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Learn how to open a US LLC from Pakistan without moving, without a US visa and without an SSN. This guide covers each step, the real costs and the mistakes to avoid.
Choose a state, pick a name, appoint a registered agent with a physical address in that state, file the formation document online, then draft an operating agreement and apply for an EIN. You do not need a US visa or SSN, and you can do it all remotely from Pakistan.
Verified figures only — sources are listed at the foot of this page.
Non-residents, including Pakistani citizens
No, neither is required to form
Required, with a physical address in the formation state
$100
$50
October 2026
The process is the same for a founder in Multan or Manchester. You file paperwork with a US state, and the state registers your company. Nobody asks you to visit the US. Here is the order that works best.
Work through these steps in sequence, because later steps depend on earlier ones. For example, you cannot apply for an EIN until the LLC exists, and you cannot open most business accounts until you have an EIN.
Yes. US states do not require LLC owners to be citizens or residents. A Pakistani passport is enough to be the owner, called a member, of the company. You do not need a Social Security Number to form the LLC.
The catch is that owning the LLC creates obligations. You may have US tax filings, and you still have tax duties in Pakistan. Forming the company is the easy part. Keeping it compliant is where most mistakes happen, so read our guide on taxes and speak to a qualified adviser.
There is no single best state. Wyoming is popular because the formation fee is $100 and there is no state personal income tax. New Mexico charges $50 to file and does not require an annual report for LLCs, though you should verify that at sos.nm.gov. Delaware has a $400 annual LLC tax due June 1.
Florida and Texas cost more to file and come with annual reporting. They make sense if you plan to operate physically in those states. For most online service businesses run from Pakistan, the choice is between Wyoming, New Mexico and Delaware. Our comparison of Wyoming and Delaware goes deeper.
You will need your full legal name as on your passport, a residential address, an email address and phone number, the LLC name you want, and the state you chose. The state also asks for the registered agent’s details. Many founders also name a business purpose, though most states accept a general one.
Once the state accepts the filing, you receive a formation certificate or similar proof. Keep a digital copy. Banks, payment platforms and marketplaces will ask for it later.
Next comes the operating agreement. It is an internal document that says who owns the company and how it is run. Many states do not file it, but banks often ask to see it, so do not skip it.
The first task is the EIN. This is the tax number the IRS gives your company. It is free from the IRS. Because you have no SSN, you cannot use the online application. You apply with Form SS-4 by fax, mail or phone, and processing times vary.
After that, you can approach a bank or payment provider. Wise Business, Payoneer and some US banks serve non-resident LLC owners, but each one decides on approval itself and requirements change. Nobody can promise you an account. Prepare clean documents and a clear description of what your business does.
Skipping the operating agreement is one. Using a personal address as the registered agent address is another, and it also exposes your home address on public records. Founders also forget the annual filings. Missing a state report or a federal form such as Form 5472 can lead to penalties or a dissolved company.
Finally, many people assume that a US LLC removes their Pakistani tax duties. It does not. Treat tax planning as part of the setup, not an afterthought. FenFile is a business-services company and not a tax adviser, so we always suggest you confirm your position with a qualified professional.
FenFile handles the filing steps for non-resident founders. The Starter plan covers LLC formation, a first-year registered agent, an operating agreement and EIN support. Growth adds bank account guidance, Stripe, Wise and Payoneer setup guidance and a compliance calendar. Complete adds a brand identity and business website. State fees are extra and shown before you pay, and PKR payment is possible through WhatsApp.
Keep these ready and our team will guide you through the rest.
From first message to done — with updates at every stage.
Pick Wyoming, New Mexico, Delaware or another state based on cost and your business model.
Name an agent with a physical address in the state to receive official mail.
Submit the formation document and write your operating agreement.
Apply with Form SS-4 by fax, mail or phone, since the online form needs an SSN or ITIN.
Pick a plan, pay once, and let our team handle the rest.
Solo founders launching their first US company
one-time + state filing fee
Founders who need to get paid and bank in the US
one-time + state filing fee
Full launch with brand, website and support
one-time + state filing fee
Talk to a FenFile advisor — we’ll point you to the right one.
Can’t find your answer? Our team replies on WhatsApp and email.
Yes. The whole process is online or by post. You file with the state, get an EIN by fax, mail or phone, and sign documents electronically. A US visa is not needed to form or own the company.
No. You do not need an SSN to form an LLC. You will need an EIN for tax and banking purposes, and a non-resident with no SSN or ITIN applies for it with Form SS-4 instead of the online form.
It depends on the state and the provider. For example, the Wyoming filing fee is $100 and New Mexico is $50. You also pay for a registered agent and any service fees. Check the official state site for current fees.
There is no single best state. Wyoming and New Mexico have low filing costs, and Delaware is widely recognized but has a $400 annual tax. Your plans, investors and banking needs should drive the choice.
Not necessarily. A single-member LLC owned by a non-resident with no US-connected income generally owes no US federal income tax, but reporting rules apply and Pakistani tax rules still apply. Ask a qualified tax adviser.
Possibly. Some banks and fintech providers accept non-resident LLC owners, but each provider makes its own decision and can reject an application. Requirements change, so check current terms before applying.
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Written by the FenFile team · Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.
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