Can German Citizens Open a Company in the USA?
Yes. US law imposes no citizenship or residency requirements on LLC ownership. A Germany passport holder — whether currently in Germany 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 German Entrepreneurs Need a US Company
Accessing the US market from Germany
Germany is a major export economy, but accessing US customers, US marketplaces, and US enterprise clients often works better with a US legal entity. A US LLC gives you a US address, US bank account, and the ability to contract as a US company.
Stripe US and higher payment limits
While German businesses can use Stripe Europe, a US LLC with a US EIN unlocks Stripe US — which often has higher processing limits and better integration with US platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, and App Store Connect.
US venture capital and investors
If you are building a startup that may seek US venture capital, US investors typically prefer a US entity — often a Delaware C-Corp. Having a US structure in place from the start avoids a complicated conversion later.
What Documents Are Required
The documentation requirements for non-resident LLC owners are straightforward. You will need:
- A valid Germany 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
Germany is not subject to US sanctions. German citizens and German-registered businesses are fully eligible to own and operate US LLCs.
Which State to Choose
For German entrepreneurs using the US LLC for market access and payments, Wyoming is the standard choice — low cost and minimal bureaucracy. For startups planning to raise US VC funding, Delaware C-Corp is the investor-preferred structure.
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 german 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.