What you set up in the US helps you worldwide
The US is less a place to emigrate to than a toolkit. A few deliberate moves, an address, a company, an account, a credit card, unlock access that helps you anywhere in the world. Here's what's available and how it fits together.
I've built this toolkit myself: my own US LLCs, US accounts and US credit cards. Here I share what actually works. The building blocks: each one unlocks the next
Order matters. Each step is useful in itself and opens the next.
US address & US phone number
The entry point. A US mailing address (virtual mailbox) and a US number open up sign-ups, verifications and services that otherwise stay locked.
Online in days · virtual mailbox + US number via Tello
US LLC & EIN
The company. A single-member LLC with a tax ID (EIN) is the foundation for banking, payment processors and credit cards.
Remote, about a week · annual Form 5472 required
US business bank account
With an LLC and EIN you open an account remotely at Mercury or Relay and take payments through Stripe and PayPal.
Remote, no SSN · Mercury or Relay
US credit cards & credit score
Now the real lever kicks in: genuine access to US credit cards, points and a US credit score that opens doors worldwide.
Built step by step · e.g. via Amex Global Transfer
The tools in detail
Each one usable on its own. Click into whatever you need right now.
Form a US LLC
Set up a single-member LLC in a business-friendly state, fully remote, no visa or US trip.
US business banking
Open a business account at Mercury or Relay without an SSN, and take payments via Stripe and PayPal.
US credit cards (high access)
The real access to US credit cards, sign-up bonuses and points that most non-residents never tap.
US taxes & Form 5472
When a foreign-owned LLC pays no US income tax, and which annual IRS filing (Form 5472) is still mandatory.
Choosing your state
Wyoming, New Mexico or Delaware? The trade-offs that actually matter for a non-resident.
US phone number (tip: Tello)
A real US mobile number for verifications, banking and services that require one. My guide explains why I use Tello and how to set it up.
Rather not do it yourself?
We set the building blocks up for you and keep them clean.
US LLC formation
Formation, EIN application and registered agent, all from one place and without a US trip.
See the formation serviceTax compliance (Form 5472)
We handle the annual IRS filing for your foreign-owned LLC, on time and correct.
See tax compliancePrefer German? Der US-Werkzeugkasten auf Deutsch →