FAQ's
Establishing a US presence
Get answers to your questions and take the first step toward US business expansion.
What is the average US subsidiary set-up timeline?
The initial entity set-up of your organisation, including state incorporation and acquiring your federal tax ID, can take as little as five days to complete, but depending on your situation and government backlog, it could take several months. To find out more how Foothold America can support you with setting up your US subsidiary, check out our US Entity Setup Service.
For companies looking to become the Employer of Record (EOR) for their US employees, our People Partnership Service can handle the extended aspects of subsidiary set-up, including coordinating the employer of record status, onboarding US employees, and managing the intricate operational and HR processes involved in conducting business in America. This full process typically takes around 90 days. Alternatively, for those who wish to enter into a co-employment relationship, our PEO+ Cross-Border Support service is the ideal choice for managing these tasks.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions international employers ask most about this topic.
How quickly can a US company actually be incorporated?
Often within days. Many states process formation filings quickly, and an EIN can follow soon after. Timings stretch when state offices have backlogs, when the chosen name is unavailable, or when the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN. Building in extra time for these checks avoids pressure on later steps such as banking and hiring.
Which steps usually delay a US subsidiary set-up?
Banking and tax registration cause most delays. Applying for an EIN without a US taxpayer ID means using phone, fax or post rather than the online service. Banks then review ownership and address documents carefully. Hiring adds employer registrations in every state where staff work. Preparing translated documents and a verified US address early saves weeks.
Can we start trading in the US while the subsidiary is being formed?
Yes, in many cases. You can invoice US clients from your home company and collect payments through a USD account. To hire people during this period, an Employer of Record can employ them for you. Our soft landing strategy guide explains how to test demand before committing to a full entity.
Does the choice of state change how long set-up takes?
Slightly. Processing speeds vary between states, and some offer paid expedited filing. The bigger time factors are usually your own documents, the EIN application and bank onboarding. Choose a state for the right business reasons rather than speed alone. Our comparison of the best state to form a US company can help.
How to establish your business presence in the USA?
The US continues to be fertile for business innovation and growth, inviting businesses from around the world to make their mark in the 50 states. But how do you get started? Explore the Q&A’s below to find out more about what it takes to establish your business presence in the USA, how to set up a US entity, how long it takes & more. If you have any other questions for us about entering, growing or scaling in the USA, please feel free to get in contact with us here.
Only the best for you and your team
At Foothold America, we offer top-notch service for you and your team. Our core services include:
Employer of Record Service (EOR)
Our Employer of Record Service offers a turn-key, cost-effective solution for your company to have a legitimate US presence with US employees anywhere in the country in as little as one week without the cost and complexity of setting up a US entity.
PEO+ Cross-Border Support™
Our full PEO+ Service goes beyond traditional PEO offerings. From tailored implementation assistance to smooth onboarding for first-time hires or transitions from other hiring models, we help you manage your US entity and people operations. This service is a great option for international businesses looking to conquer the US market with absolute peace of mind.
People Partnership Service (PPS)
We’ve created our People Partnership Service (PPS) to help you navigate the process of setting up your US entity, becoming the Employer of Record (the direct employer), onboarding US employees, and managing the complex operational and HR processes of doing business in America.
Exclusive Talent Acquisition (ETA)
Businesses around the world partner with Foothold America and save thousands of dollars on their US hiring costs. With our ETA service, you can find and hire the best employees compliantly and competitively. We make it easy and affordable for you to hire the right candidate at the right time and at the right cost.
Entity Setup
Establishing a legal entity in the US brings enormous potential for growth – and a unique set of challenges and complications. Partnering with Foothold America for your US entity setup ensures smooth and compliant incorporation in your chosen state – all whilst cutting through layers of bureaucracy and giving your company the freedom to concentrate on its larger business objectives.
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Request a quote, talk with our US expansion experts or ask any questions. We will get back to you via email in less than 24 hours.
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