For Non-US Residents and International Entrepreneurs
Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world, giving sellers the chance to reach millions of customers around the globe.
For international entrepreneurs, the best move is to open a U.S.-based Amazon seller account backed by a U.S. LLC. This approach builds instant credibility in the U.S. market, grants access to American banking systems, simplifies tax compliance, and lets you connect with customers everywhere.
If you live outside the U.S. and want to go this route, you’ll need a step-by-step plan. This guide explains how to set up your LLC, what documents you need, how to open a bank account, how to pass Amazon’s verification process, and how to stay tax compliant. By the end, you’ll have a clear blueprint to launch your U.S.-based Amazon business.
Why Use a U.S. LLC for Your Amazon Seller Account?
Opening a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the U.S. is the most popular choice for sellers outside the country, and for good reason:
Enhanced Global Credibility
Buyers and suppliers often trust businesses registered in the U.S. more than companies based in other countries. By forming a U.S. LLC, you demonstrate that you are a serious business, and this can lead to more sales and stronger relationships with suppliers.
Access to U.S. Banking & Payment Gateways
Setting up a U.S. LLC opens the door to a real U.S. bank account or a virtual one. This step is a must because Amazon only sends seller payouts to bank accounts that it can verify. Plus, a U.S. account lets you easily connect to worldwide payment platforms like Stripe, Payoneer, or Wise, simplifying your daily operations.
Amazon Verification Made Easy
The Amazon seller verification process demands solid business paperwork. A U.S. LLC gives you official entity records that Amazon recognizes, speeding up your approval and reducing the chance of follow-up requests.
Tax Benefits and Compliance
An LLC often comes with pass-through taxation. That means the business income is reported on your own tax return, which can help you avoid getting taxed twice. LLCs also help you manage U.S. sales tax responsibilities more easily, keeping you compliant from the start.
Easier Market Expansion
After you set up your U.S. LLC, you can quickly jump into other U.S. online marketplaces like Walmart, eBay, or Etsy. It also clears the path for expanding into multiple Amazon marketplaces with less hassle.
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you live outside the U.S., forming an LLC the right way lets you operate legally as an American business, giving you a strong advantage in the international e-commerce landscape.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Amazon Seller Account with a U.S. LLC
Step 1: Set Up Your U.S. LLC
Launch your Amazon business with an active U.S.-based LLC.
Pick Your State: Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico are the top picks for overseas sellers. They have low fees, no in-state presence needed, and let you register LLCs without a U.S. visit.
File Articles of Organization: This is your LLC’s birth certificate. You file it with the Secretary of State.
Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number): This IRS number is a must for taxes and for Amazon to check your business. It’s like a Social Security Number for your LLC.
💡 Tip: Almost all states need you to name a registered agent and file an annual report. Services like Bizstartz handle these for you.
Step 2: Gather the Amazon Seller Account Documents
Amazon closely checks new sellers to keep the marketplace safe. If you’re not living in the U.S., have these papers ready ahead of time:
LLC Formation Documents: Send your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation to prove your LLC is real.
EIN Confirmation Letter: This IRS note states you have an EIN. You’ll get it soon after you apply online or by mail.
Bank Account Statement: Have a statement that shows an LLC bank account in the same name as your business. This account is where Amazon will deposit your sales.
Step 1: Get Your LLC Ready
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Use either your passport or driver’s license, whichever ID matches the LLC owner.
- Business Address Proof: If you’re not in the U.S., you can use a virtual address based in the U.S.
💡 Extra Tip: Make sure the LLC name, EIN, bank name, and Amazon account all show up with the same spelling and order. Any tiny difference can slow you down.
Step 3: Open a U.S. or Virtual Bank Account
Payment Verification: Amazon will only send payouts to bank accounts that it has approved. If you don’t live in the U.S., you have three solid choices:
- Traditional U.S. Bank: You’ll have to travel to the U.S. to open it, but you get a full set of services.
- Online Business Banks: Look at Mercury, Relay, or Novo. These banks focus on international business owners.
- Global Payment Services: Companies like Payoneer and Wise let you attach your LLC bank account to Amazon without a U.S. visit.
💡 Pro Tip: Pick a bank that can hold and send money in different currencies to keep conversion fees down when moving money back home.
Step 4: Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account
- Visit Amazon Seller Central and click the “Sign Up” button.
- If you’ll sell over 40 items a month, go with the Professional Seller Plan.
- Fill in your LLC’s information, EIN, and business address.
- Carefully upload all the required documents for verification.
💡 Patience is key: Getting verified on Amazon can take between 3 days and 2 weeks while they review your documents.
Step 5: Finish the Tax Interview on Amazon
To meet U.S. tax laws, Amazon needs you to complete an online tax interview:
- Pick your business entity and fill in your LLC details.
- Use your EIN in place of a personal Social Security Number.
- Confirm your residency outside the U.S.
💡 Tip: Keep all relevant tax papers handy. If Amazon flags your account later, they’ll probably ask for proof.
Step 6: List Products and Launch Sales
Once you’re verified, you can begin selling:
- Upload product listings with sharp images, detailed descriptions, and smart keywords.
- Set prices and choose your shipping options. Think about using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to make shipping easier.
- Keep track of inventory to prevent stock-outs and cancellations.
- When items sell, Amazon pays you to your U.S. or linked international bank account.
💡 Pro Tip: Opting for FBA can build customer trust, boost sales, and often lets your items show up with Prime eligibility.
Why Bizstartz Makes Getting Your Amazon Seller Account Easy
If you’re an entrepreneur outside the U.S. and want to sell on Amazon, Bizstartz is your best ally. We set you up for success with these services:
- Complete LLC Setup in any U.S. state, so you have the right legal base.
- EIN & ITIN Guidance to stay on the right side of tax laws.
- Registered Agent Service to meet legal notices and keep your LLC compliant.
- U.S. Bank Account Support so you can collect payments easily.
- Step-by-Step Amazon Account Help from signing up to being fully verified.
- Ongoing Compliance to make sure your LLC is always in good standing.
When you work with Bizstartz, you’re not just filing papers. Your LLC becomes a well-oiled U.S. e-commerce business ready to hit the ground running on Amazon.
Conclusion
For any entrepreneur outside the U.S., launching an Amazon seller account through a U.S. LLC is a smart move. You gain trust, a U.S. bank account, flexible tax options, and a smoother Amazon verification process.
With the right tools and a knowledgeable partner like Bizstartz, you can tackle the hurdles and quickly start selling to millions of American customers.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
1. Can non-U.S. residents open an Amazon seller account?**
Yes, Amazon welcomes international sellers, and having a U.S. LLC makes verification and credibility much easier.
2. Do I need to visit the U.S. to open my LLC or Amazon account?
No. Companies like Bizstartz let you set up your U.S. LLC and open a bank account without ever stepping foot in the States.
3. Is an ITIN required?
You don’t need an ITIN to register your Amazon account. The LLC’s EIN is enough. However, if you need to file personal taxes in the U.S., an ITIN may be required.
4. Can I sell in multiple Amazon marketplaces with one LLC?
Definitely. One U.S. LLC lets you sell on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and Amazon’s EU marketplaces without creating separate entities.
5. How long does Amazon verification take?
Typically, you’ll hear back within 3 to 10 business days. If Amazon needs extra documents, processing may take a bit longer.
6. What if my documents are rejected?
Make sure all files are official, sharp and clear, and match the details on your LLC documents to the letter.
7. Should I use FBA or handle fulfillment myself?
FBA is the smart choice for overseas sellers. Amazon takes care of storage, packing, shipping, and managing returns for you, saving time and hassle.
