How to Start a Company in the U.S.? Full Breakdown from Registration to Operation, Easily Master Key Steps to Entrepreneurship!

How to Start a Company in the United States A Complete Guide from Registration to Operations

In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization, more and more entrepreneurs have set their sights on overseas markets-particularly the United States, the world’s largest economy. According to a 2025 report by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. remains one of the most attractive investment destinations globally, thanks to its open market environment, robust legal system, and diverse consumer base. These factors provide international entrepreneurs with vast opportunities for growth. But how can you successfully start a business in the U.S.? This article will walk you through everything-from registration to operations.

1. Determine Your Company Type Choose the Right Legal Structure

The first step in starting a U.S. business is selecting the appropriate legal structure. The most common options include

Sole Proprietorship Ideal for individual entrepreneurs. It’s easy to set up but offers no liability protection.

Limited Liability Company LLC One of the most popular structures. It offers limited liability protection and flexible tax treatment.

Corporation C Corp Suitable for larger businesses, especially those planning to raise capital or go public.

S Corporation S Corp A tax-efficient structure where profits are taxed only at the individual level.

According to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration SBA for Q1 2025, over 60% of new businesses registered as LLCs, largely due to their flexibility in liability protection and taxation.

2. Step-by-Step Registration Process From Naming to Licensing

a. Company Naming and Name Search

Before registering, ensure your company name is unique. You can check name availability through your state’s Secretary of State website. Choose a name that is simple, memorable, and aligned with your brand.

b. File Registration Documents and Obtain an EIN

After finalizing the name, submit the appropriate documents-such as Articles of Organization for LLCs or Articles of Incorporation for corporations-to your state and pay the required fees.

Next, apply for an Employer Identification Number EIN from the Internal Revenue Service IRS. This number is essential for tax purposes and opening a business bank account.

c. Open a Business Bank Account

Once you have an EIN, you can open a U.S. business bank account. Major banks like Chase and Wells Fargo support account opening for foreign entrepreneurs, typically requiring identification and business registration documents.

d. Apply for Business Licenses and Permits

Depending on your industry, you may need specific licenses or permits. For example, restaurants require health permits, while tech companies may need to comply with data security regulations. You can find specific requirements on your state or local government websites.

3. Tax Compliance The Foundation of Business Operations

Compliance with tax and legal requirements is crucial for any U.S. business. The IRS requires timely filing of federal, state, and local taxes, along with maintaining accurate financial records.

LLCs and S Corps are typically taxed as pass-through entities, meaning the business itself doesn’t pay corporate tax. Instead, profits are reported on the owners’ personal tax returns.

Employers must also pay Federal Insurance Contributions Act FICA taxes for Social Security and Medicare, as well as unemployment taxes.

To ensure compliance, many entrepreneurs hire professional accountants or use accounting software like QuickBooks from the early stages of their business.

4. Hiring Employees and Human Resources Management

If you plan to hire employees in the U.S., you must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act FLSA, which governs minimum wage, overtime pay, and working conditions. You’ll also need to provide workers’ compensation and health insurance.

Minimum wage laws vary by state. For example, in 2025, California raised the minimum wage to $16 per hour. It’s essential to stay updated on local labor laws to avoid legal issues.

5. Marketing and Brand Promotion Breaking into the U.S. Market

The U.S. market is highly competitive, making branding and marketing essential for success. Consider the following strategies

Build a Professional Website Use platforms like Shopify or WordPress to showcase your products and services.

Social Media Marketing Leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach your target audience.

SEO and Paid Advertising Use Google Ads and Meta Ads to increase visibility and attract targeted traffic.

Localization Strategy Understand local culture and consumer behavior to tailor your offerings.

According to 2025 data, over 80% of U.S. consumers discover brands online, making digital marketing a critical success factor.

6. Financing and Expansion Growing Your Business

For startups, securing funding is key to scaling. The U.S. offers a mature financial ecosystem with multiple options

Angel Investors and Venture Capital Ideal for tech and innovation-driven startups, particularly in hubs like Silicon Valley and New York.

Bank Loans The SBA offers loan guarantees that help small businesses access financing.

Crowdfunding Platforms Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo are great for product-based ventures.

With the gradual recovery of U.S.-China economic ties, more Chinese entrepreneurs are setting up U.S. subsidiaries to access the North American market. According to a Wall Street Journal report from April 2025, many Asian companies are using U.S. subsidiaries to tap into the mature business environment and grow rapidly.

Conclusion

Starting a business in the U.S. may seem challenging, but with the right knowledge and strategy, it is entirely achievable. Whether it’s choosing the correct legal structure, ensuring tax compliance, managing employees, or building a strong brand presence, each step plays a vital role in your company’s success.

We hope this guide has provided you with a clear roadmap to navigate the U.S. business landscape and set the foundation for a thriving enterprise.