BIST10011,572
-1.28%
USD49.45
+0.05%
EUR55.62
+0.37%
GOLD4,182.70
+0.04%
INTEREST37.00%
-1.00
BITCOIN82,421
+0.50%
October 19, 20269°
BIST10011,572
-1.28%
USD49.45
+0.05%
EUR55.62
+0.37%
GOLD4,182.70
+0.04%
INTEREST37.00%
-1.00
BITCOIN82,421
+0.50%
October 19, 20269°

Company Formation and Business

U.S. company types, formation steps, EIN, filings for foreign-owned companies, and free official support.

Immigration first

Forming a company in the U.S. does not grant permission to work for that company. A foreign person may own a company, but an appropriate status is required to actually work for the company. Examples include an E-2 investor (see 2.5), L-1 (see 2.4), EB-5 (see 3.5), or a green card.

Topics in this section

14.1 Business structuresChoosing a business structure in the U.S. affects taxes, personal liability, forms, and the ability to raise capital. Owning a business alone does not give you the right to work or live in the U.S.
14.2 Formation stepsTo form an LLC or corporation in the U.S., follow the steps of choosing a state, selecting a company name, appointing a registered agent, filing the formation document, preparing internal agreements, completing tax registrations, and obtaining licenses. The EIN should be obtained after state registration.
14.3 EIN (employer tax number)An EIN is the company's federal tax number, obtained free of charge from the IRS. Applicants outside the United States who do not have an SSN or ITIN can apply by phone, fax, or mail using Form SS-4.
14.4 Reporting obligations of foreign-owned companiesForeign-owned U.S. companies may be subject to reporting obligations such as Form 5472, FBAR, withholding, or BE-13 even if they earn no income. Requirements and deadlines vary depending on the company structure.
14.5 Company bank account and other stepsOpen the company account after obtaining the EIN; compare bank documents, FDIC insurance, and fees. If you hire employees, complete I-9, W-4, SSN, payroll tax, and new-hire reporting requirements.
14.6 Free official supportSBA partners and the IRS offer free or low-cost support for starting a business, counseling, and tax matters. Check the citizenship requirements and official contact channels for SBA loans.

Last reviewed October 16, 2026. This content is general information, not legal advice.