Built for founders outside the system
Different businesses need different structures. These are the eight we set up most often, what each one actually needs, and where they usually end up forming.
Find the one that sounds like you
Each of these comes with a different set of requirements — and a different right answer on state and entity.
Amazon & marketplace sellers
Selling on Amazon, Walmart or Etsy from outside the U.S. means a U.S. entity, an EIN and a bank account the marketplace will actually pay into. Getting the order wrong here is the most common reason payouts stall.
Usually needs- U.S. LLC
- EIN without an SSN
- Business bank account
- Sales tax registration where required
eCommerce & Shopify brands
A U.S. entity unlocks U.S. payment processing, better shipping rates and customer trust at checkout. It also puts you inside the sales tax system, which is worth understanding before your volume gets there.
Usually needs- U.S. LLC
- Stripe & payment setup
- Virtual business address
- Bookkeeping
Agencies & consultants
Invoicing U.S. or U.K. clients from a local entity removes friction that costs you deals — procurement teams that will not onboard foreign suppliers, and clients who want to pay domestically.
Usually needs- U.S. LLC or U.K. LTD
- Business banking
- Registered address
- Annual compliance
SaaS & technology startups
If you are raising from U.S. investors, the entity decision is made for you: a Delaware C-Corporation. If you are bootstrapping, an LLC is cheaper and simpler until that changes.
Usually needs- Delaware C-Corp or LLC
- EIN
- Stripe setup
- Equity structure planning
Freelancers & digital nomads
A company that does not require you to be anywhere in particular. No residency requirement, no annual report in several states, and filings that can be handled from any time zone.
Usually needs- U.S. LLC
- EIN
- Mail forwarding
- Light-touch compliance
Import, export & logistics
Customs, freight forwarders and domestic suppliers all deal more easily with a U.S. entity. Location matters here in a way it does not for online businesses — form near your goods.
Usually needs- U.S. LLC
- EIN
- Registered agent in the operating state
- Sales tax registration
Holding & asset structures
Holding companies exist to own things quietly and cheaply. Privacy on the public record and a low annual cost matter far more than filing speed or investor familiarity.
Usually needs- U.S. LLC
- Registered agent
- Operating Agreement
- Annual compliance
Founders in 40+ countries
No residency requirement means no geography requirement. If you can send an email, you can form a company.
That is fine.
These are the patterns we see most, not the limits of what we do. If your business does not fit neatly into one of them, tell us what it actually does and we will work out the right structure from there.
Ready to form your company?
Start today and we’ll handle the filings, tax IDs, and banking guidance — no SSN or residency required.