The Digital Nomad's Guide to US LLC Formation

TL;DR: A US LLC is one of the best structures for a digital nomad LLC — it centralizes your legal home, improves access to stable banking and global payment processing, and can be fully managed remotely. With the right setup (registered agent, EIN, virtual address, and a travel-ready bank), your location independent LLC can run from anywhere. Tiempo de lectura: 8 minutos

Lo que vas a aprender

Por qué un US LLC es ideal para un digital nomad LLC y remote worker LLC.
Pasos concretos para formar y mantener una location independent LLC desde la ruta.
Herramientas prácticas para banca, pagos, y cumplimiento mientras viajás.
Cómo minimizar fricciones en tu nomad business structure y mejores prácticas para travel and LLC.

Context: Why a US LLC fits nomads (single jurisdiction, banking, payments)

If you run a remote-first business as a digital nomad, choosing a clear legal home simplifies many headaches. A US LLC gives you:

A single, predictable legal jurisdiction for contracts and disputes (avoids juggling multiple local business regs).
Easier access to US-based banks and payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Mercury), which usually prefer US entities — this reduces declines, higher fees, or onboarding rejections common for foreign-only businesses.
A stable, widely recognized corporate form that clients and platforms understand, improving trust and contracting.

Keywords: digital nomad LLC, remote worker LLC, nomad business structure, travel and LLC.

Caveat: tax residency and personal tax obligations depend on where you live and travel. Es recomendable consultar con un contador o abogado fiscal para tu situación específica.

Common nomad pain points a US LLC helps solve

Payment problems with international accounts.
Needing a domestic business identity for US clients and marketplaces.
Complexity of maintaining compliance across several temporary residencies.
Difficulty opening a business bank account as a non-resident.

Step-by-step: Form and manage your location independent LLC (practical, actionable)

Below are concrete steps and tips to form and operate your location independent LLC while traveling.

1) Decide state and name (first decisions)

Choose a state. Popular options for nomads: Delaware, Wyoming, and Florida — each has pros (privacy, low fees, business-friendly rules). State filing fees vary; typical ranges are roughly USD 50–500 depending on state. If unsure, consult an advisor.
Pick a compliant business name and check availability with the chosen state.

2) Registered agent and virtual address

Appoint a registered agent in your chosen state — this is mandatory and ensures you receive legal notices. This is a non-negotiable for a travel and LLC setup.
Use a virtual business address or virtual mailbox for mail and KYC requirements. Many virtual mailbox providers forward scans and physical mail.

3) File formation documents (Articles of Organization)

File the Articles of Organization (or state equivalent). This is often a straightforward online form.
Time: With services like Rely the standard formation is 5–7 business days; express service can form the LLC in 1 day and let you be operational in less than 5 days.

4) Obtain EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is needed for opening US business bank accounts, hiring contractors, and some tax forms. Non-residents can get an EIN; services usually handle this for you.
Rely includes EIN in its plans.

5) Create Operating Agreement and BOIR

Draft an Operating Agreement that lays out ownership, management, and decision rules.
Complete Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) or similar KYC filings required by US law.
These documents reduce ambiguity with banks and partners.

6) Open a US business bank account and payment stacks

Open an account optimized for travel and remote operations. Banks like Mercury and payment platforms like Relay are commonly used by nomads; some of Rely’s plans include assistance opening accounts with them.
Set up Stripe/PayPal and link to your US bank to reduce payment friction. Practical tip: enable multi-factor auth, add backup login methods, and keep an emergency contact with bank access if you lose your device.

7) Accounting, taxes, and compliance while traveling

Use cloud accounting (QuickBooks, Xero) and automate invoicing and receipts.
File annual reports and state filings on time to maintain good standing. Many states require an annual fee or report.
Keep separate personal and business finances — crucial for liability protection.
Tax note: Your US LLC’s tax treatment depends on entity type, owner residency, and income sources. Always consult a tax professional familiar with international situations.

8) Operational tips for a nomad business structure

Use a VPN and secure password manager for logins while traveling.
Keep digital copies of key docs (Operating Agreement, EIN, bank statements) in an encrypted cloud.
Consider a second, local contact or nominee for emergencies (if allowed by law).
Plan for time zone coordination with payments, payroll, and contractors.

Cómo Rely te ayuda

Rely simplifica el proceso de crear y operacionalizar tu LLC en Estados Unidos para emprendedores nómadas. Los planes de Rely —desde USD 449 hasta USD 649— incluyen la formación de la LLC, registered agent, obtención del EIN, y los documentos legales esenciales como el Operating Agreement y el BOIR. Además, tenés soporte por email o chat para ayudarte durante el proceso.

El proceso es 100% online: no necesitás viajar a EE. UU. Algunos planes también incluyen la apertura de cuenta bancaria con Mercury o Relay, lo cual es clave para resolver problemas de payment processing y banca estable cuando trabajás desde diferentes países. El tiempo estándar de formación es de 5–7 días hábiles; con servicio express podés formar la LLC en 1 día y estar 100% operativo en menos de 5 días.

Próximos pasos

Si querés formar una location independent LLC y empezar a operar como remote worker LLC sin complicaciones, empezá ahora con Rely. La plataforma te guía paso a paso y acelera todo el proceso para que tu nomad business structure esté listo mientras seguís viajando.