Can a Brazilian open a US company while living in Brazil?

Yes. US law does not require the members of an LLC or Corporation to be American citizens, residents, or even to visit the United States. Thousands of American companies have foreign members who have never set foot in the country.

What changes when you live in Brazil

In practice, someone running the company from Brazil needs to handle a few pieces that would be automatic for someone living in the US: a US address for correspondence (a virtual address), a registered agent (required by law in every state), and a way to open a US bank account — which tends to require more documentation, and sometimes a trip to the US, depending on the bank chosen.

What doesn't change

The legal company registration process is exactly the same whether you're in Brazil or in the US. Getting an EIN (the company's tax ID) is also possible without an SSN, through a specific process with the IRS — slower, but doable.

Where this doesn't apply

It's important to separate two things: running the company remotely is possible, but that doesn't, by itself, grant the right to live or work physically in the United States. Having the company and having immigration authorization are legally separate matters.

See when a company and immigration actually connect →

Next step

If you're considering opening a company in the US while living in Brazil, see the full guide with the step-by-step process, costs, and choosing a state.

See the full guide to opening a company in the US →

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