How to Form a US LLC from Nigeria in 2025

Are you a Nigerian entrepreneur, freelancer, or startup founder aiming to grow your business internationally?

Setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States is one of the simplest ways to gain international credibility, receive payments via Stripe and PayPal, open a US business bank account, and receive global clients.

The good news is that you don’t need to live in the US, hold a US passport, or even need a visa to open a US LLC. Everything is 100% remote and we are here to help you out.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how one can form a US LLC from Nigeria, the documentation required, thorough step-by-step instructions, ideal states for registration, expenses, taxes, and compliance.

What US LLC Benefits are there for Nigerians?

Living in Nigeria does not limit the perks one can get when opening a US LLC. Here are some reasons to consider:

1. Global Business Identity

A business registered in the US provides undeniable trust and credibility to potential clients from different parts of the world. US businesses are seen as reputable and trustworthy, especially for online service providers, SaaS companies, eCommerce businesses, and agencies.

2. Availability of US Payment System

Having a US LLC comes with benefits such as:

• Stripe: which allows you to accept credit and debit payments from practically anywhere in the world.
• PayPal Business: a verified US business account.
• Mercury & Relay: US bank accounts tailored for remote business founders.
• Wise: offers international transfers in USD without any unnecessary complications.

These businesses tend to blacklist Nigerian companies because of local restrictions, but they accept US LLCs.

3. Access to International Selling Platforms

Having a US LLC allows you to conveniently sell on platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, and Upwork without the hassle of needing a US business account or bank.

4. Tax Optimization

LLC’s offer pass-through taxation which is advantageous because foreign-owned LLCs will not be subjected to US taxes unless they have US sourced revenue.

5. Investor-Friendly

If funding needs to be raised, investment companies and venture capitalists from the US prefer these companies that are formed in Wyoming or Delaware.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a U.S. LLC from Nigeria

Let’s simplify the entire process into easy steps:

1. Selecting the Best State for Your LLC Registration

As a foreigner doing business in the U.S., not all states will be beneficial for you. We recommend the following states for Nigerian entrepreneurs:

✅ Wyoming

• Low startup cost ($100 filing fee)
• No state income tax
• High privacy protection
• Minimal reporting requirements

✅ Delaware

• Preferred by tech startups and venture capitalists
• Excellent legal framework for corporations and LLCs
• Higher annual fees but ideal for raising funds

✅ Florida

• Great for e-commerce or service businesses
• Popular among non-residents due to straightforward laws

💡 Bizstartz Tip: If you don’t plan to raise VC money, Wyoming is the most cost-effective and easiest state to maintain.

2. Choosing a Business Name for Your LLC

The name of your LLC must be unique and satisfy the following criteria:

• It is not already in use in your chosen state.
• It includes “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.”
• It does not contain restricted words like “bank,” “insurance,” etc.

You can check name availability through the Secretary of State’s website, or you can leave it to Bizstartz to do the checks and reserve the name for you.

3. Choose a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is a person or company based in the U.S. that:

• Receives official greetings and legal correspondence for your LLC
• Holds an office location in the state of formation

As a Nigerian resident, you cannot act as your own registered agent, so you will have to make use of one.

Bizstartz offer reliable Registered Agent services in all 50 states and these are included in our LLC formation packages.

4. Submit Articles of Organization

This document officially establishes your LLC. It contains:

• LLC name and address
• Profile of the Registered Agent
• Allocation of roles (member-managed or manager-managed)

We complete the filing with the state government. Upon approval, you will be issued a Certificate of Formation (or Certificate of Organization) which confirms your business registration.

Here is the processing time based on region.

• Wyoming: 1–2 business days
• Delaware: 3–5 business days
• Florida: 2–3 business days

5. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is like a business tax ID issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). It’s required to:

• Open a U.S. business bank account
  
• File tax returns
  
• Hire employees
  
• Apply for Stripe, PayPal, or Amazon Seller account

As a non-resident, applying for form SS-4 via fax or mail is necessary. Don’t worry, Bizstartz can handle the EIN process for non-U.S. residents.

The IRS no longer issues EINs instantly online for foreigners; processing time is around 7–15 business days.

6. Open a U.S. Business Bank Account

To set up a U.S. business bank account, you will need to provide the following:

• LLC Certificate
• EIN Letter
• (Optional) Business address
• Valid passport

Remote friendly banks have eliminated the need to travel to open US business accounts. Businesses in Nigeria can use the following banks without the need of traveling:

• Mercury: Ideal for startups and e-commerce
• Relay: Free account, great for small businesses
• Wise: Multi-currency account, low conversion fees

Bizstartz assists clients in setting up these accounts within Nigeria.

7. Obtain a U.S. Business Address (Optional)

Payment processors and marketplaces sometimes require real U.S. addresses and not just a Registered Agent.

A virtual address in the U.S. can:

• Receive and forward mail to Nigeria.
• Increase trustworthiness on invoicing and business listings.
• Serve as the bank and billing address.

We offer U.S. virtual business addresses as optional add-ons.

8. Ensure Compliance is Up to Date

Staying compliant with U.S. regulations is a must even after forming the LLC. These are some of the items that need attention:

📅 Annual Report

Most States mandate filing an Annual Report for a fee to keep the LLC active.

• Wyoming: $60/year
• Delaware: $300/year
• Florida: $138.75/year

💵 Franchise Tax

Some states levy an annual franchise tax, for example Delaware does even if no profits are reported.

📝 BOI Report Filing

• Starting January 1, 2024 all LLCs are required to electronically submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report to FinCEN.
• This is a one-time report unless ownership changes.

🧾 Federal Tax Filing (Form 5472 + 1120)

If you have a single-member foreign-owned LLC, you need to file:

• Form 5472 plus Pro Forma 1120 annually with the IRS
• Regardless of whether your LLC had zero income.
• Deadline: April 15 every year.

Bizstartz offers compliance services so you don’t incur fines and penalties.

📄 Documents You Need to Start from Nigeria

You don’t need a visa, SSN, or U.S. address. Just these:

That’s it! We handle the rest.

💰 Cost to Form a U.S. LLC from Nigeria

Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs for Nigerian founders in 2025:

We offer all-in-one packages to save time and money, no hidden fees, no confusion.

Ready to Start Your U.S. Business from Nigeria?

It’s now your turn because thousands of Nigerian entrepreneurs have already built global brands leveraging U.S. LLCs.

A U.S. LLC enables you to expand your business and earn in USD whether you are launching a SaaS product, selling online, freelancing, or running an agency.

Contact Bizstartz today so we can walk you through the entire process including formation, EIN, compliance, banking and allow you to concentrate on growing your business.

🙋‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I form a U.S. LLC from Nigeria without traveling?

Yes! Registration and banking can both be done remotely.

2. Can I use my LLC to open Stripe, PayPal, and Amazon?

Absolutely. Verified accounts can be created post EIN and bank setup so payments can be accessed.

3. Am I required to have a U.S. address in order to open a U.S. business bank account?

Not exactly. Foreign founders can open accounts at Mercury and Relay with the use of Registered Agent information and other required documentation.

4. Which taxes will I be liable to pay?

• No U.S. taxes if there is no U.S. sourced income
• You are still required to submit Form 5472 and BOI report
• You could be taxed in Nigeria according to local laws concerning foreign earnings.

5. Full process done take how long?

• LLC registration: 1-5 days (depends on the state)
• EIN: 1-2 weeks (for non-U.S. citizens)
• Bank account: 2-5 days after EIN

Total time: 2-3 weeks on average.