

Our experts are here to help in real time. Through phone, email, or live chat, our incorporation experts can help walk you through the whole process and respond to your questions.

The Federal Tax ID, also known as an EIN (Employer Identification Number), is used for tax filings and banking. We help you apply for your EIN as part of your formation package or as a standalone service.

An S-Corporation is a tax election filed through the IRS. We assist you in submitting Form 2553 as part of your incorporation or separately. There is no IRS fee to elect S-Corp status.

There’s no requirement to open a bank account in your state of incorporation. Most clients open their accounts wherever it’s most convenient, near their home, office, or online.

Before Establishing Your Company

Listed below are the critical facts regarding the selection of the company title and business structure, and the purpose of a registered agent. These are essential steps before creating a legal business entity.

Indeed, here is the detailed description of the “Choose a Company Name” section, rephrased to closely resemble the structure, voice, and word count of your original material:

Choose a Company Name

Selecting the right company name can appear easy, but it’s one of the paramount choices you make when creating your business. Your company’s name is an overarching part of your brand, marketing efforts, and legal standing. Although there are no strict rules governing names except for state compliance, there are imperative best practices and guiding principles you can adhere to guarantee long-term prosperity.

A well-chosen name can make your business memorable, help build trust, and reflect your mission. At the same time, it must comply with your state’s legal naming requirements. This includes adding the correct entity suffix (like LLC, Inc., or Corp.) and avoiding restricted terms unless you have specific licensing.

Below are several factors to consider when choosing your company name:

Factors to Consider When Naming Your Business

Most businesses are started as individual endeavours, freelance ventures, or informal collaborations. Usually, the initial business name does not evoke an image of polish or have great recall value. If you are forming a new corporation, now is the time to select a name that reinforces growth, professionalism, and identity.

Here is how to do it strategically:
  • How will your name look in writing or online?
    Consider fonts, logos, and visual design when brainstorming. Brainstorm a complete list of possibilities.
    Include creative, descriptive, and aspirational words that align with your brand.
  • Which words best characterize your product, mission, or services?
    These are words that immediately connect your name with your value.
  • What emotions or connotations does the name evoke?
    A strong name should inspire confidence or resonate with your target audience.
  • Does the name reflect your business philosophy or values?
    If you’re building a purpose-driven brand, your name should communicate that.
  • Is the name unique and available? 
    Double-check your state business registry, domain name availability, and trademark listings before committing.

Narrow Down and Test Your Name

After you have narrowed down to three or five names that you feel best align with your business vision, spend time analyzing them further. Get feedback from potential customers or colleagues. Informal polls or surveys can also be done to see how the names fare. Name testing guarantees that it is not just legally acceptable, but also marketable and brand-friendly.

Registered Agent Services

All US businesses are required to have a registered agent appointed. This person or business receives compliance, tax, and legal documents for you. With Payverge, you have dependable, 50-state support and complete document handling included.

Without an Agent Registered

Your business can face suspension, fines, and loss of good standing. Allow us to protect you and keep you in good standing.

An Overview of Business Entity Choices

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • S-Corporation (S-Corp)
  • C-Corporation (C-Corp)
  • General Corporation, Inc.
  • Close Corporation (Inc.)
  • Limited Partnership (LP)
  • Delaware Corporations
  • Nonprofit Corporation (501(c)3)
  • Entity Comparison Tools

Maintaining a Business

Every state in the US features unique legal and compliance needs for both corporations and LLCs. Payverge offers an all-in-one set of tools and services that make it easier to remain compliant, organized, and growth-ready, from document filing to tax classification assistance. As your business grows, so does our support for helping it succeed.

Compliance & Annual Requirements

Business Licenses & Permits

Licensing varies depending on the state, business, and location. We assist with identifying and acquiring the licenses and permissions your business requires to operate legally and without interruption.

Bylaws & Operating Agreements

All corporations are required to have bylaws that contain internal governance provisions. LLCs need an operating agreement. We create, review, and supply these documents as part of our formation and maintenance services.

Coaching for Business & Compliance

Compliance can prove to be challenging, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs. We provide specialized advice regarding entity responsibilities, annual duties, and legal compliance to maintain your business’s smooth operation.

Compliance Watch

Payverge’s Compliance Watch is your complete online tool for tracking filing due dates, holding all your critical documents, and staying on top of compliance reminders. All business accounts come with it at no additional cost.

Registered Agent Services

All US-registered businesses are required to have their registered agent in the state where they are incorporated. This person or business accepts legal and tax notices for the corporation. As your registered agent, Payverge guarantees prompt delivery, privacy, and complete compliance.

Basic Business Tools

CORPORATE & LLC Kits

Store your legal documents, business files, and certificates in an organized manner with our professional kits that are meant for safe, long-term storage.

Certificate of Good Standing

We assist you in acquiring an official state-issued Certificate of Good Standing, which verifies your business meets all legal filing and tax requirements.

Certified Copies of Business Documents

Need official copies of your formation or amendment documents? Payverge pulls certified copies straight from the state for your files or filings.

Stock & Membership Certificates

We offer shareholder certificates or member certificates, which can be customized, confirming ownership and capital structure.

Written Consents

In enterprise-level decision making, formal written approval needs to be documented and signed. We assist in preparing and storing these documents to aid your legal compliance.

IRS Filings & Tax Classification

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN, or federal tax ID, is needed for business tax reporting, employee hires, and opening bank accounts in the United States. We can arrange EIN registration for all business forms.

S Corporation Election Form 2553

To take advantage of S-Corp tax designation, qualifying organizations are required to file Form 2553. Payverge can help with eligibility checks and submission at formation or afterward.

501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status

If you’re starting a nonprofit, we help you file for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt qualification with the IRS, assuring tax-exempt status and legal protection of your cause.

LLC Tax Election Form 8832

LLCs can choose to file as a corporation for strategic tax positioning. We can assist you in analyzing and submitting IRS Form 8832 to best position your tax classification.

Other Filings

It takes more than just formation to operate a business — routine and sophisticated filings are needed to stay compliant and in business. Payverge delivers full-service support for routine and sophisticated filings to help you adjust, scale, or shut down your business with confidence.

Register Your Business Name

The majority of states make it mandatory for businesses to register with an official business name or trade name. If you’re conducting business under your legal business name or DBA (Doing Business As), we ensure your name is accurately registered with state and local governing bodies.

Register in More States

If you are to conduct business in states outside the state where you were originally formed, you must file for foreign qualification. Payverge helps you get a Certificate of Authority to expand your business legally into new markets and abide by state-specific regulations.

E-Filing of Annual Reports and Taxes

Firms need to file annual reports and remain current with tax compliance to have good standing. Payverge offers an accurate, automated E-Filing solution that keeps track of deadlines and files your returns with the proper authorities, minimizing the likelihood of fines or suspension.

Amendments

If your business makes structural changes — for example, a name change, address change, or stock update — you need to file an Article of Amendment as a corporation or a Certificate of Amendment as an LLC. We prepare and file so your public record stays accurate.

Entity Conversion

Need to alter your legal structure? Regardless of whether you are transferring from an LLC to a corporation or the other way around, Payverge can guide you through the entity conversion, file the required documents, and achieve complete regulatory compliance in the transition.

Dissolution

When you need to shut down your business, it’s essential to officially dissolve your corporation or LLC with the Secretary of State. Failing to do so leaves you subject to state fees and filings. We walk you through the dissolution process to safeguard your business and personal liability.

Reinstatement

Fell out of good standing? Failed to file by the deadline? Payverge can reinstate your business by filing the documents required and paying any fees due, which can restore your entity’s active status and legal permission to do business.

Choose a Company Name

Define the Business Structure

Registered Agent