So you’re diving into Amazon — nice move. But now you’re wondering:
“Do I really need a US company to sell there?”
Short answer? Not always.
But if you’re aiming to grow big, play it smart, and avoid headaches down the road — then yeah, having a US entity makes life a whole lot easier.
Let me break it down for you. Simple, step-by-step. Like I wish someone had done for me.
Why Even Bother with a US Company?
Because Amazon loves US-based sellers.
You get:
- Smoother verification
- Fewer payment issues
- Access to local tools and platforms
- More trust from suppliers
- Better chances if you’re using FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
Basically, you’re not treated like an outsider.
Step 1: Pick the Right State
This part sounds boring — but it matters.
Here’s what most non-US sellers go for:
Wyoming – Low costs, no state income tax, privacy-friendly, minimal paperwork. A solid option for online businesses.
Delaware – More for startups raising capital. Amazing legal structure, but overkill if you’re solo.
Florida – Only makes sense if you’re living there or opening something physical.
Most Amazon sellers just go with Wyoming. Cheap, easy, and gets the job done.
Step 2: Choose the Company Type
Go with an LLC. Trust me.
Why?
- Simple setup
- Works well for single owners (even if you’re outside the US)
- You’re not taxed twice
- You get personal liability protection
And nope — you don’t need a US partner or to live in the US. You can own it 100% from wherever you are.
Step 3: Register Your Company
You’ve got two choices here:
DIY – Go to the state website (Wyoming’s is actually pretty friendly).
Use a Service – If you’d rather skip the paperwork and late-night Googling, use sites like:
- Firstbase
- Doola
- Stripe Atlas
They set everything up — including your EIN, mailing address, and sometimes even a bank account.
Honestly, it saves time and avoids rookie mistakes.
Step 4: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
This is your business’s tax ID — like a Social Security number for your LLC.
Amazon needs it. Your bank needs it. The IRS expects it.
You can apply for free directly from the IRS, but it’s a little tricky from outside the US. If you use one of those setup services, they’ll usually grab it for you.
Step 5: Open a US Bank Account
This is where it gets real. You must have a US bank to collect Amazon payouts.
No US visit? No problem.
Use these:
- Mercury – Great for online founders. Fully remote.
- Relay – Also built for remote sellers.
- Wise – Good for receiving USD payments and converting to your local currency.
Some banks might ask for a US address — virtual address services with mail forwarding can help here.
Step 6: Create Your Amazon Seller Account
Once your company and bank are ready, go to sellercentral.amazon.com and start the process.
Here’s what they’ll ask for:
- LLC name & US address
- EIN
- US phone number (you can get one online — try Skype or Sonetel)
- Bank info
- Passport or ID
- Maybe a utility bill (your virtual address service usually provides one)
Tip: Be honest, upload clear docs, and expect a few verifications. Don’t stress if it takes a few tries.
What Most People Don’t Tell You:
- You don’t need a US visa or green card to start a US company.
- A virtual US address works — just make sure it includes mail forwarding.
- You’ll need to file US taxes every year, even if you owe nothing. (Hire an accountant who works with non-residents — worth every dollar.)
- Amazon may flag your account at first — that’s normal. Just respond with documents and keep it professional.
