How to start a business in United States
What to decide, what to file and who to ask — plus businesses for sale, franchises and advisers in United States.
- Choose the legal form. Sole trader for a fast, cheap start; a limited company when you hire, sign larger contracts or bring in partners.
- Register the business. File with the national registry, then open a business bank account and register for tax and VAT if it applies.
- Check licences. Food, transport, healthcare, construction and finance usually need a permit before you trade.
- Put the paperwork in place. Terms of business, a privacy notice, contracts for staff or contractors, and an accountant.
- Or buy instead of building. An existing business or a franchise gives you customers and cash flow from day one.
Guides for United States
All guides- The US S-Corporation: Why the Letter S Exists, How to Elect It, What It Saves — and Why Foreigners Cannot Use It
An S-corporation is a tax election, not an entity. Where the name came from, how to file Form 2553, how the salary-and-distribution split cuts self-employment tax, and who is excluded by law.
Reviewed 27 Sep 2026 - The US C-Corporation: Where the Name Comes From, How to Open One, What It Costs, and Why Foreign Owners Prefer It
Delaware C-corporations explained: the origin of the word corporation, the filing steps, the 21% tax plus dividend withholding, the real annual cost stack, and the visa line you must not cross.
Reviewed 27 Sep 2026 - How to Open a US LLC as a Foreigner: Etymology, Steps, Running Costs and the USD 25,000 Filing Trap
The limited liability company explained from the ground up: where the name came from, how to file from abroad, what it costs to run, and the one annual return that costs foreign owners 25,000 dollars.
Reviewed 27 Sep 2026 - Partnerships, LPs and LLPs in the USA: How They Work, How to Open One, and What They Cost a Foreign Owner
General partnership, limited partnership and LLP explained: where the words come from, how to register, how the tax flows to each partner, and the withholding problem a foreign partner creates.
Reviewed 27 Sep 2026 - Sole Proprietorship in the USA: What It Is, What It Costs, and Why Foreigners Should Skip It
The oldest and cheapest way to trade in America — no entity, no filing, no liability shield. How it works, where the name comes from, what it costs, and why it fails for a non-resident founder.
Reviewed 27 Sep 2026
Applies everywhere
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Common questions
How do I register a company in United States?
Choose the legal form first, then register with the national business registry, open a business bank account and register for tax. The guides above set out the steps in detail.
What does it cost to start?
The registration fee, any minimum share capital for a limited company, and your accountant. Starting as a sole trader is usually cheapest.
Should I buy an existing business instead?
Buying gives you customers and cash flow on day one and a track record to value. Browse businesses for sale or check what one is worth.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm the details with a licensed professional in United States before you file anything.