Non-U.S. residents can certainly open a business in the United States. Unless they're eager to be held personally liable for the acts of the company, their options are to form an LLC or a C Corporation. However, without knowing more about your business, it's hard to say whether there would be other restrictions or regulations you need to abide by. You may have customs issues; you'll certainly have tax issues; and possibly immigration issues. Make sure you get counsel who's experienced in dealing with international transactions for your industry.
Nina L. Kaufman is an award-winning business attorney, author and speaker. For more than 15 years, she has successfully navigated thousands of small businesses through the legal hurdles they face in starting and running their companies. Under her
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