How to Start Your US LLC 100% Remotely from the Caribbean (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

For years, us Caribbean entrepreneurs have faced frustrating barriers when trying to expand beyond our shores. Payment processors decline us, major platforms restrict access, and international clients hesitate to trust businesses outside the US.

But what if there was a simple way to break through those barriers? What if you could do this without having thousands of dollars, or waiting months on end? Well, you can!

A US LLC is one of the most effective ways for Caribbean entrepreneurs to unlock global opportunities and position their businesses for success. With a US-registered company, you can:

✅ Get paid without restrictions – Access Stripe, and other global payment processors
✅ Sell internationally – List your products on Amazon, Etsy, and major e-commerce platforms
✅ Gain business credibility – US-based businesses are trusted by international clients
✅ Avoid high currency exchange fees – Hold and transact in USD and other major currencies
✅ Protect personal assets – Keep your business and personal finances separate
✅ Optimize your tax structure – Depending on your business model, a US LLC may provide tax benefits
✅ Expand into the US market – Operate like a US business without needing to relocate

The best part? You can do this 100% remotely. No need to spend on travel, no need for a US Visa, no Social Security Number, and no need for US citizenship or residency.

A Bit About My Journey to an LLC

Over and over, I used to go through the cycle of coming across an exciting online opportunity, doing all the research, and getting ready to sign up, only to hit the same frustrating roadblocks at some point:
❌ “Not available in your region.”
❌ “Your country is not eligible.”

It was always a bit more deflating each time. Determined not to be boxed out though, I explored local incorporation options and eventually set up a company in my home country Barbados. The process cost around $5000 BBD (~$2500 USD), took about three months, and required working with a lawyer (as recommended). Despite having a consultation with the lawyer included, where I asked about the ongoing requirements etc, I later had to discover on my own, and only by chance, that I needed to file an “annual return” in addition to my annual tax return – nope, not the same thing. By the time I realized this, the company had accrued penalties of $10 BBD per day, capped at $3000 BBD annually. More on this whole debacle some other time.

Compare that to when I decided to form a US LLC.
✅ The process took just a few days
✅ Everything was done entirely online
✅ No excessive paperwork or back-and-forth

It was as simple as choosing a name and entering my details, and in a few days I had my LLC with its EIN following after a few more days – all for a fifth of the cost I paid to set up a company in my own country! Once I had my LLC and EIN, it felt like holding a global passport; unlocking platforms, apps, and opportunities that were previously off-limits.

Anyway…

What This Guide Covers

This step-by-step guide will walk you through:
✅ How to remotely launch your US LLC from the Caribbean
✅ How to stay compliant and avoid penalties
✅ How to maximize the benefits of your LLC for payments, banking, and business growth

I’ll also highlight services that streamline the process. Personally, I chose Stripe Atlas, since my main goal was accessing Stripe payments. Stripe Atlas handled company formation (including business name availability search) and EIN acquisition, making the entire setup seamless. While Stripe Atlas only forms LLCs in Delaware, the convenience and efficiency made it worthwhile, based on what I was looking for.

Side-note:- The US offers several types of business structures, each with different legal and tax implications:

• Sole Proprietorship – The simplest structure, but offers no liability protection
• Partnership – Suitable for businesses with multiple owners, but still no liability shield
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Offers personal liability protection, easy setup, and flexible taxation
• Corporations (C-Corps & S-Corps) – More complex and better for large businesses with investors

For Caribbean entrepreneurs seeking simplicity, the best option is likely to be an LLC; more specifically a single-member LLC. It provides the easiest access to global platforms and the least amount of compliance hassle while ensuring personal asset protection.

*For your go-to resource hub, join WealthFlowApp for free – where you can easily access more helpful, Caribbean-specific info like this, plus other top features. Access our AI-powered chat assistant, ebooks, guides, and other content with insights to monetize your skills or business.

So jumping into the steps:

Step 1: Choose the Best State for Your LLC

You can choose to form your business in any US state, but not all states are equally business-friendly. Some states offer lower fees, stronger privacy protections, and simpler compliance requirements.

The More Popular States for Non-US Entrepreneurs:

• Wyoming – No state income tax, strong privacy protections, low annual fees.
• Delaware – Trusted for corporate law but may have extra costs e.g. franchise tax.

Then think about the business name you want. Sate office (e.g. Secretary of State) websites tend to have search tools so you can check to see if a name is taken. A bonus tip is to also check to see if the matching domain name is available, unless you plan to use some other name for your website domain.

Step 2: Register Your LLC Remotely

Since you don’t have a US physical address, you must designate a Registered Agent – a service that receives official legal documents on your behalf. Every US LLC is required to have one, and they help keep your business compliant.

Choosing the Right Registered Agent

A good Registered Agent should:

✅ Have a physical address in your chosen state
✅ Offer mail forwarding services for international clients
✅ Provide reliable customer support
✅ Specialize in working with non-US residents

Some Registered Agent Services as Examples:

• Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year)
• Bizee (formerly IncFile) (FREE for the first year if forming your LLC with them, or $119/year)
• Harbor Compliance ($89-$99/year)

*For pricing at the time of reading, always check the respective websites

Registering Your LLC

1. Choose your state and Registered Agent
2. File the Articles of Organization – this is your LLC’s official registration document, submitted to the state agency responsible for business formations, which is typically the Secretary of State’s office (or a similar agency) in the state
3. Pay the state filing fee (usually between $45-$300, depending on the state)
4. Receive your LLC approval (processing time varies, but typically takes a few days to two weeks)

Once approved, your LLC is legally established!

Step 3: Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) Without an SSN

Your EIN (also called a Tax ID Number) is crucial because you’ll need it to:
✅ Open a US business bank account
✅ Apply for Stripe, or other payment processors
✅ File taxes and stay compliant

How to Get an EIN for Free

Unlike LLC registration, which varies by state, all EINs are issued by the IRS. As a non-US resident without a Social Security Number (SSN), you need to apply manually.

1. Complete Form SS-4 (Download from the IRS website)
2. Send it to the IRS via: online (the preferred method), fax, mail or telephone
3. Receive your EIN confirmation letter

I’ll specially note here, even as the IRS themselves state:

“Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service. Beware of websites on the Internet that charge for this free service.”

Many of the service providers who set up LLCs for you either have the EIN as part of the package anyway, or some (unfortunately) do charge a fee for it, but it’s normally not much. Stripe Atlas takes care of the EIN for you as part of their package, so it was hassle-free for me.

Step 4: Open a US Business Bank Account Remotely

A business bank account is essential for receiving payments and managing finances professionally. Not a lot of traditional banks allow fully or partially remote setup, so you’d have to choose from a remote-friendly or foreigner-friendly bank such as Wells Fargo, Chase or Citibank. Note that with just about all traditional banking options, at some point they require an in-person visit for verification/security purposes.

Popular Alternative Options for Non-US Residents:

• Mercury – 100% online, no SSN required, ideal for startups and digital businesses. Note that Mercury isn’t a bank, but instead a financial technology (fintech) company, that provides banking services through partnerships with regulated banks.

*At this point I wouldn’t use Mercury as a person with a foreign-owned single-member US LLC though, as they now require you to complete a W9 form. What’s the problem? Well, any single member LLC that has not elected to be treated as a corporation is automatically a disregarded entity, and disregarded entities, must not complete form W-9.

• Relay – Offers multiple accounts and easy business management. Not a traditional bank in all regions though.

I chose a Wise Business account, since I wanted a 100% online option that would allow transfers from Stripe and to or from my Barbados bank account. Similar to Mercury, Wise is a fintech company, but they specialize in international payments and multi-currency accounts, offering a platform for sending, receiving, and spending money internationally with lower fees and competitive exchange rates.

Documents You’ll Need to Open a US Business Bank Account

✅ Your LLC formation documents
✅ Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
✅ A US phone number & virtual address (services like iPostal1 or Anytime Mailbox can provide this). Your Registered Agent handles official legal mail, but for additional document management, services like these types of services can help.

Step 5: Set Up Payment Gateways (Stripe & More)

Now that your US LLC and business bank account are in place, it’s time to accept payments internationally!

Some Examples of Popular Options for Global Entrepreneurs:

• Stripe
• Square
• Wise – Not a payment processor, but they allows you to receive and make payments worldwide, plus good for cost-effective international money transfers

What You’ll Need to Apply for Payment Processors

✅ Your US LLC details
✅ Your EIN (Tax ID)
✅ Your US business bank account details

Step 6: Maintain Compliance & File Annual Reports

Even though you don’t live in the US, your LLC will still have legal obligations to stay compliant.

Annual Compliance Requirements:

• State Annual Reports & Fees ($50-$300 per year, varies by state)
• IRS Tax Filings (All foreign-owned single member LLCs are required to file form 5472 and pro forma Form 1120)
• Consider Hiring a Tax Professional (Check service provides like MyExpatTaxes or Greenback Tax Services)

Failing to meet these compliance requirements can result in penalties or dissolution of your LLC.

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Setting up a US LLC from the Caribbean is 100% possible, and can be done 100% remotely. While the process may seem overwhelming at first, breaking it down into clear, actionable steps makes it manageable.

I can’t wait for you to unlock global opportunities!

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