How to Register a Company in the United States: Options and Timeline

Foreign founders often ask how to register a company in the United States. The short answer is that you choose a legal structure, register it with the official registry, and then complete your tax registration and any licences your activity needs. Below are the registration routes ORBIZLY lists for the United States, with their typical timeline.

How do you register a company in the United States?

LLC (Limited Liability Company) Registration. Typical time: A few business days, or 1 to 24 hours with paid expedited filing (varies by state). Where this comes from: Adviser guides, because the office does not publish an official figure. Delaware offers paid expedited tiers; each state differs. Official page: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure

C-Corporation Registration. Typical time: A few business days, or 1 to 24 hours with paid expedited filing (varies by state). Where this comes from: Adviser guides, because the office does not publish an official figure. Delaware offers paid expedited tiers; each state differs. Official page: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure

Nonprofit Organization Registration (Not-for-Profit). Typical time: Varies. Confirm with the registry. Official page: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/nonprofit-organizations

501(c)(3) Charity / Tax-Exempt Status. Typical time: Varies. Confirm with the registry. Official page: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations

Pick the route that matches what you plan to do. If you are unsure which structure suits a business that will hire staff, sell abroad or take investment, ask an expert before you file.

What do you need after the company is registered?

A registered company usually still has to complete tax registration and, in some industries, extra permits. In the United States these are handled by the following bodies.

Tax and goods and services registration: the IRS (Employer Identification Number) and state revenue departments (sales tax permits). Official source: irs.gov

The United States has no federal VAT. Sales tax is registered state by state.

Sector-specific permits: the federal, state and local agencies that regulate your industry. Official source: sba.gov

Importing goods: U.S. Customs and Border Protection plus agency permits such as FDA and USDA. Official source: cbp.gov

Exporting controlled goods: the Bureau of Industry and Security (U.S. Department of Commerce) and, for defence items, the Department of State. Official source: bis.gov

Should you protect your brand when you register?

Registering a company does not protect your brand name. A trademark does. Filing early stops someone else from taking your name in the United States.

Trademark Filing (USPTO). Typical time: About 10 months to a first decision, with the first examiner review after about 4.5 months. Where this comes from: Official source: USPTO figures for the first half of fiscal year 2026. Official page: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks

What is the next step?

Take the free ORBIZLY eligibility assessment to see which countries and programs fit your business, or book a consulting session to talk through company registration in the United States with an expert.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Timelines change and depend on your business. Ask for a quote for your case. Confirm the details with the official source linked above or with an expert before you apply.