Form a US LLC from JapanStripe. Mercury. EIN. 100% Remote.

Yes. Citizens and residents of Japan can legally own and operate a US LLC 100% remotely. The US has no citizenship or residency restrictions for LLC owners. No US visa, SSN, ITIN, or physical travel is required. You only need a valid Japan passport and a standard proof of address (utility bill or bank statement) to register.

Yes. A US LLC registered through Entryly gives you a US Employer Identification Number (EIN) and US business address. Combined with a US business bank account, this qualifies you for full US Stripe merchant access. Entryly guarantees Stripe activation as part of our package.

Yes. Since Japan is a Tier 1 country, citizens and passport holders can open a fully functional Mercury Bank business checking account. This is done 100% remotely and includes USD checking and savings, a business debit card, ACH routing, and international SWIFT wire capabilities.

We offer three premier states: (1) Missouri is the fastest, taking 2-4 business days at a low cost. (2) Wyoming offers excellent privacy because member names are not published on the state registry. (3) New Mexico is the most cost-effective long-term, with a $0 state annual report fee and $35 annual renewal. Most founders in Japan choose Missouri for speed or New Mexico for low maintenance.

If your US LLC is owned by a single non-US resident and has no physical operations, offices, or employees in the US, its income is classified as "foreign-sourced". Under IRS rules, it is treated as a tax-transparent pass-through entity and is subject to 0% US corporate income tax. You are only required to file annual informational returns (Forms 5472 and a pro forma 1120). Japan enforces a strict tax system. Income earned by a foreign LLC must be declared on your national tax returns. Consult a Certified Public Tax Accountant.

Yes. Many Japanese sole traders (kojin jigyo-nushi) form US LLCs alongside their Japanese registration to separately manage international USD income. The US LLC provides Stripe US and Mercury Bank access for USD operations. Consult a Japanese tax accountant (税理士) for your specific cross-border obligations.

Your clients pay you in USD via Stripe, which pays out to your Mercury Bank account. From Mercury, you can transfer USD to your local bank account at MUFG Bank, SMBC, Mizuho Bank in JPY using Wise Business for near-spot exchange rates, or send a standard international wire.

The setup takes 5-10 business days total: (1) LLC registration with the state (2-4 business days), (2) EIN registration with the IRS (typically 2-4 business days via our digital fax channel), and (3) Mercury Bank and Stripe activation (1-2 business days). All documents are delivered digitally.