Learn how to register a business in the USA from India (2026). Step-by-step LLC/C-Corp guide, EIN without SSN, best company formation services, costs, state selection, and a comparison table to choose the right provider.
How to Register a Business in the USA from India (2026): Step-by-Step Guide + Best Company Formation Services Compared
If you’re in India and want to register a business in the United States, you’re not alone. Indian founders, freelancers, SaaS builders, Amazon/e-commerce sellers, and agencies regularly form a US LLC or US corporation to sell to global customers, work with US clients, access payment processors, and build international credibility.
This master guide explains how to register a business in the USA from India, the documents you’ll need, which US state to choose, how to get an EIN without an SSN/ITIN, and the best business registration service providers to help you do it smoothly—plus a clear comparison table.
Important: This article is educational and not legal/tax advice. Rules change by state and your specific situation.
Why Indians Register a Business in the USA
Here are the most common reasons Indian entrepreneurs form a US entity:
- To sell to US customers (B2B SaaS, consulting, e-commerce, digital products)
- To accept international payments and look more credible to global clients
- To protect personal assets with an LLC (limited liability, when properly maintained)
- To bring on partners/investors more easily in a structured legal entity
- To create a global brand (US presence improves trust and conversions)
Choose the Right Business Structure: LLC vs C-Corp (Simple Explanation)
Option 1: US LLC (Most common for Indian founders)
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is popular because it’s flexible, easier to manage, and can be formed by non-US residents. Many non-resident founders form a single-member LLC (one owner) or multi-member LLC (partners). Guides from Stripe and others explain the typical formation steps and considerations for non-residents.
Best for: freelancers, agencies, small SaaS, e-commerce sellers, service businesses.
Option 2: US C-Corporation (C-Corp)
A C-Corp is often chosen if you plan to raise VC funding, issue stock, or build a venture-scale startup. It has more formalities and compliance.
Best for: venture-backed startups, equity-heavy teams, investor-driven growth.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a US LLC or Company from India (2026)
Step 1: Pick a US state (this matters more than people think)
You can form in any state even if you don’t live in the USA. The “best state for LLC” depends on your goals (cost, privacy, compliance, where customers are, etc.). Many non-resident guides discuss this state-selection tradeoff.
Common choices for Indians:
- Wyoming: often chosen for lower ongoing fees and simple maintenance (varies by situation).
- Delaware: popular for startups and corporate law ecosystem (often used for C-Corps).
- Florida / Texas / California / New York: if you will operate physically or have a major presence there.
Practical rule: If you don’t have a physical US location, many founders pick a low-maintenance state—but always consider taxes, annual reports, registered agent costs, and your actual business operations.
Step 2: Choose a business name (and check availability)
Each state has a business-name database. Your formation service will typically check availability as part of the process.
Step 3: Hire a Registered Agent (mandatory)
A registered agent is required in the formation state. It must have a physical address in that state and be available during business hours to receive legal and government notices.
You can:
- Use a professional registered agent service (recommended), or
- Use someone you trust in the US (not recommended for most non-residents)
Step 4: File the formation document with the state
- LLC: Articles of Organization
- Corporation: Articles/Certificate of Incorporation
These documents create your entity officially.
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement (LLC) or Bylaws (Corp)
Even if your state doesn’t strictly require it, this is an essential internal document:
- Ownership structure
- Member roles
- Profit sharing
- Decision-making rules
Many formation services include it in mid/premium packages.
Step 6: Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
An EIN is your business’s US tax ID and is commonly required for banking, payments, tax filings, etc.
Key truth:
- The IRS issues EINs, and you don’t have to pay the IRS for an EIN.
Can Indians get an EIN without SSN/ITIN?
Yes, in many cases. The IRS instructions for Form SS-4 explicitly note you may enter “foreign” or “N/A” in certain cases for responsible party identification when ineligible for SSN/ITIN (follow the current SS-4 instructions carefully).
How to apply
- Some applicants can use the IRS online tool, but it has limitations (and periodic maintenance downtime).
- Many non-resident founders apply via Form SS-4 (fax/mail) or through a service provider that assists with the workflow.
Also note: the IRS says nominees shouldn’t apply for an EIN and shouldn’t be listed as the responsible party—so structure this correctly.
Step 7: US business address (often needed for banking & platforms)
Many founders use a virtual business address/mail service (not a PO Box for certain needs). Requirements vary by bank/platform.
Step 8: Open a US bank account (optional but common)
This step depends on:
- The bank/fintech
- Your business type
- Documentation
- Whether you can visit the US (some require it; some fintechs are more flexible)
Step 9: Stay compliant (annual reports, renewals, taxes)
Every state has ongoing obligations:
- Annual report / franchise tax / renewal fees
- Registered agent renewal
- Federal tax filings (requirements differ for non-resident owners)
This is where many founders get stuck—so pick a provider that supports compliance.
“Do I need to visit the USA?” (Most Indians ask this)
For formation itself, usually no. Non-resident guides explain that forming is accessible without living in the US, but operational pieces like banking may be stricter depending on provider and KYC.
Best US Business Registration Service Providers (Top 10) + Who They’re For
Below are commonly used formation and compliance service providers. Pricing changes frequently and depends on state fees, add-ons, and turnaround time—so use this list as a decision guide, not a final quote.
1) CorpNet (Strong for formation + compliance support)
CorpNet is known for helping with business formation and compliance services across all 50 states, with transparent pricing pages and options for rush filing.
Best for: founders who want formation + ongoing compliance services under one roof.
2) Northwest Registered Agent (Privacy + registered agent strength)
Often recommended primarily for registered agent service and straightforward formation bundles. Mainstream comparisons highlight its positioning vs other large brands.
Best for: founders who value privacy/support and want a strong registered agent.
3) ZenBusiness (Popular packaged plans)
ZenBusiness publishes “best LLC services” style comparisons and also reviews competitors; it’s a well-known packaged formation provider in this category.
Best for: founders who want guided packages and add-on compliance.
4) Bizee (formerly Incfile) (Budget-friendly positioning)
Often discussed as a lower-cost entry point (state fees still apply).
Best for: founders looking for a budget base option and simple formation.
5) LegalZoom (Big brand + broader legal services)
Commonly chosen for brand trust and a broad menu of legal documents/services; comparisons note upsells and pricing differences.
Best for: founders who want a recognizable brand and ongoing legal products.
6) Swyft Filings (Often positioned for speed)
Frequently mentioned among LegalZoom alternatives and quick filing-oriented providers.
Best for: founders who prioritize turnaround time (verify current timelines).
7) Rocket Lawyer (Legal documents + subscriptions)
Often included in “alternatives” lists due to document access and membership-based legal help.
Best for: founders who need ongoing contracts and legal templates.
8) Inc Authority (Marketing-heavy, sometimes $0 base offers)
Often included among low-entry-cost options (state fees still apply).
Best for: founders who want a low upfront service fee (watch add-ons).
9) Startups-focused aggregators (use as research, not the provider)
Sites like Startup Savant publish updated comparisons and can help you shortlist.
Best for: researching options before picking a provider.
10) Specialist/non-resident-focused providers (varies)
Some providers focus heavily on non-resident founders. Always verify credibility, support, and policies (especially banking/EIN assistance).
Best for: founders needing extra help with non-resident steps.
Comparison Table: Top US Formation Services for Indian Founders (2026)
Note: “Best for” is practical guidance; pricing and inclusions vary by state and by package.
| Provider | Best for Indians who want… | Strengths | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| CorpNet | Formation + compliance support | Broad formation/compliance services; transparent pricing pages; rush options | Package/inclusion differences by state; compare add-ons |
| Northwest Registered Agent | Strong registered agent + privacy | Often highlighted for RA service + support | Compare renewal costs; confirm what’s included |
| ZenBusiness | Guided packages | Clear plan structure; widely used in comparisons | Add-ons can increase total cost |
| Bizee (Incfile) | Lower entry cost | Budget positioning; frequently compared | Check renewals (registered agent, compliance) |
| LegalZoom | Big brand + legal products | Large catalog of services; broad awareness | Upsells and higher effective cost in some cases |
| Swyft Filings | Faster filing orientation | Often listed as a LegalZoom alternative | Verify speed claims and what “fast” means |
| Rocket Lawyer | Ongoing documents | Subscription style legal templates | Subscriptions can add up |
| Inc Authority | Low upfront fee | Commonly cited among low-cost alternatives | Review add-ons carefully |
| Aggregator guides | Research | Useful for comparing updated lists | Not the service provider—verify independently |
| Non-resident specialists | Extra help | Focus on non-resident steps | Vet thoroughly; avoid shady “EIN for a fee” traps |
The Most Important Part Indians Miss: EIN + Compliance Done Right
EIN: avoid scams and do it the proper way
The IRS explicitly warns that some sites charge for EIN even though the IRS issues EINs for free.
Use:
- IRS resources on EIN and Form SS-4
- Current SS-4 instructions for foreign/non-SSN cases
- IRS guidance on responsible party vs nominees
Frequently Asked Questions (India → USA Business Registration)
Can I register a US LLC from India without SSN/ITIN?
Often yes, depending on process and documentation. IRS SS-4 instructions cover how foreign applicants can complete certain fields when ineligible for SSN/ITIN—follow the latest official instructions.
Is the IRS EIN online tool always available?
No—there can be planned downtime/maintenance windows.
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes, for LLC formation in a US state you generally need one; non-resident guides emphasize this requirement.
Which is best: Wyoming or Delaware?
It depends on your goals (cost vs investor friendliness vs compliance). Many non-resident guides explain the tradeoffs rather than giving one universal answer.
Checklist: Register a US Business from India (Quick Action Plan)
- Decide LLC vs C-Corp
- Choose the state
- Hire a registered agent
- File formation (Articles)
- Create Operating Agreement / Bylaws
- Apply for EIN (follow IRS SS-4 guidance)
- Set up a US address/mail handling if needed
- Banking/payment stack
- Compliance calendar: annual report, renewals, tax filings
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#USLLC #BusinessIncorporation #StartupIndia #GlobalBusiness #EIN #RegisteredAgent #Delaware #WyomingLLC #SaaSFounders #InternationalBusiness
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