Your US company can be live today — its EIN already exists

Last updated: June 2026 · By Shepherd Nyakudya, Founder of USLLCGlobal

There are two ways to get a US company from Nigeria. The fastest is to buy a ready-made Wyoming LLC that already has its EIN — the company exists, it is in good standing, and the federal tax ID banks and Stripe ask for first is already issued. Ownership transfers into your name within 24 hours, so you can open US banking and start invoicing in USD today, not next month.

The second route is to register a brand-new LLC in your chosen name for $549 (Business Ready), with a same-day EIN obtained for you. It takes a little longer than buying ready-made, but if the exact company name matters more than speed, it is the right call. Either way, the outcome is the same: a legitimate US business entity, full Stripe access, a US bank account, and unrestricted global payments — all from Nigeria, with no SSN, no visa, and no trip to the US.

Ready-made vs. forming a new LLC

Nigeria has the largest tech ecosystem in Africa. With over 442,000 online freelancers, a booming startup scene, and hubs like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt producing world-class talent, Nigeria is a digital economy powerhouse. Yet Nigerian tech professionals face persistent payment infrastructure barriers that limit their ability to compete globally.

PayPal restrictions in Nigeria

PayPal operates in Nigeria, but with significant limitations. Nigerian users can send payments and make purchases, but withdrawing funds to a Nigerian bank account is restricted. This creates a frustrating situation where Nigerian freelancers can see money in their PayPal account but cannot easily access it.

The workarounds — using intermediary services, maintaining accounts in other countries, or relying on peer-to-peer exchanges — add cost, complexity, and compliance risk.

Stripe access is limited

Stripe operates in Nigeria through its acquisition of Paystack. While Paystack is excellent for accepting payments within Africa, it does not provide the full Stripe experience:

• Limited international reach — Paystack is optimised for African markets, not global SaaS or e-commerce
• Fewer features — no Stripe Billing, limited subscription management compared to full Stripe
• Naira settlements — payments settle in NGN, adding currency conversion challenges for international businesses
• Different pricing — Paystack fees are structured differently from standard Stripe pricing

The real impact on Nigerian businesses

Without full access to global payment platforms, Nigerian founders and freelancers face:

• Lost international clients — many US and European clients expect Stripe invoicing and payment links
• Revenue leakage — currency conversion fees, intermediary charges, and delayed settlements erode margins
• Scaling limitations — building a global SaaS product, subscription service, or e-commerce business requires a payment processor that works seamlessly worldwide
• Credibility concerns — international partners and investors expect standard US or EU payment infrastructure
• Naira volatility — holding earnings in NGN exposes you to exchange rate fluctuations; USD accounts provide stability

Nigeria’s tech talent is not the problem. The payment infrastructure gap is. A US LLC bridges that gap.

Thousands of Nigerian entrepreneurs have already solved their payment infrastructure problem with a US LLC — whether bought ready-made or freshly registered. Here is what you get:

This is the same approach used by companies built through Stripe Atlas, which exists specifically to help international founders form US companies for payment access. Our service delivers the same result at a lower cost — and, with a ready-made company, far faster.

Why Wyoming is the preferred state for Nigerian founders

• No state income tax — zero state-level tax on LLC income
• Strong privacy — member and manager names are not listed on public filings
• Lowest total cost — $100 state fee, $60 annual report (vs. Delaware’s $300/year franchise tax)
• Fast processing — online filing processed in 1-2 business days
• Asset protection — strongest charging order protections in the US
• No franchise tax — unlike Delaware or California

Required documents

• Valid passport — Nigerian passport or any government-issued passport
• Nigerian residential address — your home or business address for official records
• Email address — for correspondence and document delivery
• Phone number — Nigerian mobile number is fine

What you do NOT need

• No SSN — Social Security Number is not required for non-US residents
• No ITIN — not required for LLC formation or EIN application
• No US visa — you never need to enter the United States
• No US address — your registered agent provides the required US address
• No CAC registration — your US LLC is separate from any Nigerian CAC registration
• No prior US business experience — first-time founders welcome

Opening a US business bank account is a critical step after acquiring or forming your LLC. We guide you through the application process and help you prepare your documents.

Recommended banks for Nigerian LLC owners

Relay Financial — offers free business banking with no monthly fees, multiple checking accounts, and profit-first budgeting features. Relay accepts non-resident applications from most countries and the process is completed entirely online.

Wise Business — ideal for multi-currency operations. Hold USD, NGN, GBP, and 50+ other currencies with low-cost international transfers. Wise is widely used by Nigerian founders for its transparent exchange rates and low transfer fees.

Documents you will need

• Articles of Organization (Certificate of Formation)
• EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
• Operating Agreement
• Valid passport (photo page)
• Business description and expected transaction volume
• Source of funds documentation
• Website URL (if applicable)

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your US federal tax ID, issued free by the IRS. Every LLC needs one to open a bank account, accept payments, and file taxes. (With a ready-made company, the EIN is already in place — see ready-made LLCs with EIN.)

How we obtain your EIN

Non-US residents cannot apply online (the IRS online tool requires an SSN or ITIN). We apply on your behalf as an IRS Third Party Designee:

1. We prepare your Form SS-4 with your LLC and personal details
2. We call the IRS International EIN line at 267-941-1099
3. The IRS verbally assigns your EIN during the call — same-day issuance
4. We fax the signed Form SS-4 within 24 hours as required
5. You receive your EIN confirmation immediately

The IRS charges no fee for EIN assignment. Our service fee covers preparation, phone application, and follow-up.

Standalone EIN service

Already have a US LLC? Our standalone EIN application service is $199.

If you are a non-US person who owns a US LLC, the IRS requires annual filing of Form 5472 attached to a pro forma Form 1120. This is an information return, not a tax payment — but the penalties for non-filing are severe.

Key facts about Form 5472

• Who must file: Any foreign-owned US disregarded entity (single-member LLC owned by a non-US person)
• What to file: Form 5472 attached to a pro forma Form 1120
• When to file: By April 15 of the following year (6-month extension available)
• How to file: Paper only. Form 5472 cannot be e-filed — it must be mailed to the IRS
• What to report: All reportable transactions between you and your LLC

BOI reporting update (March 2025)

Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting has been eliminated for domestic LLCs as of March 2025. Foreign-owned LLCs should monitor FinCEN for any future requirements.

Understanding your tax position is essential. The information below is general factual information — consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

US tax position

• A single-member LLC owned by a non-resident alien is a disregarded entity for US federal income tax
• The LLC itself does not pay US income tax — income passes through to the owner
• If the LLC has no US-source income, the US tax liability is typically minimal
• You must file Form 5472 annually (information return)
• Wyoming has no state income tax

Nigeria tax considerations

Key facts for Nigerian LLC owners:

• There is no comprehensive US-Nigeria income tax treaty
• Nigeria taxes residents on worldwide income under the Personal Income Tax Act
• Income from your US LLC may need to be declared to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
• The Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) may also be relevant depending on your structure
• Consult a Nigerian tax professional who understands cross-border structures

We understand the unique landscape of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and the specific challenges Nigerian entrepreneurs face when building global businesses.

Local payment options

We accept international card payments and bank transfers. If you prefer to pay using Flutterwave or Paystack, contact us via WhatsApp and we will arrange an alternative payment method for your convenience.

NGN price reference

At current exchange rates (approximately 1 USD = 1,550 NGN), the Business Ready package at $549 is approximately NGN 696,000. Final NGN amount depends on the exchange rate at the time of payment.

Support hours for Nigeria

West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1) overlaps with our UK support hours. We are available via WhatsApp, email, and phone during business hours that work for Nigerian clients.

Why this matters for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem

Nigeria is home to Africa’s largest tech ecosystem. Lagos alone has produced multiple unicorn startups. The country has over 442,000 active online freelancers across platforms like Upwork, Toptal, Andela, and Fiverr.

Nigerian developers, designers, and digital marketers are building products used by millions worldwide. The Nigerian Startup Act (2022) and initiatives like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are accelerating the digital economy. But payment infrastructure remains the bottleneck.

A US LLC removes that bottleneck. It gives Nigerian founders the same payment infrastructure access that their counterparts in the US, UK, and EU already have — levelling the playing field for Nigerian businesses competing globally.