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Starting a business in the United States from Pakistan may sound difficult, but it’s actually quite easy if you follow the right steps. Many Pakistani entrepreneurs, freelancers, and online store owners are now registering LLC companies in the USA to reach more customers, use U.S. payment systems like Stripe or PayPal, and build trust with international clients. An LLC (Limited Liability Company) gives legal protection, looks professional, and is simple to manage. You don’t have to live in the U.S. or visit in person to register your company, everything can be done online from Pakistan.
This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to register a company in USA from Pakistan, the costs involved, best states to choose, and important tools like U.S. phone numbers and bank accounts. If you’re serious about growing your business globally, setting up a U.S. LLC is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Why Register an LLC in the USA?
An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a popular business structure in the USA that offers flexibility and protection. It combines the benefits of a corporation and a partnership, providing limited liability to its owners while allowing pass-through taxation. For Pakistani entrepreneurs, forming an LLC in the USA can offer following benefits:
- Facilitate access to the U.S. market and customers.
- Enable the use of U.S.-based payment processors like PayPal, Stripe and Wise
- Enhance business credibility and trust with international clients.
- Simplify the process of opening U.S. business bank accounts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering an LLC in the USA from Pakistan
Choose the Best State for Your LLC
When registering an LLC in the USA from Pakistan, the first and most important step is deciding which U.S. state you want to register your business in. Each state has its own rules, fees, taxes, and advantages. Some states are considered “business-friendly” because they have lower costs, strong privacy laws, or no state income tax.
For Pakistani entrepreneurs, Wyoming, Delaware, and Nevada are often the best options.
Wyoming is very popular because it has low startup and annual fees, does not charge state income tax, and offers strong privacy protections.
Delaware is known for its business-friendly laws and is commonly chosen by tech startups and international investors.
Nevada also has no state income tax and offers easy filing options. Choose your state based on your business goals, future plans, and budget.
For many Pakistanis, Wyoming is often the best state to register company in USA from Pakistan due to its simplicity and affordability.
Decide a Name for Your Company
Every LLC in the USA needs a unique and legal business name. Your name must end with “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company” depending on state rules. The name cannot be the same as another business already registered in the same state.
You can check name availability by visiting the business search page on the Secretary of State website of your selected state. It’s a good idea to also check if the domain (website URL) is available, especially if you want to do business online. If you find a name you like and it’s available, you can reserve it in some states by paying a small fee. This is the first step to make sure your LLC registration USA from Pakistan goes smoothly.
Get a U.S. Phone Number (Highly Recommended)
Many U.S.-based platforms, including banks, Stripe, PayPal, Amazon, and others, may require or prefer a U.S. phone number for verification. This step is not legally required, but it’s extremely useful if you want to operate smoothly from Pakistan.
You can get a virtual U.S. number from services like OpenPhone, Sonetel, TextNow, or Grasshopper. Prices start at $6 to $15/month. Look for a provider that supports SMS verification and call forwarding.
Having a U.S. number improves your business credibility and helps ensure important messages or OTPs don’t get missed. This small step can make a big difference when trying to open US company from Pakistan and operate internationally.
Hire a Registered Agent in the USA
As a non-resident of the U.S., you are required to appoint a Registered Agent in the state where your LLC is being registered. A Registered Agent is a person or company that receives legal and government documents (like tax notices or court summons) on behalf of your business.
The agent must have a physical address in the state (not a P.O. Box) and be available during business hours. Since you are in Pakistan, you can hire a professional registered agent service, which usually costs between $50 to $300 per year. This service ensures that your business stays compliant with state rules. Without a registered agent, your LLC can face penalties or even be shut down.
File Articles of Organization
This is the official step where your LLC is legally created. The Articles of Organization (also known as Certificate of Formation in some states) is a document that includes your company name, business address, registered agent information, and sometimes the purpose of the company.
You can file this form online through the Secretary of State website of your chosen state. Some states also accept it by mail. After submission, you will receive a confirmation or a certificate showing that your LLC is officially registered. The state filing fee can range from $50 to $500 depending on the state. For example, LLC company registration in USA through Wyoming typically costs $100.
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a tax ID number for your LLC. It is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is necessary for opening a U.S. business bank account, paying taxes, and hiring employees.
Even if you are not hiring anyone right away, most businesses need an EIN. If you’re a non-resident, you cannot apply for an EIN online, you must fill out Form SS-4 and send it to the IRS by mail or fax. Some online services can help apply for it on your behalf. Getting an EIN is free when applying directly through the IRS, but some paid services may charge you around $75 to $150. Without this, you cannot start a company in USA online from Pakistan properly.
Get a U.S. Business Address and Virtual Office (Optional but Useful)
Many online businesses choose to use a virtual address in the U.S. to receive mail and appear more professional. This address can be used as your business mailing address and helps with opening bank accounts, applying for merchant services, and building trust with customers.
Virtual office services offer real street addresses and mail scanning or forwarding. Prices usually start from $10–$50 per month. Though not mandatory, having a virtual address gives your business a U.S. presence, making it easier to operate smoothly from Pakistan.
Open a U.S. Business Bank Account
After your LLC is formed and you receive your EIN, you can open a U.S. business bank account. This is essential for accepting payments, managing expenses, and keeping your business finances separate. Some banks require you to visit the U.S. in person, while others like Mercury and Wise Business offer remote account opening options for non-residents.
You will need the following documents:
- Certificate of LLC registration
- EIN from the IRS
- Operating Agreement (optional but often required)
- Passport or national ID
This step is especially important for anyone planning to accept international payments. Many LLC registration in USA for non-residents includes help with this service for an additional fee.
Create an Operating Agreement (Recommended)
An Operating Agreement outlines how your LLC will be managed, who the members are, how profits will be shared, and what happens if a member leaves the company. While most states do not require this document, it is strongly recommended, especially for multi-member LLCs.
This agreement helps protect your limited liability status and prevents internal conflicts. It’s also useful when dealing with U.S. banks, investors, or legal matters. Many online platforms offer simple templates for free or for a small fee. For Pakistanis looking to register a business in USA from Pakistan, this adds structure and clarity to your operations.
Costs Involved in Registering an LLC from Pakistan
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to open LLC in USA from Pakistan, the good news is that it’s not as expensive or complicated as it may seem. However, the total cost can vary depending on the state you choose, the services you use, and whether you do it yourself or hire a third party.
Let’s break down the main expenses involved in LLC registration USA from Pakistan so you can plan your budget properly:
State Filing Fees
Every U.S. state charges a fee to file the LLC formation documents (called Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation). This is the first and most important cost in the process. The amount depends on the state:
- Wyoming: Around $100
- Delaware: $90–$150
- California: $70 (but includes ongoing taxes)
- Florida: About $125
This is a one-time fee paid at the time of LLC formation. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, Wyoming is usually the cheapest and best state to register company in USA from Pakistan.
Registered Agent Service
As a Pakistani resident, you must appoint a Registered Agent based in the U.S. who will receive legal mail on behalf of your business. Since you can’t do this yourself from Pakistan, you’ll need to hire a professional registered agent service.
These services usually cost between $50 to $300 per year. Some companies offer it for free for the first year if you also form the LLC through them. This is an annual fee and must be renewed each year to keep your business active and compliant.
EIN Fee
Getting an EIN is necessary to open a U.S. bank account and handle taxes. The IRS provides it free of cost if you apply directly by submitting Form SS-4 via fax or mail. However, if you hire a service to get it for you, they may charge between $75 to $150.
This cost is optional if you’re comfortable applying yourself. But for most Pakistanis, using a trusted third-party service makes the process easier.
Virtual Business Address (Optional)
Many Pakistani entrepreneurs prefer to get a virtual U.S. business address for receiving mail and making the business look more professional. This service is useful but not required by law. It usually costs $10 to $50 per month, depending on the provider.
Some platforms bundle this with mail forwarding, business phone numbers, or even live receptionist services. This is helpful for building trust and passing address verification on platforms like PayPal and Stripe.
Business Bank Account Opening (Optional Cost)
Most online banks like Mercury or Wise Business are free, but some traditional banks may charge monthly maintenance or require a minimum deposit of around $50 to $100. If you use a setup agency, they may also charge you a service fee to help with opening the account.
Ongoing Maintenance Fees
After you register your LLC, some states require an annual report or franchise tax to keep your business in good standing. The cost depends on the state:
- Wyoming: $60 annually
- Delaware: $300 flat fee
- California: $800 annual tax
- Nevada: Around $350
These are not paid at the time of registration but are important for long-term planning.
Estimated Total Cost
Here’s a rough estimate of the total cost to register US company from Pakistan in the first year:
Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
---|---|
State Filing Fee | $100 – $150 (one-time) |
Registered Agent (Annual) | $50 – $150/year |
EIN Application (via service) | $75 – $150 (optional) |
Virtual U.S. Address (Optional) | $100 – $300/year (optional) |
U.S. Business Bank Setup | $0 – $100 (optional/setup) |
U.S. Phone Number | $6 – $15/month ($72–$180/year) |
Annual Maintenance/Reports | $60 – $300/year (varies by state) |
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1) | $300 – $900+ |
The cost may go up if you include extra services like legal agreements, phone lines, website creation, or business licenses (if needed in certain industries).
How to Check Company Registration in the USA
To verify your LLC’s registration:
- Visit the Secretary of State’s website for the state where your LLC is registered.
- Use the business entity search feature to look up your company by name.
- Review the details to ensure accuracy and compliance.
This process helps confirm that your LLC is active and in good standing.
The Bottom Line:
Registering an LLC in the USA from Pakistan is a smart and practical decision for anyone who wants to grow their business internationally. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup founder, e-commerce seller, or service provider, having a U.S.-based company builds more trust, gives access to global payment gateways, and makes your business look more professional. The process may seem complex at first, but with the right information and tools, it becomes simple and fully online.
From choosing the best state like Wyoming or Delaware, to filing your Articles of Organization, getting an EIN, and setting up a U.S. phone number and bank account, each step plays a key role. While there are some costs involved, many of them are one-time or affordable, especially compared to the value you get in return. With services like Mercury, OpenPhone, and trusted registered agent providers, you don’t need to visit the U.S. or have a local address yourself.
It’s important to keep your company compliant by renewing your agent, filing reports, and paying any state fees each year. Also, always check your registration status and keep your business documents safe. If done right, your U.S. LLC can become the gateway to building a strong, international brand that operates smoothly from Pakistan.
In short, if you want to scale your business, get paid faster, and work with U.S. clients more easily, setting up an LLC is one of the best investments you can make for your future. Start today, and take your business global.
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