How to form a US LLC from the UK
UK residents can register an American company remotely. The filing is the easy part; the EIN, the US bank account and HMRC's view of the LLC are where founders need a plan.
The Xavion team resolves banking and payment cases like the one in this guide every week. Send us your case for a free review, if we approve it, your onboarding outcome is guaranteed.
Can I form a US LLC from the UK without travelling?
Yes. Formation and the EIN are handled remotely, and many accounts can be opened remotely depending on the institution and sector.
- What is the best state for a US LLC for UK residents: Wyoming suits most small owner-run businesses; Delaware suits companies raising from US investors. The right choice depends on your banking and investor needs.
- How long does US company registration take: State filing can take days to a few weeks. The EIN for non-residents without an SSN usually takes several weeks.
- Do I pay UK tax on a US LLC: If you are UK resident, UK tax rules still apply and HMRC's classification of the LLC matters. Confirm your position with a UK tax adviser.
Get a free US LLC and banking review.
Tell us what the business does, where the owners live and which currencies and platforms you need. We recommend a state and a banking route that fits.
1. Can a UK resident own a US LLC?
Yes. There is no US citizenship or residency requirement to form or own an LLC. UK founders register American companies remotely every day, usually to sell to US clients, accept USD payments, use US payment platforms or keep a US presence for marketplaces.
What you need is a registered agent in the chosen state, a passport for each member, and a clear description of the business. The harder parts come later: the EIN, the bank account and the UK tax position.
2. Wyoming, Delaware or another state
Wyoming is the common choice for small, owner-run businesses because filing and annual fees are modest and the process is simple. Delaware is the standard for companies planning to raise from US investors. If you will have staff or an office in a particular state, you may need to register there anyway.
Pick the state that your banks, processors and future investors will accept, not just the cheapest filing fee.
3. The registration steps
File the articles of organization with the state and appoint a registered agent.
Sign an operating agreement naming every member, their ownership and who can operate bank accounts.
Apply for an EIN with the IRS. Without a US Social Security Number this is done by fax or post using Form SS-4, and typically takes several weeks.
File the beneficial ownership and annual reports the state requires, and note that a foreign-owned single-member LLC generally files Form 5472 with the IRS each year.
4. Opening a US bank account from the UK
Traditional US banks often require an in-person visit. Fintech platforms can onboard remotely but decline sectors outside their risk appetite and close accounts when activity does not match the application.
A consistent file matters most: formation documents, EIN letter, operating agreement, passport and proof of UK address, plus a website, contracts or invoices that show real activity. Applying to several platforms at once tends to hurt rather than help.
5. The UK tax side
A US LLC does not change your UK tax residence. HMRC generally treats a US LLC as a separate company rather than a transparent partnership, while the IRS may treat a single-member LLC as disregarded. That mismatch can affect how profits are taxed and whether treaty relief is available.
HMRC can also treat a company as UK resident if it is centrally managed and controlled from the UK. Speak to a UK chartered tax adviser before trading. Xavion does not provide tax advice.
6. How Xavion helps
We review your business for free, recommend a state and banking route that fits, and coordinate formation, EIN and account opening with our partners. Account approval always rests with each institution's own due diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I form a US LLC from the UK without travelling?
Yes. Formation and the EIN are handled remotely, and many accounts can be opened remotely depending on the institution and sector.
What is the best state for a US LLC for UK residents?
Wyoming suits most small owner-run businesses; Delaware suits companies raising from US investors. The right choice depends on your banking and investor needs.
How long does US company registration take?
State filing can take days to a few weeks. The EIN for non-residents without an SSN usually takes several weeks.
Do I pay UK tax on a US LLC?
If you are UK resident, UK tax rules still apply and HMRC's classification of the LLC matters. Confirm your position with a UK tax adviser.
Can Xavion guarantee a US bank account?
Our guaranteed banking solution applies to approved businesses after our review. Each institution makes its own final decision.
Kris , Partner, Xavion Capital
Partner at Xavion Capital. Runs the banking and payment-rails desk: account placement, high-risk onboarding files, and replacement banking after a termination.
Related US LLC guides
Wyoming vs Delaware privacy, and who still sees the owners.
Who must file, the deadline and the $25,000 penalty.
EIN vs ITIN vs SSN, and getting an EIN without an SSN.
Wyoming o Delaware, EIN, banca en EE. UU. y Hacienda.
LLC, EIN et compte professionnel américain depuis la France.
Request a free US LLC review.
Guaranteed banking and payment processing solution for approved businesses. Tax advice is provided by your own UK adviser.
This article is general information from Xavion Capital and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulatory treatment of digital assets and market structure varies by jurisdiction and changes frequently. Obtain qualified counsel in each relevant jurisdiction before acting on anything in this guide.