How to Form a US LLC from France: Complete 2026 Guide
France has one of Europe's largest communities of freelancers and digital entrepreneurs — and a healthy number of them add a US LLC to work with American platforms and clients. It is a legitimate and useful structure when there is real US-facing activity. Here is the full guide, including the French tax realities you should know before you start.
Why French founders form a US LLC
- Selling on Amazon USA with a domestic seller account and full FBA access.
- Contracting with US clients through an American entity they recognize.
- Accessing US wholesalers and platforms that require an EIN.
- Structuring international partnerships or future US investment.
Requirements if you're based in France
A valid French passport, 18 or older, and your French address. No visa, SSN or travel. Fully remote, about two weeks end to end.
The full process
We form the LLC in New Mexico or Wyoming for most cases — Delaware if you plan to raise US venture funding — obtain the EIN within 7 days by fax, draft the Operating Agreement and guide your banking. The €600/year plan covers the registered agent, state reports and annual federal filings.
Your French tax side — the honest version
France taxes residents on worldwide income, and a US LLC owned by a French resident will generally be looked through or declared accordingly. Depending on your situation the income is declared in your French personal return (micro-entreprise, réel, or company structures each interact differently). The LLC does not eliminate French tax; it gives you an American operating vehicle. Your expert-comptable should review the structure before you launch it — we hand over complete US documentation to make that review fast.
Banking from France
Mercury, Relay and Wise Business generally accept French-resident founders. We recommend the best option for your profile before you apply, to protect your approval chances.
What activities is a US LLC best suited for?
A US LLC is not the right tool for everything. These are the activities where it works best — and where most of our clients with your profile use it:
- Selling on Amazon USA with a domestic seller account and full FBA access.
- Contracting with US clients through an American entity they recognize.
- Accessing US wholesalers and platforms that require an EIN.
- Structuring international partnerships or future US investment.
Beyond the specific activity, three habits define whether the structure works: keep a clear record of every movement between you and your LLC (it is the basis of Form 5472), keep the business bank account strictly separate, and review your home-country declaration with a local adviser once a year. We handle the entire US side so that annual review is fast and cheap.
An honest note: if your activity is entirely local — only clients, suppliers and operations in your country of residence — the LLC adds US obligations without real benefits, and a local structure is the sensible choice. The LLC shines when you invoice abroad, sell on US platforms or want an international structure with partners or investors in the US.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Only a valid passport and majority age are required; everything is done remotely.
No. French tax residents remain taxable in France on worldwide income. The LLC is an operational tool for the US market — platforms, banking, contracts — not a tax shelter. Your expert-comptable confirms the exact treatment.
Yes. If your only need is European card processing, you may not need a US LLC. It becomes valuable for Amazon USA, US suppliers, and US-focused business development.
Ready to form your LLC from France?
€600/year all inclusive: formation, EIN in 7 days, registered agent, annual compliance and a domain with professional email.
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