Can Belarusian Citizens Open a Company in the USA?
Yes. US law imposes no citizenship or residency requirements on LLC ownership. A Belarus passport holder — whether currently in Belarus or anywhere else in the world — can register a US LLC, obtain an EIN, and operate a legitimate US business entity. The process is fully remote.
Edeal handles the registration without requiring you to appear anywhere in person. You do not need a US address, SSN, or any US presence whatsoever.
Why Belarusian Entrepreneurs Need a US Company
Payment infrastructure outside Belarus
Belarusian individuals and companies face significant restrictions on international payments — Stripe is unavailable, PayPal access is limited, and international wire transfers are difficult. A US LLC with a US EIN and bank account operates entirely within the US financial system, bypassing these restrictions.
Working with US and EU clients
Many Western clients and platforms are reluctant to contract with Belarusian entities due to compliance and sanctions concerns. A US LLC is a US legal entity — your clients see a US company, not a Belarusian one.
Financial stability and USD accounts
A US business bank account in USD provides financial stability that Belarusian banking currently cannot. Funds held in a US account are protected by US banking regulations and accessible internationally.
What Documents Are Required
The documentation requirements for non-resident LLC owners are straightforward. You will need:
- A valid Belarus passport (or other government-issued ID)
- Your residential address — this does not need to be in the US
- A chosen company name
- Basic information about your planned business activity
Everything is submitted remotely. Edeal handles the state filing, document preparation, and EIN application on your behalf. No notarization or apostille is required for standard LLC registration.
Sanctions: An Important Note
Belarus as a country is subject to a broad set of US sanctions (OFAC). However, individual Belarusian citizens who are not on any sanctions list are generally able to register and own US companies. This is a nuanced area — Edeal strongly recommends a pre-registration consultation to review your specific situation before proceeding.
Which State to Choose
For Belarusian entrepreneurs, Wyoming is typically the most practical choice — low fees, no state income tax, and strong privacy protections. Delaware is the right choice if you are building a startup that will seek VC investment.
Edeal helps you choose the right state for your specific situation before you commit.
EIN Without a US Social Security Number
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the IRS tax ID your LLC needs to open a bank account, process payments, and handle US tax filings. As a non-resident, you do not have a US Social Security Number — and you do not need one to get an EIN. Edeal specializes in EIN applications for non-residents and handles this as part of the standard service.
Bank Account and Stripe
Once your LLC is registered and you have an EIN, opening a US business bank account is the next step. Several options are available to non-resident LLC owners — including Mercury, Relay, and others. Edeal guides clients through the current options based on their situation. With a US LLC, EIN, and bank account, you have what you need to set up Stripe US for card processing.
Ready to Register?
Edeal registers US LLCs for belarusian and other non-resident founders starting at $1 + state fees. The process is fully remote, support is available in multiple languages, and the team understands the specific considerations for international clients.