Form a US LLC from Tokyo as a Lawyer
A guided, fully remote way for lawyers based in Tokyo to incorporate in the United States. Pick a state, file in minutes, and get your EIN and US bank account — without flying anywhere.
Why Lawyers in Tokyo 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 lawyers
The platforms, payment rails, and contracts that open up the moment your US entity is live.
Cross-border advisory under a US entity
Bill US clients directly, structure engagement letters in English law-friendly terms, and avoid foreign-vendor onboarding.
Hold IP and licenses cleanly
Trademarks, copyrights, and license agreements live inside the LLC — separate from personal assets.
Operate as part of a multi-entity structure
Many consultants pair a US LLC with a local entity — we coordinate the structuring.
Filing from Tokyo: what to know
Tokyo-based founders incorporate in the US for the same reason: access to the world's deepest payment, banking, and contracting infrastructure. Here's what's specific to filing from Japan.
Remote US bank from Tokyo
Mercury, Wise Business, and Relay onboard Japan-based founders fully remotely with a passport and your LLC documents. No US visit required.
We work async around your time zone
We work async — most filings, EIN updates, and banking steps happen by email so you don't lose hours to time-zone overlap.
Tokyo → US tax basics
A non-US-owned single-member LLC with no US-source income and no US presence is generally not subject to US federal income tax on its profits but must file Form 5472 + 1120. Your Tokyo local taxes still apply to your personal income — confirm with a local tax advisor.
Stripe + USD payouts to Tokyo
Once your LLC has an EIN and US bank, Stripe accepts payments globally and pays into your US business account. You can then move funds to Tokyo via Wise or your local bank as needed.
Best US state for Japan founders
Wyoming is the most popular for non-US founders — lowest annual cost ($60), strong privacy, no state income tax. Delaware fits if you plan to raise from US VCs.
Annual upkeep is minimal
Your LLC needs a registered agent (included year one), an annual state report, and the federal 5472 + 1120 filing. We handle all three.
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 lawyers in Tokyo
Can I form a US LLC from Tokyo as a lawyer?+
Yes. There is no US residency, citizenship, or visa requirement to own a US LLC. We handle the full filing remotely for founders based in Tokyo.
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 I pay US tax on my LLC profits as a Tokyo resident?+
A single-member LLC owned by a non-US person with no US-source income and no US presence (no US office, employees, or dependent agent) is typically not subject to US federal income tax on its profits — but it must file Form 5472 + pro-forma 1120 every year. Your personal income tax in Tokyo still applies to whatever you draw from the LLC. Always confirm with a qualified tax advisor.
Can I open a US business bank from Tokyo?+
Yes. Mercury, Wise Business, and Relay all onboard Tokyo-based founders remotely once your LLC and EIN are in place. You'll need a passport and the formation documents we issue.
Does my Tokyo bank or local tax authority need to know about the US LLC?+
In most jurisdictions you must declare beneficial ownership of foreign entities and report distributions on your personal tax return. Reporting requirements vary widely — your Tokyo accountant should confirm CRS / FATCA / CFC rules that apply to you.
Can I provide legal or advisory services to US clients under the LLC?+
You can advise on non-jurisdictional matters and operate as a consultancy, but practicing law in a US state requires bar admission. Most cross-border lawyers use the LLC as the contracting and billing vehicle for advisory work.
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.