Want to Start a Company in the U.S.? Understand the Registration Process in One Article!

Thinking About Registering a Company in the U.S.? Demystify the Process!

In recent years, with the deepening of global economic integration, an increasing number of Chinese entrepreneurs and businesses have begun to look toward overseas markets-especially the United States, one of the world’s largest economies. According to the latest data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce, foreign investment in the U.S. increased by 12% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, with particularly significant growth coming from Asian investors. This indicates that despite global economic uncertainties, the U.S. market remains highly attractive to international investors.

For entrepreneurs planning to register a company in the U.S., understanding the basic procedures and requirements is the first step toward international expansion.

1. Why Register a Company in the U.S.?

The United States offers a robust legal framework, a transparent business environment, and a mature financial system, making it one of the most attractive investment destinations globally. Each U.S. state has considerable autonomy in corporate registration, allowing entrepreneurs to choose the most suitable location based on their business needs.

Take Delaware, for example-it is one of the most popular states for company registration. Over 60% of publicly traded companies and more than half of the Fortune 500 companies are registered in Delaware. Its advantages include favorable tax policies, a well-developed legal system, and flexible corporate governance structures.

Other popular states include California, New York, and Florida-particularly suitable for technology, finance, and international trade businesses.

2. Basic Steps to Register a U.S. Company

While registration requirements vary slightly by state, the general process remains largely consistent

1. Determine the Company Structure

Common types of U.S. business entities include

Limited Liability Company LLC

Corporation C-Corp or S-Corp

Partnership

Among these, LLCs are especially popular among startups and foreign investors due to their limited liability protection, tax flexibility, and ease of management.

2. Choose a State and Reserve a Company Name

Before officially registering, check the availability of your desired company name on the state’s official website and submit a name reservation request. Some states allow this to be done online.

3. File Registration Documents

Typically, you need to submit either a Certificate of Organization for LLCs or Articles of Incorporation for Corporations to the state government. These documents include the company name, registered address, business purpose, and shareholder information. Most states allow online filing, with fees ranging from $100 to $300.

4. Apply for an Employer Identification Number EIN

All U.S.-registered companies must apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number EIN from the Internal Revenue Service IRS. This number is used for tax registration and opening a bank account. Foreign businesses can apply online via the IRS website.

5. Open a U.S. Bank Account

While not mandatory, opening a local bank account can help with financial management and build credibility for companies planning long-term operations. Some banks allow remote account opening but typically require company registration documents, EIN, and shareholder identification.

6. Comply with Ongoing Requirements

After registration, businesses must file annual reports and pay associated fees. They must also comply with state-specific tax, employment, and environmental regulations to ensure legal and compliant operations.

3. Key Considerations for Foreigners Registering a Company in the U.S.

For Chinese investors, there are several additional points to keep in mind

No U.S. Citizenship Required U.S. law allows foreigners to register companies, regardless of whether they hold a green card or visa. Anyone can be a shareholder or legal representative.

Language and Cultural Differences While the registration process is relatively transparent, handling English documents and communicating with local institutions can present challenges.

Hire Professional Advisors It is advisable to engage legal and accounting professionals familiar with U.S. laws and tax systems to avoid potential risks.

Cross-Border Tax Issues Although the U.S. and China have a tax treaty, businesses must still be mindful of international income taxation and profit repatriation, ensuring proper tax reporting and compliance.

4. Recent Trends and Case Studies 2025

In 2025, as remote work and digital services become more widespread, an increasing number of Chinese tech startups are choosing to establish a presence in the U.S. to better access the global market.

For example, a Shenzhen-based AI company registered a U.S. branch in California earlier this year and quickly built a local sales and technical support team through remote work arrangements. The company’s executive noted that registering in the U.S. not only enhanced the brand’s international image but also created more opportunities for fundraising and expanding into the North American market.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has been streamlining the registration process for foreign businesses. Some states now offer multilingual services and online registration platforms, significantly improving efficiency. Additionally, certain states have introduced tax incentives for startups, further attracting foreign investment.

5. Conclusion

Registering a company in the U.S. may seem daunting at first, but it is far from unattainable. By understanding the basic procedures, selecting the right state for registration, and preparing for compliance, entrepreneurs can successfully enter the U.S. market.

For Chinese companies aiming to go global, the U.S. remains a land of opportunity. By seizing the right timing and laying the groundwork early, you could be the next successful international enterprise.