Forming a U.S. LLC is straightforward, but choosing the wrong state or missing later steps can create unexpected issues.

In the cases we’ve worked on, most founders initially focus on where to register, but are less familiar with the full setup process and what comes after.

When helping a Chinese eCommerce seller set up their first U.S. LLC, the main concern was not just forming the company, but understanding each step clearly and avoiding mistakes.In one situation, the founder initially chose a state based only on online recommendations, but later realized it didn’t match their actual business needs, which required adjustments after formation.

In general, forming an LLC as a non-US resident is possible without being physically present in the United States. However, there are several steps involved that need to be handled carefully.

These typically include:
• choosing the state of formation
• selecting a registered agent
• filing the LLC formation documents
• applying for an EIN
• setting up a business bank account

In practice, the process itself is not complicated, but the details can cause confusion. For example, choosing between states like Wyoming and Delaware depends on the type of business and long-term plans.

We’ve also seen founders run into issues after formation, especially around EIN applications and banking, which are often more time-sensitive than the LLC filing itself.For example, one founder completed the LLC setup quickly but had to wait significantly longer for the EIN, which delayed opening a business bank account.

For most non-US founders, taking a step-by-step approach and understanding the purpose of each stage makes the process much smoother.

What we usually suggest:

• focus on the full setup process, not just LLC registration
• plan ahead for EIN and banking, as they may take longer
• choose the state based on your business needs, not just popularity

For non-US founders, forming an LLC is usually straightforward, but the key is understanding what happens after the company is created.

Written by Liyun. Based on practical experience assisting non-US founders with U.S. company formation.