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US LLC From Germany: Formation, Tax and Banking (2026)
German founders form US LLCs to sell to American customers and work with US platforms. Here is how it works from Germany, how German tax law may classify the LLC, and what to check before you start.
Yes, a German resident can form a US LLC online with no SSN, US visa or US visit. German tax authorities classify a US LLC by comparing it with German entity types, so it may be taxed like a corporation or like a partnership, and German trade tax or controlled-foreign-company rules can apply. Get advice from a German Steuerberater before you start.
Why Founders in Germany Form a US LLC
- Selling to US customers or on Amazon US
- US clients, platforms or investors that expect a US company
- US contracts or assets held in a US entity
Tax and Rules for Residents of Germany
| Point | What applies |
|---|---|
| German classification | Decided by comparing the LLC with German entity types (Typenvergleich): corporation-like or partnership-like |
| Other German rules | Trade tax and controlled-foreign-company rules may apply depending on the setup |
| US-Germany tax treaty | Yes |
| 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 Germany
Germany is not on Mercury’s prohibited-countries list, and German residents usually have good access to US fintechs. Stripe also supports German businesses directly. See our bank account guide and Stripe guide.
How to Form a US LLC From Germany
- 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
- Running the LLC from Germany without tax advice. It may be taxed in Germany as if it were German.
- Forgetting German reporting of foreign shareholdings.
- Skipping Form 5472 because the LLC had no income.
What a US LLC From Germany Costs Each Year
Forming a US LLC from Germany 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 Germany 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 Germany Right for You?
A US LLC from Germany 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 Germany directly, so a US LLC makes most sense when US customers, marketplaces or investors expect a US company.
- Banking is usually workable. Founders in Germany generally have access to US fintechs, though every application is reviewed individually.
- Tax treaty. There is a US-Germany tax treaty, which can affect how some US-source income is taxed. Ask a tax adviser how it applies to your LLC.
- 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 Germany is worth it before you pay anything.
US LLC From Germany: FAQs
Can a German resident own a US LLC?
Yes. Germans and residents of Germany can own a US LLC without an SSN, US visa or US visit.
How is a US LLC taxed in Germany?
It depends on how the LLC compares with German entity types. It may be treated like a corporation or a partnership; ask a Steuerberater.
Do Germans need a US LLC for Stripe?
No. Stripe supports German businesses directly.
How much does it cost to form a US LLC from Germany?
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 Germany?
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 Germany.
Start Your US LLC From Germany
One all-in price with the state fee, registered agent and EIN included.
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