How to Form a US LLC from India: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
By UpToNova · June 27, 2026 · 7 min read
Indian entrepreneurs are forming US LLCs at record rates — and for good reason. A US LLC unlocks Stripe, PayPal, US client contracts, and global payment rails that are blocked or heavily restricted for Indian businesses. Here's the complete picture.
Why Indian Entrepreneurs Form US LLCs
The problem isn't ambition — it's infrastructure. Stripe isn't available for Indian businesses in the same way. US clients often prefer paying a US entity. Investors take you more seriously with a Delaware address. For SaaS founders, a US LLC means access to Stripe, Paddle, and Lemon Squeezy without workarounds.
A US LLC doesn't replace your Indian business. Many founders operate both: the US LLC receives international revenue, the Indian entity handles local operations. It's a structure, not a migration.
Delaware vs. Wyoming for Indian Founders
Choose Delaware if you plan to raise venture capital, bring on US investors, or eventually convert to a C-Corp. Delaware's legal framework is the global standard for startup investment.
Choose Wyoming if you're a freelancer, agency owner, SaaS bootstrapper, or ecommerce seller. Wyoming has zero state income tax, minimal annual fees (~$60/year), and strong privacy. Most Indian founders not on a VC track choose Wyoming — here's the full comparison.
Step-by-Step: How to Form Your US LLC from India
- Step 1: Choose your state (Wyoming or Delaware).
- Step 2: Pick a registered agent — a US-based service that receives legal mail for your LLC ($50–$150/yr).
- Step 3: File Articles of Organization. No SSN or ITIN needed — just your name, address, and LLC name.
- Step 4: Get your EIN via IRS Form SS-4 by fax (4–6 weeks) or through a service for faster processing.
- Step 5: Open a US bank account remotely via Mercury or Relay. You'll need your LLC documents and EIN.
- Step 6: Connect Stripe or PayPal. Your US LLC + EIN + US bank account unlocks everything.
The India–US Tax Treaty: What It Means for You
A single-member LLC owned by an Indian resident is a pass-through entity — the US doesn't tax it at the entity level. Your profits flow to you and are taxed in India under Indian tax law. You'll file a US informational return (Form 5472 + Form 1120) annually. This is paperwork, not a tax bill.
Cost Breakdown
- State filing fee: ~$100 (Wyoming) or ~$140 (Delaware)
- Registered agent: ~$50–$150/year
- EIN assistance: ~$50–$100 (or free DIY)
- US bank account: free (Mercury) to low-cost
- Annual state report: ~$60 (Wyoming) or ~$300 minimum (Delaware franchise tax)
Total first year: approximately $250–$500. Start your US LLC from India — we handle the filing, EIN, and registered agent remotely.
Form your US company with UpToNova
Wyoming or Delaware LLC, EIN, registered agent, and US banking guidance — done remotely, no SSN required.
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