Setting up a US company from Mexico is common practice for founders who sell to US clients, use US payment rails, or want to raise money from US investors. You do not need a visa or a US visit to do it, and you can manage the whole process online.
Why Mexican founders form US companies
Many marketplaces, payment processors, and B2B clients prefer to work with a US entity. A US LLC or C-Corp lets you invoice in US dollars, accept cards through Stripe, and open a US business bank account. If you plan to raise venture money later, US investors are usually more comfortable with a Delaware C-Corp than a foreign company.
Common reasons Mexican founders choose a US company:
- Access to Stripe, PayPal, and other US-based payment processors with fewer restrictions.
- Easier onboarding with US clients who prefer to pay a US vendor.
- Selling on US marketplaces that expect a US business address and tax ID.
- Meeting the expectations of US-based investors or accelerators.
- Separating personal and business liability in a jurisdiction with predictable rules.
None of this requires you to live in the US, hold a US visa, or travel there. The formation, EIN, and bank account can all be done remotely.
Choosing a state: Wyoming or Delaware
Most Mexican founders running an online business, agency, or e-commerce store choose Wyoming. It has low annual costs, no state income tax, and simple ongoing paperwork. If you are building a startup that plans to raise venture capital, Delaware is the more common choice, since most US investors and their lawyers are set up to work with Delaware C-Corps.
| Factor | Wyoming LLC | Delaware C-Corp |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Freelancers, agencies, e-commerce, small online businesses | Startups planning to raise venture capital |
| Formation speed | 1 to 3 business days | Usually 1 to 2 weeks in most states, faster in a few |
| Annual state report | Required, low cost | Required, cost varies by state |
| Investor familiarity | Lower | High |
| Ongoing complexity | Lower | Higher, more formal corporate steps |
If you are unsure which entity type fits your plans, a short consultation before you file can save you from restructuring later. Check the specific state's site for current filing fees and report requirements, since these can change.
Getting an EIN without a Social Security Number
Every US LLC or corporation needs an Employer Identification Number, or EIN, to open a bank account and file taxes. You do not need a Social Security Number to get one. The IRS issues EINs to foreign owners through a different process than the online instant approval that US residents get.
For non-resident owners without an SSN, expect the EIN to take about 2 to 4 weeks under standard processing. If you need it sooner, expedited processing can bring this down to a matter of days. Plan your bank application and first client contracts around this timeline so you are not stuck waiting.
Opening a US bank account
Once your LLC or corporation has its EIN, you can apply for a US business bank account. PowerLaunch introduces clients to Mercury, Wise Business, and Relay after the EIN is issued. Each bank makes its own approval decision, and requirements can vary based on your business type and documentation. Having a clear business description, your formation documents, and your EIN letter ready will make the application smoother.
Annual US filings you cannot skip
Owning a US LLC from Mexico comes with yearly federal and state paperwork, even if the business has no US activity.
If your LLC is a single-member LLC owned by a foreign person, the IRS treats it as a disregarded entity for tax purposes but still requires an information return. This means you file Form 5472 along with a pro forma Form 1120 by 15 April each year. This filing reports transactions between the LLC and its foreign owner. Missing it can lead to significant penalties, so it should never be treated as optional.
You also need to file your state's annual report to keep the company in good standing. Requirements and fees vary by state, so check the specific state's site for the current rules.
As for beneficial ownership reporting, US-formed companies are currently exempt under the 2026 interim FinCEN rule. Rules in this area have changed before, so confirm the current status closer to your filing deadlines.
Mexican tax and reporting rules also apply
Forming a US company does not remove your obligations at home. Mexico has its own rules about reporting foreign companies, foreign income, and foreign bank accounts held by Mexican tax residents. These rules can affect how your US LLC's income is treated on your Mexican tax return, and there may be reporting requirements tied to owning a foreign entity.
This guide does not cover Mexican tax law in detail, and rules change. Talk to a Mexican accountant or tax adviser who is familiar with foreign company ownership before you file your first return as a US company owner. Getting this right from the start is much easier than fixing it later.
What PowerLaunch does and what it costs
PowerLaunch forms US LLCs and C-Corporations for founders anywhere in the world, including Mexico, and runs the ongoing finance and tax side through the MyCG.AI platform.
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | $295/yr | Formation filings, EIN, operating agreement or bylaws, registered agent, virtual mailing and business address, AI assistant, email support |
| Run | $1,995/yr | Everything in Launch, plus annual state report filing, licensed tax professional consultation, IRS business tax filings, transaction tracking with AI categorization, Stripe invoicing, live financial reports, multiple bank connections, monthly and quarterly closings |
| Scale | $2,995/yr or $329/mo | Everything in Run, plus expedited EIN, free dissolution, live call scheduling, dedicated bookkeeper |
State filing fees are always billed at cost, on top of the plan price. An expedited EIN add-on is available for $295 on the Launch and Run plans if you need the shorter timeline. If a formation error is PowerLaunch's fault, it gets corrected at no extra cost and that portion of the fee is refunded. State fees themselves are never refundable.
What to do next
If you are ready to form your US company, start at powerlaunch.solutions/signup and choose the plan that fits your stage, Launch for a simple setup, Run if you want the EIN, bank connections, and IRS filings handled together. If you still have questions about Wyoming versus Delaware, the EIN timeline, or what your Mexican tax adviser will need from you, book a free 20-minute consultation at powerlaunch.solutions/book before you file.
