There is no limit on the number of shareholders a corporation taxed under Subchapter C can have. Anyone can own shares, including business entities and non-U.S. citizens.
Only a green card or meeting the IRS' “substantial presence test” enables an alien to be eligible to be an S Corporation shareholder.
Shareholders must be US citizens or residents. The business may have no more than 100 shareholders.
If you're not a citizen, you must qualify as a resident alien to own a stake in an S Corp. Resident aliens are those who have moved to the United States and have residency but aren't citizens. Of the below, only permanent residents can own an S Corp.
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.
We've already established that you don't need to be a US citizen to own a US business. You don't even have to step foot in the US to own an LLC or corporation, but you're not allowed to work without a valid visa. If you want to work for the business you own, you'll need to obtain a visa.
Similarly, all the members of the U.S. corporation's Board of Directors and all its officers can, if so desired, be non-U.S. nationals and U.S. non-residents. Most states require that all companies formed in the state have a registered agent in the state (more about registered agents can be found here).
Each shareholder's initial investment represents his beginning "stock basis". A capital account is set up for each shareholder.
Can a foreign national start a business in the U.S. without being a resident? “Yes, You Can!” Every day, foreign nationals are setting up US businesses, from major enterprises to small shops. Accessing the US marketplace is the key to success for many businesses around the world.
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.