Lately, Georgia is one of the states that is extremely favorable to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the United States.
Georgia is ideal for both American citizens and non-U.S. residents looking to launch a business due to the state’s strong logistics network, low cost of business, friendly corporate regulations, and no need for a residency.
If you are planning to launch an e-commerce store, a consulting agency, a dropshipping business, or even a SaaS startup, you will find to form an LLC in Georgia gives you great asset protection, operational flexibility, and will allow you to tap into the global US market.
In this in-depth guide prepare for the following;
- We will guide you through forming an LLC in Georgia step by step,
- We will cover, the costs, timelines, and the legal stipulations for this process.
- We will showcase how non-resident founders can rely on Bizstartz to simplify the hassle.
🌟 Why Choose Georgia for Your LLC?
Georgia consistently ranks among the top in the country for doing business. Here’s why;
✅ Business-Friendly Policies
Georgia keeps a flat corporate income tax of 5.75% and does not charge a net worth tax on LLCs. If we are considering a startup or a small business, Georgia is a great state because of the lack of complex regulations.
✅ Affordable Setup and Maintenance
With Georgia’s LLC state filing fee of only 100 dollars, the state is the gateway for affordable LLCs. I would also like to mention that the annual reporting costs are also low, far lower than states like California or New York.
✅ No Residency Restrictions
You do not have to be living in Georgia or a U.S. citizen to register a Georgia LLC. This is one of the best Georgia LLC options for international founders and non-residents looking to have a footprint in the U.S.
✅ Access to Atlanta: A Major Economic Hub
Georgia is home to Atlanta which has a premier airport and access to top-tier logistics, major tech talent, and Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola, Delta, and Home Depot.
✅ Business Privacy
All of the owners are not needed to be revealed in Georgia, which is a plus for global entrepreneurs looking for privacy.
🛠 Step-By-Step Guide To Starting An LLC In Georgia
Step 1: 🔍 Choose An Unique Name For Your LLC
Your first step is to choose a name that is:
- Legally compliant (must include LLC or limited liability company)
- Not already taken (must be distinguishable from other Georgia entities)
Check for name availability on Georgia’s Business Name Search.
💡 Tip: A Name Reservation Form can be submitted to reserve a name for 30 days for a $25 fee.
Step 2: 🧾 Designate a Registered Agent in Georgia
According to Georgia law, a Registered Agent must be designated to receive legal correspondence for your LLC. The agent must:
- Be available during business hours
- Have a physical address in Georgia
- Be a U.S. citizen or a company authorized to do business in Georgia
This is difficult for non-U.S. residents, as they do not typically have a local presence. This is where we help, Bizstartz includes a Georgia-based Registered Agent with all LLC packages.
Step 3: 📝 Submit the Articles of Organization
You must file the Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State to legally form your LLC. This can be done:
- Online (recommended): $100 filing fee
- By Mail: $110 (requires a Transmittal Information Form)
Your filing must include:
- LLC Name
- Registered Agent’s name and address
- Name and address of the person filing
🕒 Processing time: usually 5–7 business days for online filings. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.
You will receive a Certificate of Organization after approval which confirms your LLC is officially formed.
Step 4: 📜 Draft an LLC Operating Agreement
In Georgia, the law does not mandate LLCs to have an Operating Agreement, but it is advisable in the following cases:
- For multi-member LLCs
- To open a U.S. business bank account
- To demonstrate business legitimacy with payment processors or investors
The Operating Agreement includes:
- The business model’s ownership structure
- Voting rights allocation
- Profit sharing ratio
- Assigning management duties
- Rules governing dissolution or departure of members
Bizstartz offers all clients an Operating Agreement professionally drafted and tailored to their business model.
Step 5: 🆔 Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
The EIN serves as a business’s federal tax ID and is issued by the IRS. You will need it to:
- Fulfill tax obligations
- Open a U.S. business bank account
- Hire employees
- Open accounts with Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, or Amazon
U.S. citizens can apply online.
Non-U.S. residents need to:
- Complete Form SS-4
- Fax or mail it to the IRS (2–4 week processing time)
Bizstartz applies for EINs for international clients, even without an SSN or ITIN.
Step 6: 📅 File Initial Annual Registration
Every LLC in Georgia is required to file an Initial Annual Registration within 90 days of their formation.
Important Information:
- Submitted electronically through the Georgia Corporations Division
- Has a fee of $50
- Due every year on April 1.
Not filing on time can lead to incurring late fees, or your LLC being administratively dissolved.
Step 7: 💳 Open a Business Bank Account in the U.S. (Important for Non-Residents)
A business bank account is very helpful for:
- Keeping finances separate
- Receiving payments from American customers
- Accessing Stripe, Amazon, and PayPal services
This is, however, problematic for international users due to:
- Dealing with ID verification
- Providing a U.S. address
- Compliance and other relevant documents
What We Do:
- We collaborate with convenience banks like Mercury and Relay
- We guide you in every document you require
- We prepare the documents to get the EIN, Operating Agreement, and proof of address
- Most cases don’t require a U.S. visit
📌 Ongoing Requirements to Maintain a Georgia LLC
Requirement | Frequency | Cost | Notes |
Annual Registration | Every year (April) | $50 | Mandatory |
Registered Agent Service | Yearly | Varies | Included with Bizstartz |
Federal Taxes (via IRS) | Yearly | Depends on LLC structure | |
BOI Report (Beneficial Ownership) | One-time (2024+) | Free | Required under Corporate Transparency Act |
Local Permits/Licenses | Varies by business | Varies | May be required depending on location |
Bizstartz Makes LLC Formation Simple
We assist and support business owners from all corners of the world to set up in the U.S. With Bizstartz, you don’t need to worry because we take care of all LLC formation requirements.
Here is what you receive:
What You Earn:
✅ Business Name Availability Check & Filing
✅ Registered Agent in Georgia
✅ Respond to the EIN Application (with/without social security number)
✅ Draft Operating Agreement
✅ BOI (Beneficial Ownership) Filing
✅ Guidance for Opening a U.S. Bank Account
✅ Continued support and consult
Who We Assist:
🌐 Residents from other countries (India, UAE, Uk, Nigeria, Nepal, and the rest of the world)
🛍 Amazon and E-commerce business owners
💼 Freelancers, consultants and Agencies
💻 Startups in the SaaS and Software industry
📦 Digital nomads and dropshippers
- No need to be physically present in the U.S.
- No need to possess a U.S. Social Security Number.
- No need to grapple with difficult forms and documents.
While you chase your business goals, let us take care of the rest.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Starting a business in Georgia is accessible, affordable and offers low legal restrictions. From new business starters, to scaling your business internationally, Georgia LLC is a flexible and intelligent solution.
👉 Reach out to us and let us carry out the difficult tasks.
We’ve assisted hundreds of global entrepreneurs to establish their LLCs in the U.S. and we are excited to do the same for you.
📞 How does this sound to you? Get in touch.
Book a free consultation or jump onto Bizstartz.com.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
1. Is it possible for a non US citizen to start an LLC in Georgia?
Yes, absolutely. Forming an LLC in Georgia is open to everyone. All you need is a U.S. Based Registered Agent, which we offer through Bizstartz.
2. Is coming to the US necessary for setting up a Georgia LLC and subsequent bank account?
No, everything can be done from back home. We assist you in getting U.S. bank accounts remotely through Mercury and Relay.
3. What Are the Startup and Ongoing Costs for a Georgia LLC?
- Filing fee: $100
- Annual Registration: $50
- Agent Fees: $50–100 per year
With Bizstartz, all-inclusive packages are available where these costs are included.
4. What is Georgia LLC formation turnaround?
Approval for online submissions occurs within 5–7 business days. EINs for non-residents can take 2–4 weeks, but Bizstartz expedites the process wherever possible.
5. What about tax obligations if I am a non-resident LLC owner?
U.S. Taxes may or may not apply, it depends on how you do business and where you are based. Bizstartz puts you in touch with tax professionals so you pay what you need to and not a penny more.