Opening a US business can sound like a daunting task, however, it can actually be easier and faster than you think. Timing is crucial when it comes to entrepreneurship, especially on a global scale. A Limited Liability Company, for example, is a business structure that is often chosen by foreign entrepreneurs due to the protection and benefits it offers, but how long does it take to get an LLC registered?
To answer this question, you will need to know in which state you would want to open your business and how the process is to open an LLC in the US. Keep reading to find out all about your best options!
But first, how do you open an LLC?
The first thing you should consider to determine how long it is going to take to get your LLC off the ground is what you will need to properly register the company. This process has many steps, and doing it all alone as a foreign entrepreneur can make things more complicated.
Check out all the steps to open your LLC:
- Choose the best state to start your business;
- Select a business address (can be a virtual address);
- Hire a Registered Agent;
- Submit formation documents;
- Get an EIN;
To make all of this easier, you can choose to start your business with help from specialized partners, like Globalfy. With our all-in-one business formation plan, you can start your LLC 100% online and count on benefits such as one year of free virtual address in the US and a Registered Agent.
How long will it take to get my LLC registered?
After you decide the best state to start your business, you will need to register your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and get your Certificate of Formation for an LLC. It usually takes up to 5 business days, but every state has its own rules and timeframes to process the document.
Florida, Delaware, Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming are states that offer great opportunities for international businesses. These states are used to having a high demand for business formation. As a result, the process of starting a business is faster than in other states.
Take a look at how long it takes to get an LLC registered in each of these states and their formation fees:
| Florida | Delaware | Texas | New Mexico | Wyoming | |
| Processing time | 5 business days. | More than 3 months (normal processing) or 2-4 business days (expedited services with US$100 fee) | 4 business days. | 3 business days. | 2 business days. |
| Privacy | No anonymity. All commercial records are public. | Total privacy for LLC. | No anonymity. All commercial records are public. | Total privacy for LLC. | Total privacy for LLC. |
| LLC formation fee | $125 | $110 (Normal processing) | $300 | $50 | $100 (+$2 credit card fee) |
How long does it take to get your EIN?
The EIN is the Employer Identification Number provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to record transactions and ensure that your business taxes are paid correctly. This is a mandatory document to do business in the US.
To request your EIN, you need to submit a completed Form SS-4 to the IRS or apply online. If any of the company’s members have an SSN/ITIN, the process is done in less than a day. If not, the IRS can take up to 15 business days to receive your EIN confirmation letter.
A business formation service, such as Globalfy’s all-in-one plan, will make this process for you after you get your state approval.
Other licenses
Depending on your business venture and the state you choose to form your company, you may need other licenses and permits to operate your business. According to the US Small Business Administration, states usually regulate business activities such as auctions, construction, dry cleaning, farming, plumbing, restaurants, retail, and vending machines.
For businesses such as e-commerce, foreign entrepreneurs may also need to file for a Seller’s permit in the state their business is registered. Depending on the category, your products may also need to be approved for sale in the US. For example, to sell food products, you need to get approval from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
Open your LLC now
From start to finish, the process of opening your LLC in the US can take months. The good news for you is that you can make this a lot easier: Fill out our form in 5 minutes and get your business started!
Through Globalfy’s services, the process of filling out documents and sorting everything you need to open your LLC is straightforward. Our team of specialists is prepared to guarantee that every form is filled out correctly and make this process stress-free for you.
The all-in-one business formation plan will make getting your state registration and EIN easier. It also includes perks such as one year of virtual address and Registered Agent, a US business bank account (restrictions apply), and over $200,000 in discounts and benefits to make your business thrive in the US!
