How to Form a US LLC from the UK: Complete 2026 Guide
The US is the UK's biggest export market for services, and a US LLC is a common addition for British freelancers, Amazon sellers and agencies that invoice American clients or sell on US platforms. Post-Brexit, the practical steps are simple; the tax interplay between your UK position and the US entity deserves a careful look — which we summarize honestly below.
Why UK founders form a US LLC
- Selling on Amazon USA as a domestic seller with full FBA access.
- Contracting with US clients who prefer an American entity and dollar invoicing.
- US wholesale purchasing from suppliers who require an EIN.
- A US foothold for future expansion, hiring or investment.
Requirements if you're based in the UK
A valid British passport, 18 or older, and your UK address. No visa, SSN or travel required — everything is remote and typically completes within two weeks.
The full process
Formation in New Mexico or Wyoming (or Delaware if you're raising US capital), EIN within 7 days, Operating Agreement and guided banking. The €600/year plan covers the registered agent, state annual reports and annual federal filings.
UK–US tax interplay — what to review with your accountant
UK tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, and a US single-member LLC will usually be treated as transparent or foreign-disregarded for UK purposes — meaning profits still land in your UK Self Assessment or company accounts, with relief for any US tax actually paid. The US–UK double taxation treaty governs the credits. In short: the LLC improves your operations in the US market; it does not remove UK tax. Your accountant should confirm the treatment, and we provide all US documentation needed.
Banking from the UK
UK-resident founders are generally welcomed by Mercury, Relay and Wise Business with a US LLC and EIN. We direct you to the best fit before applying.
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 as a domestic seller with full FBA access.
- Contracting with US clients who prefer an American entity and dollar invoicing.
- US wholesale purchasing from suppliers who require an EIN.
- A US foothold for future expansion, hiring or 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. A valid passport and majority age are all you need; the process is fully remote.
No — UK residents remain taxable on worldwide income, with treaty relief for US tax paid. The LLC's benefits are operational: Amazon USA, US suppliers, US banking and client trust.
For most UK-based businesses the Ltd remains the core structure, and the US LLC is added for American market operations. Your accountant can confirm the optimal setup for your case.
Ready to form your LLC from the UK?
€600/year all inclusive: formation, EIN in 7 days, registered agent, annual compliance and a domain with professional email.
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