Can You Register a U.S. Company with a Passport? Unveiling the Possibilities and Hidden Truths

Can You Register a U.S. Company with Just a Passport? Revealing the Truth and Possibilities

In an era of deepening globalization, more and more people are paying attention to cross-border investment and entrepreneurship-especially the idea of registering a U.S. company using only a passport, which has sparked widespread interest. Many people react with surprise and skepticism when they first hear the claim that it’s possible to register a U.S. company with just a passport. So, is it really possible to use a passport as the primary basis for registering a U.S. company? And what secrets and possibilities lie behind this?

The Relationship Between Passports and U.S. Company Registration

First, it’s important to clarify a basic concept registering a company in the United States is not the same as obtaining U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. The U.S. company registration system is relatively open and allows foreigners to establish businesses within the country. A passport, as an internationally recognized form of identification, naturally becomes one of the most commonly used documents for identity verification during the registration process.

According to regulations from the U.S. Department of Commerce and state-level business registration offices, foreigners are allowed to register types of companies such as LLCs Limited Liability Companies or C-Corps C Corporations, and they do not need to hold a U.S. visa or green card to do so. In this process, a passport serves as one of the valid documents for proving personal identity.

For example, under the latest 2025 policies, popular states for company registration-such as Delaware, Wyoming, and Nevada-are open to foreign investors. These states clearly state on their official websites that foreigners can complete the registration process by providing passport information. Some registration platforms even offer remote registration services, allowing users to submit scanned passport copies, fill in basic information, and pay fees online to complete the company formation.

Why a Passport Can Be Used as a Registration Document

The U.S. company registration system was designed with the intention of attracting global investment, which is why identity verification is relatively flexible. As an internationally recognized official ID, passports are highly credible and standardized-making them ideal for use in the registration process.

Many U.S. states handle company registration at the state level, through the Secretary of State's office, rather than through federal oversight. These agencies focus more on verifying basic company information such as the company name, registered address, and business scope, rather than the applicant’s nationality or immigration status.

It’s important to note, however, that while a passport can be used as proof of identity, registering a company does not grant the right to legally work or reside in the U.S. long-term. To conduct actual business operations in the U.S., individuals still need to apply for appropriate visas, such as the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa or the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa.

Practical Steps for Registering a U.S. Company

Although a passport can serve as identity proof, the actual process of registering a U.S. company involves several specific steps

1. Choose the Company Type and State of Registration LLCs are the most common choice due to their tax flexibility and ease of management. Popular states include Delaware and Wyoming, known for their favorable tax policies and mature legal frameworks.

2. Prepare Identity Documents Submit a scanned copy of your passport and fill in personal details. Some states may also require proof of address or a signed power of attorney.

3. Appoint a Registered Agent Most states require foreign companies to designate a registered agent within the U.S. to receive legal documents and official notices.

4. Submit Registration Documents and Pay Fees Applications can be submitted through the Secretary of State’s website or third-party platforms, with fees typically ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars.

5. Apply for an EIN Employer Identification Number The EIN is the company’s tax ID, similar to a personal Social Security number, and is required for opening a U.S. bank account and filing taxes.

6. Open a U.S. Bank Account Some U.S. banks allow remote account opening for foreign individuals, but usually require a passport, EIN, and company documents.

Challenges and Considerations

Although the registration process may seem straightforward, several practical challenges exist

Compliance Requirements Even after successful registration, companies must comply with U.S. federal and state laws, including annual reporting and tax filings. Failure to do so may result in fines or the company being dissolved.

Tax Obligations U.S. companies are required to pay taxes on global income. While the U.S. has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation, this also means greater transparency in financial reporting.

Bank Account Difficulties Although some banks support remote account opening, most U.S. banks are cautious about opening accounts for foreigners and may require additional documentation or even an in-person visit.

Legal and Accounting Support Due to the complexity of the U.S. legal system, it is advisable to hire professional lawyers and accountants to ensure legal compliance and smooth operations.

Recent Developments

In October 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce released statistics showing that foreign company registrations increased by about 18% over the past year, with the most significant growth coming from Asia and the Middle East-particularly China, India, and the UAE. This reflects the evolving global economic landscape and the continued appeal of the U.S. as an investment destination.

At the same time, the U.S. Treasury has strengthened its enforcement of anti-money laundering AML and know-your-customer KYC regulations. In December 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network FinCEN updated the implementation rules of the Corporate Transparency Act, requiring all companies to disclose their beneficial ownership information. This means that even companies registered with a passport must provide detailed ownership structures to prevent the misuse of anonymous shell companies.

Conclusion

Registering a U.S. company with just a passport is not a myth-it is made possible by the U.S.’s open and flexible business registration system. For entrepreneurs and investors looking to expand into international markets, this is a legitimate and viable option. However, it’s essential to approach it with a clear understanding of the legal, tax, and compliance challenges involved. As globalization continues to evolve, cross-border entrepreneurship will become an increasingly common path for ambitious individuals around the world.