Create a company in the USA as a foreigner: our incorporation services

Creating a company in the USA as a foreign entrepreneur, nonresident, or investor involves navigating a complex legal and tax environment. From choosing the right structure—LLC, Corporation, or Branch—to meeting state requirements, filing the correct documents, and opening a U.S. bank account, each step must comply with American law. Whether you’re based in France or another country, our service is designed to make this process easy and secure.

At Expand CPA, we manage every step of your company formation: selecting the legal entity, acting as your registered agent, applying for your EIN (Employer Identification Number), opening a business bank account, and ensuring compliance with U.S. tax and corporate law. We simplify paperwork, reduce delays, and help you meet all mandatory requirements as a foreign owner.

With expert advisors, local partners, and bilingual support, we help you form and manage your U.S. entity—whether you’re launching a new venture, attracting capital, hiring employees, or protecting your assets. Our services are tailored for international clients looking to start a business in the world’s largest economy, with full visibility on cost, timeframes, and legal requirements.

SERVICES

Our key services

Project analysis and selection of the most suitable legal structure (LLC, C-Corp, etc.)

Company formation and registration with the appropriate U.S. authorities

Preparation and filing of required documents: articles of incorporation, forms, shareholder information

Payment of incorporation fees and compliance with administrative deadlines

EIN (Employer Identification Number) application and registration with the IRS

Assistance with opening a U.S. business bank account

Ongoing federal and state tax compliance: filings, payments, reporting

Bookkeeping and preparation of financial statements

Annual renewal of your company’s registration in the selected state

Updates for legal structure or capital share changes

End-to-end incorporation support for foreign entrepreneurs

We provide expert support throughout the entire company formation process in the United States. Whether you’re an individual entrepreneur, a foreign company, or an investor planning to enter the U.S. market, we assist with every legal, tax, and administrative requirement involved in setting up your business entity.

We act as your representative with U.S. authorities to ensure smooth registration, from filing formation documents to obtaining your EIN and fulfilling all mandatory compliance steps. Our team also helps you select the optimal business entity —LLC, C-Corp, or other—based on your plan, liability concerns, and international tax position.

Once your company is registered, we continue to assist with business bank account setup, tax reporting, bookkeeping, and the annual renewal of your company’s registration. We also manage all necessary updates if there are changes in ownership, structure, or share distribution. With Expand CPA, your U.S. business is fully supported from day one.

Choose the right business structure for your U.S. company

Selecting the right legal structure is a crucial step when starting a company in the U.S. as a foreigner. Your choice will impact your tax obligations, personal liability, administrative requirements, and long-term growth strategy. Expand CPA helps you evaluate the most suitable entity based on your business goals, investment plan, and country of residence.

Here are the most common types of legal entities for foreign entrepreneurs:

LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers flexibility, limited liability protection, and pass-through taxation. It is a popular option for foreign owners due to its simplified operations and fewer formalities.
C-Corporation: A more formal structure designed for businesses planning to raise capital, issue shares, or bring in investors. It allows for separate taxation of the company and its shareholders, which may help manage global tax exposure.
Sole Proprietorship & General Partnership: Simple structures with minimal administrative burden, but limited asset protection. These are generally less recommended for foreign nationals due to legal and liability risks.

Each entity type comes with specific registration, reporting, and tax requirements. We guide you through the decision process and help you apply for the appropriate structure and documentation.

Why choose Expand CPA?

Choosing Expand CPA means partnering with a firm that specializes in supporting foreign entrepreneurs launching their business in the United States.

We provide personalized guidance throughout the incorporation process, clear advice on the best legal entity, visa requirements and full management of your tax and administrative obligations—both in English and French.

Our clients benefit from direct access to local experts, including certified public accountants (CPAs), registered agents, and banking partners, ensuring every step is handled with precision and transparency.

Frequently asked questions

How to start a business in the USA as a foreigner?

Starting a business in the USA requires choosing a legal structure (such as an LLC or Corporation), preparing and filing your registration documents, obtaining an EIN, and opening a U.S. business bank account. Foreign entrepreneurs must also comply with local tax and reporting rules. Expand CPA guides you through every step to successfully open a business in the USA with full compliance.

How to register a company in the US?

Company registration in the U.S. involves selecting a business name, appointing a registered agent, and filing incorporation documents with the relevant state authority. Once registered, you will receive a certificate of formation and can proceed with opening a bank account and applying for an EIN. Our team handles the full company registration and filing process on your behalf.

Do I need a visa to start a business in the US?

While you can legally register a company in the U.S. as a non-citizen, running or working for your company inside the country generally requires a valid visa. The E-2 investor visa is a common option for foreigners who plan to actively manage their business. Other options depend on your immigration status, investment amount, and country of origin. A green card is not required to open a business, but may be needed if you wish to live and work permanently in the U.S.

What are the tax implications for foreign businesses in the U.S.?

Foreign-owned companies in the U.S. are subject to income tax and must file regular reports with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Depending on your structure, you may face double taxation, but certain tax benefits and international treaties can help reduce your burden. Our team helps you manage your tax documentation and comply with U.S. tax law efficiently.

How to choose a state for business formation?

Each U.S. state has its own rules, fees, and tax obligations. Popular choices like Delaware and Wyoming offer advantages such as low incorporation costs, strong legal protection, and privacy. Your decision may also depend on whether you need a physical mailing address or plan to operate in a specific region. Expand CPA helps you evaluate the best state based on your business model and goals.

Would you like to optimise your tax situation?

Expand CPA supports you in France and the United States to effectively manage your accounting and tax obligations. Take advantage of personalised advice to secure your activities and develop your business internationally. Contact us to schedule a meeting or ask questions about our services.