US Company Formation: Delaware C-Corp & Wyoming LLC for Global Founders
For international software developers, e-commerce merchants, and digital agency owners, establishing a United States entity unlocks direct access to Stripe, PayPal, US payment gateways, and tier-1 startup banking via Mercury and Brex. Delaware is the undisputed corporate jurisdiction of choice for VC fundraising, while Wyoming is celebrated for bootstrapped founders seeking pass-through taxation and privacy.
Step-by-Step Incorporation Process in United States (Delaware / Wyoming)
Statutory timeline and regulatory milestones required by government authorities.
Select State: Delaware vs. Wyoming
Choose Delaware C-Corp if planning to raise VC capital, or Wyoming LLC for privacy and zero state-level corporate taxes.
Appoint Registered Agent & File Articles
Submit Certificate of Formation / Incorporation with the Division of Corporations.
Draft Operating Agreement / Bylaws
Execute internal governance protocols, member equity ownership splits, and corporate bylaws.
Obtain Federal EIN from IRS
Submit Form SS-4 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) via expedite fax or digital transmission for non-US citizens without SSN.
Open US Business Bank & Stripe Account
Apply remotely to Mercury Bank, Brex, or Relay Financial with the approved EIN and Certificate of Good Standing.
Popular Corporate Structures in United States (Delaware / Wyoming)
Choose the entity structure aligned with your commercial operations and taxation strategy.
Delaware C-Corporation
Tech startups, VC-backed companies, Y-Combinator applicants
- Demanded by US venture capitalists
- Stock option plans (ESOP) supported
- Delaware Court of Chancery legal predictability
Wyoming Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Bootstrapped founders, e-commerce stores, digital agencies, holding assets
- 0% State income tax
- Maximum charging order protection
- Member privacy protected on public record
Corporate & Personal Taxation in United States (Delaware / Wyoming)
Corporate Income Tax Framework
C-Corporations pay 21% flat US federal corporate tax on taxable profits. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs are classified as Disregarded Entities (pass-through) by default: if the non-US owner does not have a physical US office or dependent agents ('Effectively Connected Income' - ECI), zero US federal tax is due, requiring only informational Form 5472 and 1120 filings.
Personal Income & Capital Gains Tax
Non-resident aliens pay 0% US personal income tax on foreign earnings unless physically performing work inside the United States.
- Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL)
- Wyoming Limited Liability Company Act (W.S. 17-29)
- Internal Revenue Code (IRC Title 26)
- Corporate Transparency Act (FinCEN BOI Reporting)
Corporate Banking & Payment Rails in United States (Delaware / Wyoming)
Recommended banking partners, minimum deposits, and compliance requirements.
| Financial Institution | Institution Type | Avg. Approval Time | Min. Deposit | Remote Opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Bank | Digital / Fintech | 2 - 5 Days | $0 | ✅ 100% Remote |
| Brex | Digital / Fintech | 3 - 7 Days | $0 | ✅ 100% Remote |
| Relay Financial | Digital / Fintech | 2 - 4 Days | $0 | ✅ 100% Remote |
| J.P. Morgan Chase | Tier-1 Traditional | 10 - 20 Days | $1,500+ | ⚠️ In-Person Required |
E-2 Investor Visa & L-1 Intra-Company Transferee
Minimum Capital / Salary Threshold: $100,000+ recommended substantial investment
Calculate Your United States (Delaware / Wyoming) Setup Budget
Interactive fee calculator based on current official statutory pricing.
Global Company Formation Cost Estimator
Calculate accurate government fees, resident visas, office permits, and banking setup.
Frequently Asked Questions about United States (Delaware / Wyoming) Formation
Do I need a US visa or green card to own a US company?
No. Any foreign national can incorporate and own 100% of a US Delaware C-Corp or Wyoming LLC without ever visiting or residing in the United States.
Can I open a US Stripe account with an LLC?
Yes. Once your US entity is registered and an IRS EIN is assigned, you can integrate Stripe and accept USD credit card payments directly into a US bank account.