How Can A Foreigner Open A Company In The U.S.?

President Trump has promised to “Make America Great Again”, although he wasn’t the first president to adopt this theme.

Understandably his policies and intentions have caused uncertainty in many markets. After all, focusing on America first should mean that it is harder for a foreigner to establish a business in the US.

Fortunately, the opposite is actually true.

It remains as simple as it has been for years to create a company in the US. The difference is that more businesses are having to pursue this root, to ensure they are considered US companies and avoid excessive taxes and tariffs.

The trick isn’t so much opening your business, it’s knowing how to stay in business.

Setting up your company in the US can be completed in a few simple steps:

Decide Your Location

Businesses in the US are registered with their local state. Each state has its own rules, regulations, and taxes. You’ll need to register in every state you plan to sell your product.

This means, to start with, you’ll need to decide where your business needs to be based; your first customers will be in this state.

You should consider your target audience before deciding your locations.

Don’t forget that the amount of tax you pay varies between states, choose wisely.

Business Structure

As in most countries, you’ll need to decide which type of business structure suits your needs best. You may want to seek specialist advice with this stage, every type of company has its own rules and regulations, you’ll need to comply with them.

Don’t forget, you’ll need a name for your business, ideally one that has not already been used but is easy for potential customers to remember.

Get Documentation

Having decided where and how you want to establish your company you’ll need to fill in all the relevant forms and file them with the relevant state department. They will process them and supply you with your company number.

This process is usually very quick.

You will need to follow this by applying for a federal employment identification number, tax ID, and notify the local labor authority, (if you want to employ staff).

Residency

Once you’ve established the company you can follow this with a residency application, if this is what you want to do. There are another set of rules that need to be followed if you’re applying to be a resident, these are generally very strict. It’s advisable to ensure you qualify before you apply.

That’s actually it! Creating your company in the US is surprisingly easy. However, as a foreigner, you’ll need to stay abreast of rule changes which may affect your business. You should also be prepared for any changes in the government approach, President Trump may choose to change the rules to ensure they favor the US-run companies.

Creating a company in the US will allow you to start trading legally, this could give you the advantage over other business, as well as a way to gain residency if you qualify.