US LLC From Sri Lanka: Formation, Tax and Banking (2026)

Why Founders in Sri Lanka Form a US LLC

• Freelancers and agencies billing US clients
• Accessing Stripe US through a US company
• Selling on Amazon US

Tax and Rules for Residents of Sri Lanka

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 Sri Lanka

Check Mercury’s prohibited-countries list and each provider’s rules before you apply; every application is reviewed individually. See our bank account guide and Stripe guide.

How to Form a US LLC From Sri Lanka

1. Choose a state: Wyoming or New Mexico for most, Delaware for US investors
2. We check the name and file with the state
3. We get your EIN as a foreign applicant, without an SSN
4. You receive your documents and apply for banking and payments
5. Each year: the state filing and Form 5472

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Funding the LLC without checking foreign exchange rules.
• Applying to Stripe before the US bank account is open.
• Skipping Form 5472 because the LLC had no income.

Need Stripe? Read our step-by-step guide: How to open a Stripe account in Sri Lanka. It covers what Stripe checks, banking options for Sri Lanka founders and the mistakes that get accounts closed.

What a US LLC From Sri Lanka Costs Each Year

Forming a US LLC from Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka Right for You?

A US LLC from Sri Lanka 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:

• Stripe access. Stripe does not offer standard merchant accounts in Sri Lanka, and a US LLC with a US bank account is the usual route to Stripe US.
• Banking is usually workable. Founders in Sri Lanka generally have access to US fintechs, though every application is reviewed individually.
• Check local rules first. Sri Lanka has rules on investing or moving money abroad, so take local advice before you fund the LLC.
• Tax treaty. There is a US-Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka is worth it before you pay anything.

US LLC From Sri Lanka: FAQs