One of the questions we hear most at Bridgelyx is: Can I really form a US company without ever setting foot in the country? The answer is yes — and it is something thousands of international entrepreneurs do every year. But the process has several moving parts, and getting any one of them wrong can delay your registration or create compliance headaches down the road.
Step 1: Get a US Phone Number
The first thing you will need is a US phone number. This is required for several steps in the registration process, including activating services and verifying accounts. The good news is that you do not need to stay on this number indefinitely — for most founders, a short-term virtual number purchased for the duration of the setup process is perfectly sufficient.
We recommend selecting a number in the same state where you plan to register your LLC, as this keeps your setup cohesive. Once your LLC is up and running, you can let the number expire if you have no further use for it.
Step 2: Secure a US Postal Address
Every LLC in the United States needs a physical mailing address on record. As an international founder, you will likely use a virtual mailbox service — a real street address where your business mail is received and can be forwarded to you internationally.
When selecting your address, make sure the provider offers international mail forwarding. Official documents from the IRS, your state, or financial institutions will be sent there, and you need to be able to receive them wherever you are in the world.
A critical step that many founders skip: notarize your virtual address. This involves a short online process where you verify your identity and confirm that you are the authorized recipient at that address. Banks and the IRS sometimes require verified addresses, and having yours already notarized avoids delays when you least expect them.
Step 3: Register Your LLC
This is the core step. Every LLC must be registered in a specific state and must have a registered agent — a person or company with a physical presence in that state who can receive legal documents on behalf of your business.
When filling out the registration form, you will provide your company name, a general business purpose, and your contact details. If you value privacy, many states allow you to omit the member name from the public record. Processing times vary: some states complete registrations in under 24 hours; others take up to two weeks. Keep your formation documents safe — you will need them for the next steps.
Step 4: Apply for Your EIN
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your LLC's federal tax ID with the IRS. It is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes.
To apply, complete IRS Form SS-4 and submit it along with your LLC formation documents. The most practical method for international founders is by fax, since the IRS online application requires a US Social Security Number. Processing times range from a few weeks to 90 days, especially during tax season (January through April). The IRS will send back a confirmation letter called a 147c — keep it safe.
Step 5: Open a US Business Bank Account
Once you have your EIN and formation documents, you are ready to open a business bank account. For international founders, fintech and online-first financial institutions are the most accessible option, as traditional US banks almost always require an in-person visit.
You will typically need your EIN, formation documents, a passport, and an email address — ideally a business domain email rather than a free consumer address, as it increases credibility during the application review.
Putting It All Together
The entire process can be completed in four to six weeks under normal circumstances. The biggest variable is EIN processing time, which is outside anyone's control. Everything else moves quickly if you stay organized and have your documents ready.
At Bridgelyx, we work with international founders at every stage of this journey. Whether you are just getting started or need help untangling a step that did not go as planned, we are here to make the process as straightforward as possible.
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