Step-by-step guide to Indian entrepreneurs wanting to set up a USA-based LLC or C-Corp—without ever setting in America
Why Should Indian Entrepreneurs Register a Company in the USA
Before we dive into the steps, understand the benefits:
Access to global customers and platforms (Stripe, Amazon, Shopify)
Increased credibility and trust for international clients
Quicker funding from VCs or foreign investors
No necessity to be a U.S. citizen or hold a U.S. visa
Tax-efficient states such as Wyoming or Delaware
Step-by-Step Company Registration in the USA from India
✅ Step 1: Choose Company Structure LLC or C-Corp
Choose first whether you desire to register an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or a C-Corp (Corporation).
LLC (Most Popular)
Great for freelancers, startups, consultants, and small enterprises
Easy to operate with minimal paperwork
Profits are passed on to owners (no double taxation)
C-Corp
Most suitable for startups seeking to raise money from U.S. investors
Favored by venture capital investors
Exposes to double tax (corporate + individual)
For the majority of Indian entrepreneurs, LLC in Wyoming or Delaware is the way to go.
✅ Step 2: Select the Correct State
You don't have to be residing in the U.S. to incorporate there. There are business-friendly states in the U.S. that don't even have state income tax.
States that are Favorite with Indian Founders:
Wyoming: No state income tax, minimal annual fees, maximum privacy
Delaware: Investors' favorite, robust legal framework, best for C-Corp
Florida / Texas: Suitable for product-based or tangible businesses
Wyoming is usually the cheapest and easiest for digital businesses.
✅ Step 3: Choose a Business Name
Pick a unique name for your U.S. company.
Make sure it:
Is available in the state you’re registering in
Isn’t trademarked or already in use
Ends with “LLC” or “Inc.” depending on your entity type
You can check name availability on the Secretary of State’s website for your chosen state.
✅ Step 4: Hire a Registered Agent in the U.S.
A Registered Agent is an individual or firm based in the U.S. who accepts legal notices on your behalf.
Every U.S. company must have this.
Registered agent services are available from many Indian-focused company registration companies as part of their service package.
✅ Step 5: File Formation Documents (Articles of Organization)
To formally create your company:
File Articles of Organization (for LLCs)
Or Articles of Incorporation (for C-Corps)
This is submitted to the Secretary of State of your chosen state
Once approved, you’ll get your Company Formation Certificate.
✅ Step 6: Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
The EIN is like a PAN for your U.S. business. It’s issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).
You need an EIN to:
Open a U.S. bank account
Register on Stripe, Amazon, Shopify, PayPal
File tax returns
You may apply online through the IRS or a service provider.
As a non-resident, a tax advisor or incorporation service can submit Form SS-4 on your behalf.
✅ Step 7: Obtain a U.S. Business Address
Although you are based in India, U.S. platforms tend to ask for a U.S. business mailing address.
Several incorporation services offer:
A virtual U.S. address
Mail forwarding
Document scanning to your email
✅ Step 8: Open a U.S. Bank Account
A U.S. business bank account is essential for:
Accepting payments from international clients
Integrating with Stripe/PayPal/Amazon
Receiving funding or payouts in USD
Some well-known banks accepting non-resident owners:
Mercury Bank (online, no office visit required)
Relay
Wise Business
Most platforms request:
Company documents
EIN
Passport
Business address
✅ Step 9: Apply for Payment Gateways (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
Once your U.S. company and bank account are live, you can apply for:
Stripe (for SaaS, service companies)
PayPal (for e-commerce or freelance payments)
Amazon Seller Account
This opens up your ability to sell and receive payments globally in USD.
✅ Step 10: Stay Compliant with U.S. Laws
Your U.S. company must meet basic compliance requirements:
File annual reports (depends on state)
Pay annual franchise tax (as low as $50 in Wyoming)
File federal tax return (even if zero income)
You’ll need the support of a U.S.-based CPA or your incorporation platform to stay compliant.
Which Indian Company Assists in USA Company Registration
For Indian startups, it's always a good idea to go for a home-grown platform that's familiar with local needs, billing in INR, and Indian documents.
✅ E-StartupIndia.com
Register LLC or C-Corp setup from India
U.S. bank account, Stripe, PayPal setup
EIN, registered agent, and U.S. address
They take care of everything—so you can concentrate on growing your worldwide business.
Final Thoughts
Register a company in the USA from India—it's an efficient and intelligent move to expand globally. Be it to scale your startup, work as a freelancer worldwide, or sell on U.S. marketplaces, creating a U.S. company provides worldwide access at minimal cost.
