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Incorporation guide

How to incorporate a US company as a foreign founder.

Entity types, EIN without SSN, bank accounts, Form 5472, ongoing compliance — the complete, no-fluff guide.

Step by step

Seven steps to a fully operational US company.

  1. 01

    Choose your entity type

    Delaware C-Corp is the standard for venture-backed startups — VCs expect it, SAFEs and priced rounds are built around it. Wyoming LLC works better for bootstrapped founders: lower fees, stronger privacy, no franchise tax for small companies. Both work for foreign founders.

  2. 02

    Get your EIN (without an SSN)

    The EIN is your company's tax ID. As a foreign founder, you don't have an SSN — and that's fine. The IRS accepts EIN applications from foreign applicants through a separate, no-SSN process. A formation service can help you prepare and submit it correctly the first time.

  3. 03

    Open a US bank account

    This is the single biggest anxiety for foreign founders. Most banks reject non-US applicants or require in-person visits. Mercury, Stripe, and Wise offer remote opening for founders with a US entity — a formation service can help you prepare a stronger application, though final approval is always the bank's decision.

  4. 04

    Set up your US address and phone

    Your US company needs a registered business address (not a PO box) and ideally a US phone number. The address is used for mail, government correspondence, and bank verification. The phone number builds credibility with US customers and payment processors.

  5. 05

    Appoint a registered agent

    Every US company needs a registered agent in its state of incorporation — someone who can receive legal documents and government notices on your behalf. This is typically a paid service and is required for the life of your company.

  6. 06

    Find out if Form 5472 applies to you (critical)

    If your US company is foreign-owned, the IRS may require you to file Form 5472 annually, and the penalties for missing it are steep. Many formation services don't mention it, and most — including Corppy — don't file it for you. Talk to a tax professional about it early; don't assume it's someone else's job.

  7. 07

    Stay compliant year-round

    Formation is day one. After that, you need annual report filings, franchise tax payments (Delaware), Form 5472, and potentially state-level compliance depending on where you operate. Missing deadlines means penalties and, in some cases, dissolution of your company.

Entity comparison

Delaware C-Corp vs. Wyoming LLC.

Delaware C-Corp

Best for VC-backed startups

  • –Standard structure for venture capital
  • –SAFEs and priced rounds built for C-Corps
  • –Recognised by every US investor you will meet
  • –Has an annual franchise tax — amount depends on your shares

Wyoming LLC

Best for bootstrapped founders

  • –Among the lowest state fees in the US
  • –Strong owner privacy
  • –No franchise tax on a small company
  • –Pass-through taxation by default

Ready to incorporate? We'll handle the formation.

Formation, EIN, registered agent, US address, US phone, and state tax registration — all-in. $449 — $349 Corppy + $100 Wyoming filing fee, or $508 — $399 Corppy + $109 Delaware filing fee.

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