Five Tips for Foreign Entrepreneurs Starting a Business in the U.S.

America has long been a land of opportunity for millions of business owners and entrepreneurs around the world. However, for Foreign Entrepreneurs to start a company that will grow and thrive in the U.S., they will need to take into account the legal, regulatory, and practical challenges they will uniquely face.

That is why Jurado & Farshchian specializes in providing comprehensive legal services for foreign nationals wishing to start a business in America. Get started with this basic primer of what you need to know and how we can help.

Form the Right Business Structure for Foreign Entrepreneurs

There are several types of business entities to choose from, each with their distinct benefits. For example, limited liability companies (LLCs) provide owners with liability protection, and as “pass-through” entities, significantly reduce the tax burden. Corporations also offer personal liability protection, as well as the ability to raise capital via shares in the company. Depending on your business goals, some business structures may be better suited for your enterprise than others.

Most Foreign Entrepreneurs will not know the nuances of America’s business structures, let alone how to go about forming one. Jurado & Farshchian will advise you on the best entity for your business purposes and can serve as your U.S. registered agent. We can also draft the necessary legal documents to create your business.

Navigating Regulations, Permits, and Taxes

Every business must contend with taxes and regulations at the local, state, and federal level. Moreover, certain types of businesses, such as restaurants, will be subject to additional permits, licenses, and codes. Even many domestic business owners will struggle to comply with all these requirements. Foreign Entrepreneurs, particularly those operating their business from abroad, will have an even more difficult time understanding the complexities and bureaucracies of U.S. laws and regulations, putting them at risk of financial and legal liability.

Not only can Jurado & Farshchian help you determine which regulations and taxes apply to your enterprise, but we can assist you in complying with all the requirements necessary to keep your business running.

Getting the Right U.S. Work Visa for Foreign Entrepreneurs

While many foreign entrepreneurs may be able or willing to operate their business from abroad, your enterprise may require that you or another qualified foreign national — such as a manager, executive, or employee with specialized knowledge — come to the U.S. to set up or run the business. This will require finding the right work visa for your situation. The U.S. visa regime is notoriously complex and opaque, with numerous types of visas, each with special rules, requirements, and procedures. Determining which visa is best for you, let alone qualifying for it, will be difficult without qualified legal expertise and guidance.

Jurado & Farshchian has helped entrepreneurs from all over the world get the visa they need to facilitate the establishment and growth of their business. We specialize in several advantageous visas, such as the L-1 Visa, which is ideal for transferring business personnel to set up or expand a business. We can pinpoint the visa that best suits your goals and assist you in fulfilling all the requirements and application protocols.

Having Reliable Legal Counsel With Experience Helping Foreign Entrepreneurs

Every entrepreneur — regardless of where they are from or what type of business they run — needs trustworthy and reliable legal professionals who can protect their enterprise.