Generally, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of a company formed in the United States. The procedure for a foreign citizen to form a company in the US is the same as for a US resident. It is not necessary to be a US citizen or to have a green card to own a corporation or LLC.
Only a green card or meeting the IRS' “substantial presence test” enables an alien to be eligible to be an S Corporation shareholder.
Any foreign individual or company can own a C-corp in the US. It is not exclusively for US residents. Ownership in a C-corp is given out by offering company's stock. Ones who own this stock are the called the shareholders of the corporation.
Shareholders must be US citizens or residents. The business may have no more than 100 shareholders.
How to Start an S Corp in California: Key Takeaways Check name availability, choose a business name, and obtain an EIN. File articles of incorporation, registered agent, and corporate bylaws. S corp director election, meeting requirements, and issuing stock. Statement information, Form 2553, and Form 100S.
To start a business in the USA, you do not need legal residency or citizenship. However, if you plan to live and work in the United States (and receive wages from your business while living in the U.S.), you will require a Green Card or visa. The particular visa you need depends on your situation.
U.S. citizen can only participate in an S Corp if they are an emigre, meaning they have passed the IRS's substantial presence test or hold a green card.
Only a green card or meeting the IRS' “substantial presence test” enables an alien to be eligible to be an S Corporation shareholder.
A U.S. entity that owns at least 10% of a foreign corporation may be considered the owner of a controlled foreign corporation (CFC), depending on the residency of the remaining shareholders. A U.S. company that owns at least 10% of a CFC is subject to additional U.S. tax reporting requirements.
Foreign ownership refers to the ownership of a portion of a country's assets (businesses, natural resources, property, bonds, equity etc.) by individuals who are not citizens of that country or by companies whose headquarters are not in that country.