From GZ to US Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a US Company

From Guangzhou to the United States A Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a U.S. Company as an Individual

In recent years, with the acceleration of global economic integration, an increasing number of Chinese individuals and small-to-medium enterprise SME owners have begun to look toward overseas markets-particularly the United States, the world’s largest economy. The U.S. market offers strong consumer demand, a mature legal system, and a relatively open attitude toward foreign investors. Especially in 2025, with the easing of some U.S.-China trade barriers and the rise of cross-border e-commerce and remote work, more entrepreneurs from Guangzhou are choosing to register U.S. companies to expand their business footprint, enhance their brand’s international image, and even lay the groundwork for future fundraising or listing.

This article provides a practical guide for individuals from Guangzhou who are interested in registering a U.S. company. Based on the latest policy updates and market trends, it aims to help readers understand the process, avoid risks, and take their first confident step toward internationalization.

1. Clarify the Purpose and Company Structure

Before registering a U.S. company, it is essential to define the business objective. Is the company intended for cross-border e-commerce sales, brand registration, investment holding, or as a vehicle for future financing or listing? The purpose will determine the most suitable company structure.

The most common types of U.S. business entities include

LLC Limited Liability Company Ideal for startups and individual investors. It has low entry barriers, flexible tax treatment, and provides personal asset protection.

C Corporation Suitable for businesses planning to raise capital or go public in the U.S., but it involves a more complex tax structure.

S Corporation Favored by small businesses for avoiding double taxation, but subject to shareholder restrictions.

According to 2025 data from the U.S. Small Business Administration, LLC is the most popular structure among foreign individuals due to its flexibility and strong liability protection-making it especially suitable for SME owners in Guangzhou.

2. Choosing the Right State Delaware and Wyoming Are the Most Popular

U.S. states differ significantly in corporate laws and tax policies, so selecting the right state is crucial. Common choices include

Delaware The most popular state for incorporation, known for its well-developed corporate law and business-friendly legal environment.

Wyoming Offers no state income tax, no requirement to disclose shareholder information, and strong privacy protection-ideal for those who value confidentiality.

Nevada Also has no state income tax and protects shareholder privacy, making it another top choice.

For Guangzhou-based entrepreneurs focused on cross-border e-commerce or brand operations, Wyoming and Delaware are recommended due to their combination of tax advantages and legal safeguards.

3. Prepare Required Documents and Information

Registering a U.S. company is not overly complex, but the following basic materials are required

1. Company Name Must be unique within the chosen state and typically include a suffix such as LLC, Inc., or Corp.

2. Registered Address Most states require a U.S.-based address, which can be obtained through a registered agent service.

3. Registered Agent A person or service authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the company, usually provided by a professional service provider.

4. Owner and Manager Information An LLC can be formed with a single owner who also acts as the manager, with no need to disclose additional shareholders.

5. Business Purpose A general description such as engaging in lawful business activities is usually sufficient.

Under the U.S. Corporate Transparency Act effective January 2025, all newly registered companies must submit beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network FinCEN. However, the reporting requirements for LLCs are relatively lenient, requiring only a one-time submission of basic information, which is not made public.

4. Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Choose Company Type and State Based on your goals, decide between LLC or Corporation and the state of registration.

2. Check Name Availability Use the state government website or a registration agent to verify that the desired name is available.

3. Prepare Formation Documents These include the Articles of Organization for LLCs or Certificate of Incorporation for Corporations.

4. Submit Application File directly through the state website or through a registration agent.

5. Obtain EIN Employer Identification Number This is the company’s U.S. tax ID, necessary for opening a bank account and filing taxes.

6. Submit FinCEN Report As required by the Corporate Transparency Act, submit beneficial owner details within 30 days of registration.

The entire process typically takes 1-3 weeks, with costs varying by state. For example, registering an LLC in Wyoming costs $100, plus $200-$300 for a registered agent service.

5. Open a Bank Account and Handle Tax Registration

After registration, the next step is to open a U.S. bank account. Due to strict anti-money laundering regulations, many U.S. banks require in-person visits for account opening. However, banks like Mercury and Payoneer now offer remote account opening, which is particularly convenient for entrepreneurs from Guangzhou.

Key tax-related steps include

Federal Tax ID EIN Mandatory for tax reporting.

State Tax Registration Required if the company operates in states other than the one of registration.

Federal Tax Filing An LLC can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship or as a corporation.

It is highly recommended to consult a U.S. accountant after registration to ensure full compliance and avoid potential legal or tax issues.

6. Ongoing Compliance and Maintenance

Registration is only the beginning. Ongoing compliance is equally important

Annual Reports Most states require an annual report and payment of annual fees.

Financial Statements and Audits While not mandatory, they help build company credibility.

Trademark and IP Protection Essential for businesses planning to sell products in the U.S.

Legal and Contract Compliance Particularly important when dealing with U.S. consumers and subject to consumer protection laws.

In June 2025, platforms like Amazon tightened compliance requirements for international sellers, making U.S. company registration a standard step for brand-oriented operations. Many Guangzhou-based sellers of apparel and electronics have improved platform trust and customer conversion by registering U.S. LLCs.

Conclusion

From Guangzhou to the United States, starting a company is no longer out of reach. With streamlined procedures, open policies, and widespread remote services, more and more Chinese entrepreneurs are leveraging the U.S. market to elevate their brands and grow their businesses. With proper planning and compliance, registering a U.S. company can be the key to unlocking global opportunities.