Non-US Founder Requirements
Easybrise Team
Formation Specialist
Forming a US LLC as an international founder is fully supported without requiring a US visa, SSN, or physical presence. However, to successfully open a US business bank account (Mercury, Relay, etc.) and activate payment processors like Stripe, founders must complete proper business formation, obtain an EIN, and maintain a verifiable business presence.
What You Need
- Valid passport (identity verification required by banks and Stripe)
- Residential address in your home country (for compliance/KYC)
- Approved US LLC or Corporation formation documents
- EIN confirmation letter (CP-575) from the IRS
- US business address (registered agent or virtual address allowed)
- Clear description of business activity (required for Stripe underwriting)
- Payment method for government and service fees
What You DON'T Need
- A US Social Security Number (SSN)
- A US visa or residency
- To travel to the United States
- A US co-founder or nominee
- A personal US bank account before formation
US banking access is typically completed AFTER entity formation and EIN issuance.
International founders should ensure their business information is consistent across formation documents, EIN filings, bank applications, and Stripe onboarding. Consistency significantly improves approval timelines and reduces compliance reviews.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for Stripe before EIN is issued
- Using mismatched business names across documents
- Providing vague or unclear business models
- Attempting to use a personal bank account instead of business account
- Submitting formation before deciding actual business activity
- Inconsistent address usage across applications
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