How to Register a US Company from India in 2026

You don’t need to fly to the United States to register a US company anymore. Indian founders are forming LLCs in Wyoming and Delaware from their laptops and opening US bank accounts without stepping outside Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Delhi.

What you do need is clarity. The wrong structure, the wrong state, or the wrong payment setup will cost you time, compliance headaches, and real money. This guide walks you through exactly how to register a US company from India in 2026, what it actually costs, and where most founders get it wrong.

Table of contents: —

• Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure (LLC vs C-Corp)
• Step 2: Pick the Right State (Stop Defaulting to Delaware)
• Step 3: Appoint a Registered Agent
• Step 4: Get Your EIN (Without a US SSN)
• Step 5: Open a US Business Bank Account Remotely
• Step 6: Understand US Tax Obligations (Even If You Live in India)
• Step 7: Set Up Payments Properly (This Is Where Revenue Gets Blocked)
• Step 8: Documents Required to Register a US Company from India
• Step 9: Realistic Cost Breakdown (No Hidden Fantasy Numbers)
• Step 10: Should You Register a US Company at All?
• Common Mistakes Indian Founders Make: —
• FAQ About Business Registration in the US: —
  • Can I register a US company from India without visiting the US?
  • How long does US company registration from India take?
  • What documents are required to register a US company from India?
  • Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in India?
  • Is an LLC better than a C-Corp for Indian founders?
  • Can I open Stripe or PayPal after forming a US LLC?

Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure (LLC vs C-Corp)

If you’re serious about US company registration from India, your first decision is structure.

For most Indian entrepreneurs, the answer is simple: form an LLC.

An LLC gives you:

• Limited liability protection

• Pass-through taxation by default

• Fewer compliance requirements than a corporation

• Lower annual maintenance costs

A C-Corp only makes sense if you plan to raise venture capital in the US or issue shares to investors.

If you’re building an agency, SaaS startup, consulting firm, Amazon brand, or IT services business, an LLC is the better option. That’s why most people searching for how to start a US LLC from India end up going this route.

Step 2: Pick the Right State (Stop Defaulting to Delaware)

Delaware is famous. That doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

If you’re not raising VC money immediately, Wyoming is often the smarter move.

Here’s why:

1. Wyoming LLC filing fee: $100
2. Delaware LLC filing fee: $90
3. Delaware franchise tax: minimum $300 per year
4. Wyoming annual report: starts at $60 per year

Those numbers matter when you’re operating from India and optimizing margins.

Unless investors specifically require Delaware, Wyoming usually offers lower annual costs and simpler compliance.

Step 3: Appoint a Registered Agent

You cannot register a US company from India without a US-registered agent.

A registered agent:

• Receives official government mail

• Accepts legal notices

• Maintains a physical US address

This costs between $50–$150 per year, depending on the provider.

Don’t overpay for bundled services you don’t need. The agent’s job is straightforward.

Step 4: Get Your EIN (Without a US SSN)

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your US business tax ID.

Indian residents do not need a Social Security Number to get one.

You apply using IRS Form SS-4, and the IRS issues the EIN after review. The official authority is the Internal Revenue Service.

You can apply directly, or use a formation service to handle the paperwork. Processing times vary, but typically range from 1 to 4 weeks for international applicants.

Without an EIN:

• You cannot open a US bank account

• You cannot process payments

• You cannot file US taxes

This is a non-negotiable step in US business incorporation for Indian residents.

Step 5: Open a US Business Bank Account Remotely

This is where most founders hit friction.

Traditional US banks often require in-person verification. But in 2026, fintech banks allow you to open a US company remotely from India.

You’ll typically need:

• Articles of Organization

• EIN confirmation letter

• Passport

• Proof of address

• Operating Agreement

Expect review processes. US banks comply with strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules.

Choose a bank that supports international founders. Don’t assume every platform works for Indian residents.

Step 6: Understand US Tax Obligations (Even If You Live in India)

Forming an LLC doesn’t mean you avoid US compliance.

Single-member foreign-owned LLCs must:

1. File Form 5472
2. File a pro-forma 1120 annually
3. Maintain proper bookkeeping

Failure to file Form 5472 carries a $25,000 penalty, according to the IRS.

That number alone should convince you not to ignore compliance.

US company registration from India is easy. Staying compliant is what separates serious founders from amateurs.

Step 7: Set Up Payments Properly (This Is Where Revenue Gets Blocked)

You didn’t register a US company just to hold a certificate.

You did it to collect USD.

Payment processing is where many Indian founders make expensive mistakes.

If you’re selling digital services, subscriptions, or high-ticket consulting, card processing alone can get unstable. Chargebacks and cross-border risk flags happen fast.

This is where providers like eCheckPlan become relevant for high-risk or cross-border founders who struggle with traditional processors. It’s not for everyone, but if your Stripe account gets flagged, you’ll understand why alternatives matter.

Step 8: Documents Required to Register a US Company from India

Here’s what you actually need:

• Passport (valid, color scan)

• Proof of residential address

• Company name

• Business activity description

• Registered agent details

• Articles of Organization

• Operating Agreement

• EIN confirmation

If you’re using a formation service, they will generate the Articles and Operating Agreement.

If you’re doing it yourself, make sure your Operating Agreement clearly defines ownership and management.

Banks often request it during account review.

Step 9: Realistic Cost Breakdown (No Hidden Fantasy Numbers)

Here’s what you should realistically budget:

1. State filing fee: $90–$100
2. Registered agent: $50–$150/year
3. EIN application: Free (if DIY)
4. Formation service (optional): $150–$500
5. Bank account: Usually free
6. Annual compliance: $60–$300, depending on state

Total first-year cost typically falls between $300 and $1,000 if handled correctly.

If someone quotes $2,500 for a basic Wyoming LLC, you’re overpaying.

Step 10: Should You Register a US Company at All?

Forming a US entity makes sense if:

• Your clients are primarily in the US

• You want access to US payment gateways

• You need credibility with American customers

It may not make sense if:

• You operate purely in India

• Your revenue is small and local

• You don’t need USD processing

US business incorporation for Indian residents is powerful. But it should match your revenue strategy.

Common Mistakes Indian Founders Make: —

1. Choosing Delaware without understanding the franchise tax
2. Ignoring Form 5472 filing
3. Opening an LLC without planning payments
4. Assuming US banks work like Indian banks
5. Not separating personal and business finances

The biggest mistake is treating US incorporation as a badge instead of a tool.

It’s a financial infrastructure decision.

FAQ About Business Registration in the US: —