How a US LLC from Sri Lanka works, step by step
You fill in one form and upload two documents. We file your LLC, get your EIN and prepare your Mercury and Stripe applications. Most founders go from form to filed company in 3 to 14 business days, depending on the state.
You apply online
Choose a state, answer a few questions about your business and upload two documents: your passport photo page and a bill or bank statement from the last 2 months. It takes about 10 minutes.
We file your LLC
We prepare your Articles of Organization and file them with the state, with our registered agent named on the filing. You get your formation documents and operating agreement by email.We get your EIN
We apply to the IRS for your company's EIN on Form SS-4. You don't need an SSN or ITIN. You also get IRS Letter 147C, which banks often ask for.You apply to Mercury
We prepare your Mercury business account application with your LLC documents and EIN. Mercury reviews it and makes the final decision.You apply to Stripe
We check your website and business description against Stripe's rules, then help you apply. Stripe's own review usually takes 1–7 business days.You get paid
Customers pay by card on Stripe. Payouts land in Mercury in US dollars, and you send money to your Sri Lankan bank with Wise whenever you like.
How long each state takes
Counted from the day your payment is confirmed. Your EIN is included in these times, but IRS delays outside our control can add days.
Missouri
7–14 business days
No state annual report
Montana
7–14 business days
Annual report fee waived until 2027
Wyoming
3–5 business days (2 with expedite)
What we control, and what we don’t
We control the paperwork: your state filing, your EIN application, your operating agreement and the preparation of your bank and Stripe applications.
We don’t control decisions made by Mercury, Stripe or the IRS. Each reviews applications under its own rules. Our job is to send them complete, consistent applications so there’s nothing for them to question.
After formation, you need to keep the company in good standing: a registered agent, Form 5472 every April, and Wyoming’s annual report if you chose Wyoming. We send reminders before every deadline.
Ready for step one?
Have your passport and a recent bill ready. The form takes about 10 minutes.