Incorporate your startup in the US from anywhere in the world

Capbase makes it easy for overseas founders to register a startup in the US, issue equity and get set up to do business. You don't need a US address or a SSN to get started.

What You Need to Know as a Foreign Founder

Can a non-US citizen incorporate in the US?

Yes. There are no citizenship or residency requirements. International founders go through the exact same process as US-based founders and can own 100% of their Delaware C Corp from anywhere in the world.

Do you need a US address?

No. You can use your home country address as your company's legal address. Capbase serves as your registered agent in Delaware, which covers your US address requirement. If you need a US mailing address for other purposes, third-party virtual address services are widely available.

How does the EIN process work for foreign founders?

Foreign founders cannot use the IRS online EIN portal, which requires a US Social Security Number. Capbase submits your application (Form SS-4) by fax on your behalf. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, though IRS timelines can vary.

C Corp or LLC — which is right for you?

For venture-backed startups, a Delaware C Corp is the only viable option. US investors require it, and its equity structure is built for issuing stock and raising multiple rounds. LLCs carry complex tax treatment for non-US founders. Check out this article for more details.

Does incorporating in the US make you a US taxpayer?

No. Your personal tax obligations stay tied to your country of residence. Your Delaware C Corp files its own US corporate tax return each year, but that is separate from your individual taxes. Consult a cross-border accountant if you have questions specific to your situation.

How do you open a US bank account?

You will need your EIN first. Once that is issued, Capbase connects you with Mercury and Brex, both of which accept non-US residents and allow fully remote applications. You will typically need your passport, articles of incorporation, and EIN confirmation letter.

What if you already have a company in your home country?

You can restructure into a Delaware C Corp through a process called the Delaware Flip, which transfers your shares and intellectual property into the new US entity. The earlier you do it, the simpler and less expensive it is. Learn how it works.

Do you need a visa to work for your own company?

No. You can own and operate your Delaware C Corp from abroad without a US visa. If you plan to physically relocate to the US to work, speak with an immigration attorney about the right visa path for your situation.

Why startup founders love Capbase

Kamila Staryga, Co-Founder & CEO

Rita Health (Women AI Inc.)

Capbase is an excellent service. For a $999 yearly fee, you incorporate, issue SAFE and Convertible notes, issue all legal documents for your advisors, collaborators, and board members. They allowed me to be organized, professional, and diligent. And not to mention, it saved me tons of time.

Rogelio Caceres, Founder & CEO

Global RCG Inc.

Capbase is a revolutionary, must-have solution for the founding teams at any startup today. The amount of value packed into the platform is huge, from incorporating to issuing shares to my advisors to raising money.

Varadh Jain, Co-Founder

Blank Slate Ventures

Capbase made it seamless for us incorporate, raise funds from investors and set up our various providers. Capbase stands out for the quick and high quality customer service they provide.

Ready to incorporate?

Capbase handles your Delaware filing, EIN application, and registered agent — no US address or SSN required. Most founders are incorporated within 3 days.

How it works

01/Submit company info

Spend a few minutes filling out information for your company and its founders. Then, sign filing documents—right within Capbase.

02/Incorporate & issue equity

In three days, your Delaware C corp is ready to go. From your Capbase dashboard, issue and sell stock, and allocate shares to founders. Your dashboard helps you manage ownership of your company.

03/Manage your cap table

Capbase automatically updates your cap table as you issue shares. You can also raise funds, hire employees, and handle payroll—all in one place.

Incorporating from a specific country?

The Capbase team has compiled several guides to launching a startup from specific countries:

How To Register A US Business From Mexico

9 mins

How to Register a US Company from the UK in 10 Minutes

7 mins

How To Register A US Company From Nigeria In 10 Minutes

10 mins

How To Register A US Company From Canada In 10 Minutes

10 mins

How to Register a US Company from India in 10 Minutes

5 mins

How to register a US company from Poland in 10 minutes

7 mins

Powerful perks to save you money as you scale up

We build Capbase to level the playing field and make starting a business easier and more accessible for founders. That’s why Capbase partners up with other companies that provide services essential for any startup. We negotiated deep discounts and credits for our customers to help you scale your company and reduce costs.

Online bookkeeping
Get $350 Capbase credit when you sign up with Bench
Payroll for startups
Three months free, 30% off subscription fees for the year
Cloud computing
Get $5,000 AWS credit and $1,000 support credit with Capbase
Banking for startups
Streamlined bank account creation on Mercury for Capbase customers

FAQ

Do you provide a registered agent?

When you incorporate your startup as a Delaware corporation using Capbase, Capbase serves as your registered agent in the state of Delaware. The registered agent and state incorporation fees are included with your Capbase subscription fee.

Can I use registered agent's address as my legal address?

No. You can't use the registered agent’s address as your company’s legal address. The registered agent address is intended exclusively for the receipt of official documents, such as taxes and lawsuits. The legal address of your company has to be your home or office in your home country.

What is an 83(b) election, and do I need to file one as a non-US founder?

An 83(b) election lets founders pay tax on unvested equity at its current value rather than its higher value at vesting. It is relevant to US taxpayers. If you are not a US taxpayer and do not plan to become one, you generally do not need to file. If you plan to relocate to the US during your vesting period, Capbase can help provide the documents needed to file your 83(b) election.

Do I need to pay US taxes if I incorporate in the US but live abroad?

Your Delaware C Corp files a US corporate tax return (Form 1120) each year, and taxes may be owed depending on the company's income. This does not affect your personal taxes, which remain tied to your country of residence. Consult an accountant familiar with international founder tax situations for advice specific to your circumstances.

Is there a minimum investment or net worth required to incorporate in the US?

No. There is no minimum capital requirement to form a Delaware C Corp. You can incorporate with zero initial capital and fund the company later.

What if my country restricts overseas investment?

Some countries restrict residents from forming or investing in foreign companies. India, for example, has FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations that govern how Indian residents can transfer assets or equity to a foreign entity. If your country has similar restrictions, consult a local attorney before incorporating or restructuring.

Does Capbase support international founders?

Yes, you can use Capbase from anywhere in the world, as long as you want to incorporate as a Delaware C Corp in the US.

Want to know more?

Follow Capbase to learn valuable legal and financial information about startups and tips about how to build your business.

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Still have questions?

Our team has helped thousands of overseas founders through this. Book a free 15-minute call and we will answer whatever is on your mind.

You're one step away from a US company.

Thousands of overseas founders have used Capbase to incorporate in Delaware, issue equity, and raise from US investors — without ever setting foot in the US. It takes less than 10 minutes to get started.