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US LLC From Hong Kong: Formation, Tax and Banking (2026)
Hong Kong founders form US LLCs to sell to American customers and work with US platforms. Here is how it works, how Hong Kong’s territorial tax applies, and when a Hong Kong company is the better choice.
Yes, a Hong Kong resident can form a US LLC online with no SSN, US visa or US visit. Hong Kong taxes profits on a territorial basis, so where the business is actually carried on matters. There is no comprehensive US-Hong Kong tax treaty, and Stripe already supports Hong Kong businesses directly.
Why Founders in Hong Kong Form a US LLC
- Selling mainly to US customers or on US marketplaces
- US clients or investors that expect a US entity
- Holding US contracts in a US company
Tax and Rules for Residents of Hong Kong
| Point | What applies |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong tax | Territorial: profits are taxed when they arise in or come from Hong Kong |
| Where profits arise | Depends on where the business operations that earn them happen |
| US-Hong Kong tax treaty | No comprehensive income tax treaty |
| US filing | Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 every year for a foreign-owned single-member LLC |
Our tax team, including M. Hassan, CPA, handles the US filings such as Form 5472. For home-country tax, speak with a local adviser.
Banking and Payments From Hong Kong
Hong Kong is not on Mercury’s prohibited-countries list, and Hong Kong residents generally have good access to US fintechs. Stripe also supports Hong Kong businesses directly. See our bank account guide and Stripe guide.
How to Form a US LLC From Hong Kong
- Choose a state: Wyoming or New Mexico for most, Delaware for US investors
- We check the name and file with the state
- We get your EIN as a foreign applicant, without an SSN
- You receive your documents and apply for banking and payments
- Each year: the state filing and Form 5472
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming offshore profits are always tax-free. Where the work is done decides it.
- Forming a US LLC when a Hong Kong company would serve local customers better.
- Skipping Form 5472 because the LLC had no income.
What a US LLC From Hong Kong Costs Each Year
Forming a US LLC from Hong Kong is a one-time cost plus a few yearly filings. Our all-in packages start at $190 for New Mexico and $199 for Wyoming, and include the state fee, a registered agent, your EIN and a US mailing address for the first year. After that, plan for three things every year: the state filing (Wyoming’s annual report is $60 for most small LLCs, and New Mexico has none), your registered agent renewal, and Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 if the LLC is single-member and foreign-owned.
Most founders in Hong Kong choose Wyoming or New Mexico because the yearly cost stays low. Delaware makes sense mainly if you plan to raise money from US investors.
Is a US LLC From Hong Kong Right for You?
A US LLC from Hong Kong is a strong tool when it solves a real problem, such as getting paid by US clients or selling on US platforms. Before you order, check these points:
- Not just for Stripe. Stripe already supports businesses in Hong Kong directly, so a US LLC makes most sense when US customers, marketplaces or investors expect a US company.
- Banking is usually workable. Founders in Hong Kong generally have access to US fintechs, though every application is reviewed individually.
- No full tax treaty. There is no comprehensive US-Hong Kong income tax treaty, so plan your home-country tax reporting with a local adviser.
- Every year, even with no income. A foreign-owned single-member LLC files Form 5472; missing it can cost $25,000.
Not sure? Message us on WhatsApp with what you sell and where your customers are. We will tell you whether a US LLC from Hong Kong is worth it before you pay anything.
US LLC From Hong Kong: FAQs
Can a Hong Kong resident own a US LLC?
Yes, without an SSN, US visa or US visit.
Do I need a US LLC for Stripe in Hong Kong?
No. Stripe supports Hong Kong businesses directly.
How is a US LLC taxed in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong taxes profits arising in or derived from Hong Kong; get advice on where your profits arise.
How much does it cost to form a US LLC from Hong Kong?
Our all-in packages start at $190 for New Mexico and $199 for Wyoming, with the state fee, registered agent, EIN and a US mailing address for the first year included.
How long does it take to form a US LLC from Hong Kong?
Wyoming online filings are often approved the same day, and we then get your EIN, usually within 24 hours. You can do everything online from Hong Kong.
Start Your US LLC From Hong Kong
One all-in price with the state fee, registered agent and EIN included.
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