How to Open a Company in the United States: A Complete Guide for Brazilians
Discover how to start a business in the United States while living in Brazil, how much it costs to form an LLC, which documents you need, how to obtain an EIN, and what tax considerations you should understand before getting started.
Why Are Brazilians Looking to Start Businesses in the United States?
Opening a company in the United States has become an increasingly popular option for Brazilians who want to expand their businesses, serve international clients, sell to the American market, or establish operations outside Brazil.
One question comes up frequently: Can you start a business in the United States without living there?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the business structure and activity, a Brazilian citizen can establish an American company while residing in Brazil, without moving to the United States or becoming an American citizen.
Some of the main reasons entrepreneurs consider entering the American market include:
Access to the U.S. market: The opportunity to serve consumers and businesses in one of the world's largest economies.
International expansion: The ability to establish operations targeting clients in different countries.
An American business presence: A company registered in the United States may facilitate certain commercial relationships with American suppliers, partners, and customers.
E-commerce opportunities: The ability to structure businesses that sell products or services internationally.
Market diversification: An opportunity to reduce dependence on a single consumer market.
Business and tax planning: The opportunity to evaluate an international business structure that fits the company's model while considering tax obligations in the United States and Brazil.
However, opening an American company does not automatically mean paying less in taxes, obtaining a visa, or gaining guaranteed access to a U.S. bank account.
To make an informed decision, it is important to understand how the process works, what it costs, and which obligations remain after the company is established.
In this guide, you will learn the key aspects of opening a company in the United States and what you should consider before getting started.
Can a Brazilian Open a Company in the United States While Living in Brazil?
Yes. In many cases, a Brazilian citizen can open a company in the United States without living in the country.
Establishing an American company does not, by itself, require the owner to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. However, requirements vary depending on the state, business structure, activity, and applicable regulations.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:
Open an LLC in the United States while remaining a Brazilian tax resident.
Own an American company without having a green card.
Establish a company without immediately moving to the United States.
Manage certain businesses remotely.
Apply for an EIN to identify your company for IRS purposes, following the procedure applicable to your situation.
However, it is important to distinguish between owning a company and being authorized to work physically in the United States.
Owning an LLC does not grant a U.S. visa, work authorization, or permanent residency. If you intend to live in the United States or work physically in the country, you must separately evaluate the immigration options available to you.
You must also consider your tax obligations in Brazil. Opening a company in the United States does not automatically eliminate Brazilian tax responsibilities for individuals who remain Brazilian tax residents.
What Is the Best Business Structure for Brazilians in the United States?
Before registering your business, you need to choose the legal structure that best fits your needs.
Two options frequently considered by Brazilians looking to do business in the United States are the LLC and the Corporation.
LLC — Limited Liability Company
An LLC is a limited liability business structure that offers flexibility in management and, in many cases, federal tax treatment.
It is a commonly considered option for service providers, consultants, digital professionals, sole business owners, and small businesses.
May be suitable for: Entrepreneurs seeking a flexible business structure to begin operating in the American market.
Corporation — Corp.
A Corporation is a corporate structure that may be suitable for businesses planning to raise investment capital, issue shares, or establish a more formal corporate organization.
Depending on the circumstances, a company may be taxed as a C Corporation. An S Corporation election has specific eligibility requirements and is generally unavailable to nonresident foreign shareholders who do not meet the applicable legal conditions.
May be suitable for: Businesses planning to raise investment capital, establish structured ownership arrangements, or meet specific corporate requirements.
LLC or Corporation: Which Should You Choose?
The answer depends on your objectives, how your business will generate revenue, who will own the company, and how profits will be distributed.
For example, a single-member LLC is generally treated as a disregarded entity separate from its owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes, unless a different tax election is made.
An LLC with multiple owners is generally treated as a partnership, subject to applicable exceptions and elections.
This does not mean every LLC will pay less tax than a Corporation. Tax treatment depends on the structure, business activity, owners' tax residency, and other factors.
Before choosing a structure, consider not only the formation cost but also the annual tax obligations and your company's growth plans.
Why Do Many Brazilians Choose Florida to Open a Company?
Florida is one of the states frequently considered by Brazilian entrepreneurs looking to establish a company in the United States.
Factors that make the state attractive include its business environment, international communities, commercial and service infrastructure, and access to significant consumer markets.
Cities such as Miami and Orlando also have businesses operating in tourism, technology, e-commerce, professional services, real estate, and international customer services.
However, there is an important detail: Florida is not necessarily the best state for every business.
Your decision should consider:
Where the company will actually conduct its activities.
Where its customers, employees, and facilities will be located.
Which states may require registration for the business to operate.
Formation and maintenance costs.
State and federal tax obligations.
Licensing and authorization requirements specific to the business activity.
For example, if you work remotely with international clients, the most appropriate structure may differ from that of someone planning to open a physical store or hire employees in the United States.
Registering a company in Florida simply because the state appears more straightforward does not eliminate potential obligations in other states where the business actually operates.
What Documents Are Required to Open a Company in the United States?
Documentation requirements depend on the state and business structure. However, forming an LLC generally involves providing certain basic information.
This may include:
The proposed company name.
The names and details of the owners, known as members.
The owner's address and contact information.
The company's registered address, as required by applicable rules.
Registered agent information.
Information needed to complete the formation documents.
Additional information required by banks, financial institutions, or tax authorities.
In certain situations, you may also be asked to provide a passport, proof of address, and additional identity verification documents.
It is important to understand that the documents required to register a company are not necessarily the same documents required to obtain an EIN or open a bank account.
Each stage has its own requirements.
Do I Need a U.S. Address?
An LLC must comply with the address and registered agent requirements of the state where it is formed.
In Florida, for example, the company must designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state, in accordance with applicable rules. A registered agent receives official documents and legal notices on behalf of the company.
This service should not automatically be confused with a physical office, retail location, or business address suitable for every purpose.
Before purchasing an address service, verify which uses are permitted and what requirements banks, government agencies, and suppliers may impose.
What Is an EIN and How Can a Brazilian Obtain One?
An EIN, short for Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the IRS, the U.S. tax authority.
It is used to identify businesses and other entities in various situations, including certain tax filings, employee hiring, and financial transactions.
For many Brazilians forming an LLC or Corporation, obtaining an EIN is one of the most important steps after establishing the company.
Can I Obtain an EIN Without a Social Security Number?
Yes, under certain circumstances.
The process depends on the situation of the person responsible for the company. The IRS online application has specific requirements, including conditions related to the principal place of business and the responsible party's identification number.
If the responsible party does not have an SSN or ITIN that qualifies for the online application, it may be necessary to apply for an EIN through another IRS-approved method, such as the applicable telephone, fax, or mail procedures.
The IRS does not charge a fee to issue an EIN. Be cautious of websites that present a charge as though it were a mandatory IRS fee.
You can consult the official instructions on the IRS website:
Are an EIN and an ITIN the Same Thing?
No.
EIN: Identifies a business or other entity for federal tax purposes.
ITIN: Identifies an individual who needs a U.S. taxpayer identification number but is not eligible for a Social Security Number.
SSN: A Social Security number assigned to eligible individuals under applicable rules.
Having an EIN does not mean the owner has an ITIN, SSN, visa, or work authorization.
It also does not mean the company is automatically exempt from tax filing requirements.
How to Open a Business Bank Account in the United States
After forming the company and organizing the required documentation, many entrepreneurs want to open a business bank account in the United States.
A business account can help receive customer payments, pay suppliers, organize expenses, and keep business finances separate from personal accounts.
However, forming an LLC does not guarantee bank account approval.
Each bank or financial institution has its own identity verification procedures, risk assessment policies, and company document requirements.
Depending on the institution and the customer's profile, the following may be requested:
Company formation documents.
An EIN or equivalent tax documentation accepted by the institution.
A passport or another valid identification document.
Proof of address.
Information about the owners and beneficial owners.
A description of the business activity and the source of funds.
In-person attendance or additional verification, depending on the institution's policies.
Some institutions allow applicants to begin the process remotely, while others require an in-person appointment or additional documentation.
Therefore, if you intend to open an American company while living in Brazil, review the financial institution's policies before forming the company, especially if a bank account is essential to your business operations.
What Taxes Does an American Company Need to Pay?
This is one of the most important aspects of the entire process.
Opening a company in the United States involves more than registering a name and obtaining an EIN. Depending on the legal structure, business activity, location, and owners' circumstances, federal, state, and local tax obligations may apply.
Federal Taxes
Federal tax treatment depends on the company's tax classification.
For example, a single-member LLC is generally treated as a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes unless a different election is made. An LLC with multiple owners is generally treated as a partnership, while a Corporation typically follows corporate tax rules.
These classifications affect which tax returns must be filed and how income is treated for tax purposes.
State Taxes
State obligations depend on the state and the activities performed.
In Florida, for example, businesses may have obligations related to sales tax, corporate taxes when applicable, state registrations, and other requirements specific to their activities.
The absence of a state personal income tax in Florida does not mean that all businesses are free from taxes or filing obligations.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is a tax on certain sales of products and, in some situations, services.
The obligation to register, collect, and remit this tax depends on the business activity, type of sale, customer location, and applicable rules.
Businesses that sell online must also evaluate their responsibilities, since selling online does not automatically exempt them from sales tax requirements.
What If You Live in Brazil?
If you remain a Brazilian tax resident, opening an American company may create tax considerations in both countries.
The treatment of income, reporting of ownership interests, rules applicable to foreign profits, and potential Brazilian taxation must be evaluated based on your individual circumstances.
Do not assume that opening an LLC in the United States means you no longer have to pay taxes in Brazil or that all company profits will be taxed in the same way.
A coordinated review of U.S. and Brazilian obligations is essential to avoid mistakes and unexpected tax liabilities.
Why Work With a Company That Specializes in U.S. Business Formation?
The process of forming an American company may seem straightforward at first. However, choosing the wrong state, overlooking a tax obligation, or failing to submit a required form can create unnecessary costs and complications.
Working with a qualified professional can help you make better-informed decisions from the beginning.
At AES Accounting, we understand that every entrepreneur has different goals. Some want to provide services to American clients, others want to sell products online, expand an existing Brazilian company, or build an international operation.
That is why it is important to evaluate the business structure, tax obligations, required documents, and maintenance costs before starting the process.
Our team provides services related to business formation, accounting, tax return preparation, and tax planning in the United States.
Our goal is to help you understand your responsibilities and organize your company to operate in accordance with applicable requirements.
If you are in Brazil and want to open a company in the United States, seeking professional guidance before registering your business can make a difference in your planning and tax compliance.
My Perspective: Opening a Company in the U.S. Is a Strategic Decision, Not Just Paperwork
In my experience, many entrepreneurs begin by researching how much it costs to open an LLC. That is an important question, but it should not be the first or only one.
Before registering a company in the United States, you need to understand what you want to build.
Do you want to serve American customers? Sell products online? Expand an existing business in Brazil? Work with international partners? Each goal may require a different structure.
An American company can open doors to new business opportunities, but the results depend on planning, financial management, and compliance with legal and tax obligations.
I also believe it is essential to look at the business from an international perspective. If you live in Brazil and plan to do business in the United States, you need to understand how decisions made in one country can affect your obligations in the other.
The best time to organize your accounting and tax planning is before you start operating, not after receiving a notice or discovering that you have missed a deadline.
International entrepreneurship requires preparation. With the right structure, reliable information, and professional support, you can make more informed decisions and focus on growing your business.
Want to open a company in the United States? Contact AES Accounting to understand the process and evaluate your business's accounting and tax needs.
The first step toward international entrepreneurship is turning your idea into a well-structured plan.
Alejandra Lopez
Fundadora & CEO, AES Accounting
IRS Enrolled Agent
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