Register a U.S. Company Without a Passport? Unlocking the Secret to Global Business Opportunities

Can You Register a U.S. Company Without a Passport? Unlocking the Secrets to Global Business Opportunities

In today’s increasingly globalized world, more and more entrepreneurs and business owners are turning their attention to overseas markets-especially the United States, which offers a mature business environment and a well-developed legal system. Registering a U.S. company not only enhances a company’s image but also brings numerous benefits in cross-border trade, fundraising, brand expansion, and more. However, one common question remains Can you register a U.S. company without a passport?

1. Can You Register Without a Passport? The Answer is Yes

The good news is that registering a U.S. company does not require the applicant to have a passport. In fact, the U.S. is one of the few countries that allows foreigners to register a company remotely. Many states-such as Delaware, California, and New York-have well-established registration procedures that allow non-U.S. citizens or residents to complete the process through a power of attorney.

The general steps for registering a U.S. company include

Choosing a business structure e.g., LLC, C Corp

Selecting the state of registration

Filing registration documents

Appointing a registered agent

Applying for an Employer Identification Number EIN

A passport is not a mandatory document. Instead, applicants can authorize a U.S.-based registration agent to complete the process on their behalf through a Power of Attorney.

2. Why Are More Chinese Entrepreneurs Choosing to Register U.S. Companies?

In recent years, with increasing Sino-U.S. trade and investment, more Chinese individuals and businesses have begun to explore opportunities in the U.S. market. According to data released by China’s Ministry of Commerce, Chinese investment in the U.S. grew by 12% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, with technology, e-commerce, education, and healthcare emerging as key sectors.

Registering a U.S. company aligns closely with China’s Going Global strategy. For example, many cross-border e-commerce sellers on platforms like Amazon and eBay find that registering a U.S. company helps build trust, reduce tax compliance risks, and facilitate cooperation with U.S. suppliers.

Moreover, the U.S. financial market is highly developed, offering greater opportunities for fundraising and even IPOs on major exchanges like NASDAQ or the NYSE-goals for many tech startups. Registering a U.S. company is often the first step toward achieving that.

3. Documents and Process for Registering a U.S. Company

Although a passport is not required, certain basic documents and information are still necessary

1. Company Name - Must be unique and available in the chosen state.

2. Business Structure - Such as LLC or Corporation.

3. Registered Address - Must be a valid U.S. address, often provided by a registered agent.

4. Registered Agent - Required in every state to receive legal documents and notices.

5. Shareholder and Director Information - Including names, addresses, and ownership percentages can be non-U.S. citizens.

6. Power of Attorney - If a third party is handling the registration.

The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the processing time of the state and the completeness of the submitted documents.

4. Taxation and Compliance Key Considerations After Registration

Registering the company is just the beginning. Ongoing tax compliance and operational transparency are crucial.

The U.S. tax system is complex, with variations between federal and state regulations. For non-residents, common considerations include

Federal and State Taxes - U.S. companies must pay taxes based on income at both the federal and state levels.

EIN Application - Even without employees, it’s recommended to obtain an EIN for banking and tax reporting.

Bank Account Opening - While some U.S. banks require in-person visits, others now support remote account opening, especially through agency assistance.

Annual Reports and Fees - Most states require annual reports and renewal fees.

In recent years, the U.S. has tightened regulations on foreign investors, especially in areas like anti-money laundering AML and know-your-customer KYC policies. It is advisable to work with a qualified professional service to ensure full compliance.

5. Case Study Successful Registration Without a Passport

In May 2025, Mr. Zhang, an e-commerce entrepreneur from Guangzhou, successfully registered an LLC in Delaware through a professional service provider. He shared I thought I would need a passport and visa to register a U.S. company, but in reality, I only needed my ID card and a signed Power of Attorney. The process was smooth, and I received the certificate in under three weeks.

Mr. Zhang’s experience is not unique. More and more Chinese SME owners and freelancers are registering U.S. companies remotely to expand overseas, open international bank accounts, and even apply for U.S. visas like the L1 for long-term development.

6. Conclusion

Not having a passport does not prevent you from registering a U.S. company. With the development of global commerce and digital services, setting up a U.S. company has become a clear and accessible international strategy.

For entrepreneurs and individuals looking to enter global markets, this is not just a legal step-it’s a transformation in business thinking. With proper planning, professional support, and a commitment to compliance, even without a passport, you can confidently take your first step toward international expansion and unlock new global business opportunities.