Why open an LLC in the USA from Argentina?
For Argentine entrepreneurs, opening an LLC in the United States is not simply a matter of international expansion: it is a strategic necessity. The monetary instability of the peso, exchange restrictions and difficult access to the official dollar make having a North American company one of the smartest financial decisions you can make today.
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) allows you to collect dollars directly into a US bank account, operate with Stripe, PayPal and other international platforms, and build a business structure with global credibility. Additionally, the LLC gives you limited liability protection: your personal assets are separate from the company's debts.
✓ Direct access to the dollar without BCRA restrictions
✓ Bank account in the USA with Mercury, Relay or Lili
✓ International credibility to get clients abroad
✓ Operations with Stripe, PayPal, Wise without friction
✓ No physical presence required in the United States
Necessary documents for Argentines
The good news is that the process is completely remote and does not require traveling to the United States. The documents you will need are minimal:
- Valid passport: is the main identification document. It must be valid for at least 6 months.
- CUIT or Argentine DNI: necessary for certain banking procedures and for your tax return in Argentina.
- Postal address: can be your address in Argentina; It is used for LLC registrations.
- Email and telephone number: for communications and verifications of banking platforms.
You do not need SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN to form the LLC. You only need a valid passport.
Once the LLC is formed, you will need the EIN (Employer Identification Number), which is your company's tax number before the IRS. Start Companies manages this procedure for you. You can read more in our article What is the EIN and why do you need it?
Which state to choose for your LLC? Recommendation for Argentines
One of the most common mistakes is assuming that the LLC must be opened in the state where there is a physical presence or where the company is based. For non-resident entrepreneurs, the choice of state is strategic.
New Mexico: the recommended option
For the majority of Argentines who form their first LLC without presence in the USA, New Mexico is the ideal state for several reasons:
- Does not require publishing the name of the members or owners (privacy guaranteed)
- No mandatory annual maintenance fees (unlike Wyoming or Delaware)
- Very low training costs: approximately $50 USD in state fees
- Does not require annual state reports
- Fast training process: 1 to 3 business days
Wyoming: for those seeking maximum protection
If premium privacy and asset protection is your priority, Wyoming is an excellent choice. It has minimal annual fees ($60 USD/year) and is recognized as one of the most business-friendly states. You can compare both options in detail in our article Wyoming vs New Mexico: which is the best state for your LLC?
Bank account in the USA: options for Argentines
Once you have your LLC formed and the EIN in hand, the next step is to open a bank account in the United States. There are several excellent options for non-residents:
Mercury Bank (recommended)
Mercury is the favorite bank of Latin American entrepreneurs. It is 100% digital, does not charge monthly fees, and allows you to open the account remotely without setting foot in the United States. Requires LLC + EIN + valid passport. The approval process usually takes between 1 and 5 business days.
Relay Bank
Relay is another excellent option: it allows you to create up to 20 accounts within the same company, which is ideal for managing different projects or separating finances. It is also 100% digital and without monthly fees.
Lili Bank
Lili is aimed at freelancers and solopreneurs. It has integrated accounting and tax management tools, making it ideal if you are the sole owner of your LLC and want to simplify administration.
To maximize your chances of approval in Mercury, make sure you have a clear business description, a website or digital presence, and that you correctly enter all LLC information. Read our complete guide: How to open Mercury Bank from LATAM without SSN.
Taxes for Argentine residents with LLC in the USA
This is the point that most confuses Argentine entrepreneurs, and it is important to understand it well before operating.
Taxes in the USA: what a non-resident LLC pays
A single-member LLC is a "disregarded entity" to the IRS: income and expenses go directly to your personal tax return. If you are an Argentine resident and do not have a physical presence in the USA, and your services are provided outside of US territory, you generally do not pay federal income tax in the USA.
However, you do have reporting obligations: you must file Form 5472 along with a pro forma Form 1120 if the LLC had reportable transactions with foreign related parties. The penalty for not submitting it is $25,000 USD, so we recommend consulting with a CPA. Read more in our article about taxes for non-resident LLCs.
Taxes in Argentina
As an Argentine tax resident, you have the obligation to declare your worldwide income before the AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Revenues). Income generated through your LLC in the USA must be declared in Argentina. Treatment depends on whether the income is considered foreign source or whether there is a permanent establishment.
We strongly recommend consulting with an accountant in Argentina who knows the regulations on income from foreign sources (Law 27,430).
Step-by-step process: how to open your LLC from Argentina
- I chose the state: New Mexico for minimal costs, Wyoming for maximum privacy and protection.
- Choose the name of your LLC: it must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" at the end. Check availability in the state registry.
- Hire a training service: Start Companies manages the entire process from start to finish, including the mandatory registered agent.
- Get your EIN: we process it for you before the IRS (separate process that takes between 2 and 6 weeks by mail for non-residents).
- Open your bank account: with the LLC active and the EIN in hand, apply to Mercury, Relay or Lili.
- Set up your payment tools: Stripe, PayPal Business, Wise Business — all accept non-resident LLCs.
- Start operating: you issue invoices from your LLC, you charge in dollars, and you manage everything remotely.
FAQ: LLC from Argentina
Can I open an LLC without going to the United States?
Yes, 100% of the process is done remotely. You do not need to travel or set foot on US soil at any time during the training or operation process.
How long does it take to form the LLC?
Depending on the state, between 1 and 5 business days. New Mexico is one of the fastest.
Do I need to speak English?
No. Start Companies manages all the procedures and accompanies you in Spanish at every step of the process.
Can I have Argentine partners in my LLC?
Yes. An LLC can have multiple members (partners), including residents and non-residents of any country.
What happens if I have no activity in my LLC?
If the LLC had no reportable transactions, you may not need to file US tax returns, but it is always advisable to consult with a CPA to be sure.
Start today
Do you want to open your LLC without complications?
Our team of international accountants and tax experts accompanies you throughout the process. LLC activates in 7 business days.
We serve by WhatsApp: +1 (786) 935-4213
Written by
Ignacio Navarro
Ignacio Navarro is a Certified Public Accountant, graduated in 2020 from the National University of Tucumán. Founder of Start Companies since 2023, he advises clients worldwide on forming LLCs in the United States and on proper tax filing. His expertise combines legal, tax, and practical knowledge, offering a comprehensive service that spans from company formation to bank account setup and sales platform integration.
