Step-by-step US entity formation, EIN, and business banking for Filipino founders. No US address, no SSN required.
The Philippines has a US-Philippines tax treaty that reduces withholding on dividends to 20% (15% if you own 10%+ of the company), strong English-speaking business ecosystem, and growing BPO/tech freelancer community with US experience. This guide covers everything you need to form and operate a US LLC from the Philippines.
⚖️ Legal, Tax & Compliance Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Philippine tax obligations for residents with foreign income vary by individual circumstances. For advice specific to your situation — including BIR obligations, Philippine income tax on foreign business income, and US-Philippines tax treaty provisions — consult a licensed Philippine CPA or tax advisor. Nothing in this guide is intended as legal advice or the practice of law.
Yes — and the Philippines has specific advantages that make US formation particularly accessible.
Philippine residents can form and own US LLCs. There are no citizenship, residency, or minimum investment requirements.
Common reasons:
The right state depends on whether you're raising from US investors.
Most US investors are familiar with Delaware LLCs and have standard investment documents built for them. If you're raising from US VCs, Delaware is required.
For Filipino founders running a service business or consulting to US clients without investor involvement, Wyoming is a valid lower-cost alternative.
Eight steps. Start this process 6–8 weeks before you need the account active.
Delaware for investors and US-facing products. Wyoming for simpler, lower-cost operations.
⏱ Day 1Must be unique in the state. Ends with LLC or Limited Liability Company. Check availability on the Secretary of State website.
⏱ Day 1Every US state requires this. USLaunchStack includes this.
⏱ Day 1Filed with the state, usually online. Delaware: ~$90 filing fee. Wyoming: ~$100.
⏱ Days 1–5Internal document defining ownership and management. Not filed with the state, but critical for co-founders and investors.
⏱ Days 1–7IRS Form SS-4, no SSN required. Fax to 855-641-6935. Same-day issuance typical. USLaunchStack can also handle this.
⏱ Same day by faxUS neobanks (Mercury, Relay) work well for Filipino founders. Requires EIN and formation documents.
⏱ Weeks 1–390 days from formation. FinCEN requirement for most foreign-owned US LLCs. File at fincen.gov/boi. See BOI guide →
⏱ Within 90 days of formationThe EIN is required for US business banking — get this first.
Banks require an EIN before opening a business account. Do not use your PhilHealth, SSS, or any Philippine ID number on US tax forms. Use your passport number.
Complete IRS Form SS-4, select 'Foreign person', write 'N/A' for SSN, fax to 855-641-6935.
USLaunchStack can obtain your EIN as part of the formation package — no fax required.
The right bank makes a significant difference. Here's what works in 2026.
Most widely used by international founders, online application, no SSN required with EIN.
Fast approval, strong for LLCs, multi-member friendly.
Best for companies that have received investment capital.
All banks require these:
Philippine Banking Considerations: BDO, BPI, and other Philippine banks will ask questions about incoming USD wires — have your formation documents ready. Some Philippine banks have compliance requirements for receiving large international wires. USD accounts held at US banks are outside BSP oversight for personal accounts — but Philippine tax obligations may apply to income flowing through them. Plan 2–3 weeks for account approval, 3–4 weeks total for full wire activation.
This section is informational — consult a Philippine CPA for advice specific to your situation.
Philippine tax law on foreign income is actively evolving. Work with a licensed CPA in the Philippines who specializes in international tax — ideally one with experience advising tech founders with US entities. A bad structure is expensive to fix.
Understanding the basics:
If you plan to do business in the Philippines through your US LLC, separate BIR registration may be required. This is separate from US LLC formation.
The US-Philippines tax treaty provides favorable treatment for certain income types:
Entity formation takes 1–2 weeks. EIN takes 1–2 days. Banking takes 2–4 weeks. Start 6–8 weeks before you need the money.
No EIN = no business bank account. EIN first, always.
$591 per day penalty. Already in effect. File on time. See BOI guide →
Some investors have legal documents that work only with Delaware entities. Check before choosing.
Open a separate US business account immediately. Keep personal and business finances completely separate.
Get a personalized Delaware vs. Wyoming recommendation.
Document checklists for Mercury, Relay, and Brex — Filipino founder edition.
Step-by-step Delaware LLC formation with EIN service and document checklists.
Complete walkthrough of FinCEN BOI filing — free at fincen.gov/boi.
Match your profile to the best US visa pathway: H-1B, O-1A, EB-5, or remote operations.
Model the tax impact including US-PH treaty benefits and Philippine BIR obligations.
AI-powered entity selection, EIN service, banking guidance, and BOI compliance — built for Filipino founders.