Key Processes and Requirements for Company Registration in the US

Thinking of registering a company in the United States? You must understand these processes and requirements!

In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization and the continuous growth of China's economy, an increasing number of Chinese enterprises have turned their attention to overseas markets. As one of the largest economies in the world, the United States has become the top choice for many entrepreneurs. Whether it is to expand international markets, attract overseas investment, or seek a higher-quality business environment, the U.S. attracts countless entrepreneurs with its mature legal system, developed financial market, and highly free commercial atmosphere. However, successfully registering a company in the U.S. is no easy task; it requires a thorough understanding of relevant laws and operational procedures.

Why Choose to Register a Company in the U.S.?

The U.S. is renowned worldwide for its strong economic strength and open market environment. For Chinese companies, setting up branches or wholly-owned subsidiaries in the U.S. not only enhances brand international influence but also helps businesses secure more financing opportunities. The U.S. has the most complete intellectual property protection system in the world, which is particularly important for technology-oriented and innovative enterprises. According to Fortune magazine, by 2025, over 60% of China's high-tech enterprises plan to establish research and development centers in the U.S. to better connect with global top technologies and talent resources.

At the same time, the tax differences between states in the U.S. provide diverse options for businesses of different sizes. For example, Nevada and Texas are favored due to their low tax rates or even no personal income tax; while California, despite its higher tax rate, attracts numerous retail giants because of its large consumer market. When deciding whether to register in the U.S., companies should consider their own business needs and financial conditions comprehensively.

The Basic Process of Registering a Company in the U.S.

The first step in registering a company in the U.S. is determining the legal form of the company. Common types include Limited Liability Companies LLCs, Incorporated Companies Inc., and partnerships. Each type has its own characteristics; for instance, LLCs enjoy flexible tax policies, while Inc. is more suitable for large-scale capital operations. According to CNBC statistics, about 75% of new startups chose LLC as their legal structure in 2025.

Once the company type is determined, the next step is to choose a unique name for the company and complete the registration application. It is worth noting that the federal government does not directly handle company registration; instead, each state's Secretary of State Office handles related affairs. This means that before officially operating, a company must first select the state where it will be based and submit necessary documents through the state’s website. For example, New York State requires newly registered companies to provide detailed articles of incorporation and shareholder information, while Florida allows instant online approval.

After completing the basic registration, the company also needs to apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number FEIN, which serves as the company's ID number for tax reporting and transactions with other institutions. According to data from the Internal Revenue Service IRS, about 40% of newly registered American companies chose remote FEIN application methods in the first half of 2025, significantly improving efficiency and reducing cumbersome manual steps.

Funding Requirements and Compliance Checks

In addition to the above basic procedures, companies must meet certain funding thresholds to begin operations. The specific amount depends on the regulations of the selected state and the industry attributes. For example, companies in the financial services sector usually need to pay higher deposits, while ordinary trading companies are relatively relaxed. The U.S. has strict requirements for anti-money laundering measures, and all foreign investors must pass Customer Due Diligence CDD to open bank accounts.

It is worth mentioning that starting from 2025, the U.S. gradually tightened its scrutiny of foreign mergers and acquisitions, especially transactions involving national security areas require special approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States CFIUS. This change has made some Chinese companies reconsider their cross-border expansion strategies. Despite this, The Wall Street Journal points out that there are still numerous successful cases indicating that as long as preparations are made in advance and local rules are followed, Chinese companies can firmly establish themselves in the U.S.

Cultural Adaptation and Long-term Planning

Finally, but equally importantly, cultural differences often affect the survival and development of multinational enterprises. The U.S. is a diversified society where respect for individual rights and equality runs throughout. Chinese companies should focus on cultivating local teams and strengthening cooperation with communities to gain consumers' trust and support. Additionally, given the intense competition, it is recommended that companies entering the U.S. market simultaneously develop long-term development blueprints, such as building local supply chains and optimizing customer service experiences.

In summary, although the U.S. provides a platform full of opportunities for foreign enterprises, it also comes with many challenges. Only by thoroughly understanding local laws and regulations, reasonably planning resource allocation, and maintaining flexibility and innovation can sustainable development be achieved on this land. If you are considering starting a business in the U.S., why not start taking action now?