Set up a US LLC as a Motion Designer
The simplest way for motion designers to operate through a US company — file in any state, accept USD payments via Stripe, and unlock US banking and platforms designed for global founders.
Why Motion Designers choose a US LLC
Get paid in USD from anywhere
Stripe, PayPal, Wise — every major payment processor opens up the moment you have a US entity and EIN.
A US-based business partners trust
Sign contracts as a US LLC. Clients, marketplaces, and platforms treat you as a first-class operator, not a foreign freelancer.
Pass-through structure for non-US owners
Non-US owners with no US-source income and no US presence typically owe no US federal income tax on LLC profits. Always confirm with your tax advisor.
What a US LLC unlocks for motion designers
The platforms, payment rails, and contracts that open up the moment your US entity is live.
Bill agencies and enterprises in USD
Invoice as a US vendor under your LLC — onboarding through procurement, NDAs, and MSAs is dramatically faster than as a foreign individual.
App Store, Play Store and SaaS payouts
Operate developer accounts as a US entity, receive payouts to Mercury or Wise USD, and consolidate revenue under one tax ID.
Hire contractors worldwide
Pay collaborators through Deel, Wise, or Stripe with clean 1099 / W-8BEN paperwork from your US LLC.
Raise from US investors
SAFEs, convertible notes, and angel checks expect a US entity. An LLC can be converted to a Delaware C-Corp via Stripe Atlas-style flip when you're ready to raise.
How it works
Seven guided steps. Most founders finish the application in under ten minutes.
- 01
Pick a state
Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, or any US state. We'll recommend based on your goals.
- 02
Name your LLC
Real-time availability check. We reserve your name as part of the filing.
- 03
Add members
Single-member or multi-member. We handle the operating agreement.
- 04
Registered agent
Included for year one. US business address that meets state requirements.
- 05
File with the state
We submit your Articles of Organization and track approval.
- 06
Get your EIN
Federal tax ID issued by the IRS — required for banking and Stripe.
- 07
Open banking
Mercury, Wise, Relay — fully remote onboarding for non-US founders.
FAQ for motion designers
Can I form a US LLC from abroad as a motion designer?+
Yes. There is no US residency, citizenship, or visa requirement to own a US LLC. We handle the full filing remotely.
Which US state should I choose?+
Wyoming and Delaware are the most popular for non-US founders — Wyoming for privacy and the lowest annual cost ($60), Delaware for credibility and investor expectations. New Mexico is a low-cost alternative with no annual report. We'll recommend during the application.
Do I need to fly to the US?+
No. Formation, EIN, and most US business banks (Mercury, Wise, Relay) onboard remotely with a passport and your formation documents. No travel required.
How long does the whole process take?+
The online application is about ten minutes. State approval is typically 48–72 hours. EIN follows in 1–4 weeks depending on IRS load — we can rush it. Banking opens within 1–5 business days after EIN.
Will Stripe approve me as a motion designer?+
Yes — a US LLC + EIN + US bank is the standard Stripe profile. Approval typically takes minutes. We help with the application if you've been previously rejected as a foreign individual.
Can I bill enterprise clients through this LLC?+
Yes. Procurement teams onboard US LLCs in minutes — no W-8BEN-E, no foreign-vendor committee, no FX hassles on USD invoices.
What's included in your pricing?+
State filing fee, registered agent for year one, operating agreement, EIN application, and ongoing compliance reminders. Banking introductions are included; the bank's own onboarding remains their decision.
Can I convert the LLC into a C-Corp later?+
Yes. Many founders start as an LLC and convert to a Delaware C-Corp once they're ready to raise from US VCs. We coordinate the conversion when that day comes.
Ready to form your US company?
Start the guided 7-step flow. Pause anytime — we save your progress.