How to Enter the US, Polish & German Markets — Answered

Q: What is the cost to set up a business in the United States from Europe?

A basic US LLC formation including state filing, registered agent, and EIN runs approximately $2,500–$4,000. Adding bank account setup, address services, and initial compliance brings the total to $4,500–$7,500. For a full market entry package including site location, B2B introductions, and operational support, expect $15,000–$30,000 depending on scope. These figures are significantly lower than the hidden costs of doing it alone — including travel, legal redo work, and delayed revenue.

Q: Do I need a US visa to start a business in America?

You do not need a US visa to form a business entity or own a US company. Non-residents can legally own and operate LLCs and corporations. However, if you plan to physically work in the US or manage operations from within the country, you will need an appropriate visa such as the E-2 (for treaty investors), L-1 (intra-company transfer), or EB-5 (investor green card). We work with immigration attorneys to guide you through the right visa path based on your investment level and role.

Q: How long does it take to open a US business bank account as a foreigner?

Opening a US business bank account as a non-resident typically requires an in-person visit to a branch that serves international clients. With proper documentation — including your formation documents, EIN letter, passport, and proof of address — the account can be opened in a single visit. The challenge is knowing which banks work with foreign-owned businesses and which branches have staff experienced in international accounts. SHILA LLC pre-qualifies you and schedules appointments with the right bankers, reducing the process from weeks of trial-and-error to one prepared visit.

Q: What are the tax implications for a Polish or German company operating in the US?

US tax obligations depend on your entity structure and whether you have a permanent establishment. An LLC with foreign owners is typically treated as a pass-through for US tax purposes, meaning the LLC itself does not pay federal income tax, but owners report US-sourced income. If your business has employees, physical locations, or significant US activity, you may trigger state income tax, sales tax, and payroll tax obligations. We coordinate with US-based tax accountants who specialize in international structures to ensure you meet every obligation without overpaying.

Q: Which US state is best for foreign businesses to incorporate in?

Nevada and Delaware are the top choices for most foreign-owned businesses. Nevada offers no state income tax, strong privacy protections, and minimal reporting requirements. Delaware is preferred by businesses planning to raise investment capital due to its well-developed corporate law system. For operational businesses with physical presence, the state where you actually operate (e.g., California, Texas, Florida) may become your primary compliance jurisdiction. We analyze your business model, target market, and growth plans to recommend the optimal state and structure.

Q: How do I start a business in Poland as a foreign entrepreneur?

Foreigners can establish a Polish limited liability company (Sp. z o.o.) with a minimum share capital of PLN 5,000. The process involves drafting articles of association, notarizing documents, registering with the National Court Register (KRS), obtaining a NIP tax number and REGON statistical number, and opening a Polish bank account. The entire process typically takes 4–6 weeks. For non-EU citizens, the process may also include obtaining a residence permit tied to business activity. SHILA LLC manages every step with bilingual support so nothing gets lost in translation.

Q: What are the costs of setting up a Sp. z o.o. in Poland from the US?

Formation costs for a Polish Sp. z o.o. include court registration fees (approximately PLN 600), notary fees (PLN 1,000–3,000 depending on capital), and legal documentation (PLN 2,000–5,000). Total formation costs typically range from $2,000–$5,000. Adding VAT registration, bank account setup, and registered address services brings the total to $4,000–$8,000. Ongoing costs include monthly accounting (PLN 500–2,000 depending on transaction volume) and annual compliance filings.

Q: How long does it take to register a company in Poland?

Standard registration through the National Court Register (KRS) takes approximately 2–4 weeks from submission. However, preparation time — including drafting bilingual articles, securing a registered address, and gathering apostilled documents from the US — typically adds another 2–3 weeks. With SHILA LLC managing the process, most clients are fully operational (company registered, tax numbers obtained, bank account open) within 6–8 weeks total.

Q: Do I need to speak Polish to run a business in Poland?

While it is possible to operate with English-only skills in some international-facing sectors, day-to-day business in Poland — including government filings, vendor negotiations, lease agreements, and employee management — overwhelmingly happens in Polish. Official correspondence from tax offices, ZUS (social insurance), and the KRS is exclusively in Polish. SHILA LLC provides bilingual liaison services so you can operate confidently without learning the language first, while our document translation and contract review services protect your interests in Polish-language agreements.

Question 1

How can a European company enter the US market successfully?

Answer

The most reliable path is forming a US entity (typically an LLC or C-Corp) in a business-friendly state like Nevada or Delaware, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, opening a US bank account, and securing any required state or federal licenses. We recommend starting with market validation and a local registered agent before committing to physical operations. SHILA LLC handles entity formation, EIN acquisition, banking introductions, and compliance setup so you are operational within 8–12 weeks.

Question 2

What is the cost to set up a business in the United States from Europe?

Question 3

Do I need a US visa to start a business in America?

Question 4

How long does it take to open a US business bank account as a foreigner?

Question 5

What are the tax implications for a Polish or German company operating in the US?

Question 6

Which US state is best for foreign businesses to incorporate in?

How to Enter the US, Polish & German Markets — Answered

How can a European company enter the US market successfully?

What is the cost to set up a business in the United States from Europe?

Do I need a US visa to start a business in America?

How long does it take to open a US business bank account as a foreigner?

What are the tax implications for a Polish or German company operating in the US?

Which US state is best for foreign businesses to incorporate in?

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