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US LLC (Delaware) · via doola·🇵🇹Founder profile

Delaware LLC Incorporation for Portuguese Remote Developers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline14–45days
Year-1 total$297.00

Incorporating a Delaware LLC provides Portuguese-based developers with a legal entity to contract with US clients. This structure separates personal assets from business liabilities while operating under US corporate law.

The process involves state formation, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, and establishing a US business bank account. Portuguese residents must report this income locally, noting the recent changes to the NHR tax regime.

§ 01Cost of ownership

Model the full outlay, not just the setup fee

Renewal costs sneak up on non-resident founders. Compare year-1 filing against a 3-year total to see the real bill.
Currency · USD (live FX)
2-year cost of ownership
$594.00
$24.75/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • Setupdoola setup
    $297.00
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $297.00
Total$594.00
§ 02Tax residency · Portuguese Remote Developers

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

US LLCs are pass-through entities for federal tax purposes, meaning income is generally not subject to US federal tax if the owner is not engaged in a trade or business in the US (ETBUS).

Home-country rule

NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) regime — being phased out 2024

Editorial verdict

Use the Delaware LLC structure for US market access, but consult a tax advisor regarding the transition from NHR to the new tax incentive regimes for Portuguese residents.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Form 5472 and 1120 penalty of $25,000 for non-filing
  • 02Potential double taxation if NHR status is not applicable
  • 03Requirement to maintain accurate books and records for IRS compliance
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
14–45days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d11
d23
d34
d45
01Filingdoola submits formation docs
d0–d16
02Tax ID / EINIRS EIN issuance
d14–d34
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d27–d45
§ 04Head-to-head

US LLC (Delaware) vs Estonia OÜ (e-Residency)

US LLC (Delaware)
LLC
Estonia OÜ (e-Residency)
Entity
LLC
Setup cost
$140.00
$205.20
Annual
$300.00
$129.60
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
Franchise tax $300/yr; federal only on US-source income
20% only on distributed profit; 0% on retained earnings
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

No. The entire formation process, including filing with the Delaware Division of Corporations and obtaining an EIN, can be completed remotely through a registered agent like doola.
Next step

Start filing with doola

Formation typically completes in 2–3 weeks. Use the promo below, then click through to begin the checklist directly on the platform.