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US LLC (Delaware) · via Mercury (banking-only)·🇵🇹Founder profile

Delaware LLC Incorporation for Portuguese Remote Developers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$0.00

Portuguese developers can form a Delaware LLC to provide services to international clients while maintaining a distinct legal entity. This structure requires compliance with US federal reporting obligations regardless of the company's physical location.

The process involves state registration, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, and opening a business bank account via platforms like Mercury. Founders must manage both US tax filings and personal tax reporting in Portugal.

§ 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
$0.00
$0.00/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupMercury (banking-only) setup
    $0.00
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $0.00
Total$0.00
§ 02Tax residency · Portuguese Remote Developers

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

US LLCs are treated as pass-through entities for federal tax purposes, meaning non-US owners are only subject to US federal income tax on income effectively connected with a US trade or business (ETBUS).

Home-country rule

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

Editorial verdict

Use Mercury for remote banking access, but ensure you maintain strict separation between personal and business finances to avoid piercing the corporate veil.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Form 5472 and 1120 penalty of $25,000 for late or incomplete filing
  • 02Potential double taxation if NHR status is unavailable
  • 03Requirement to maintain US tax records for 3 years
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
21–45days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d11
d23
d34
d45
01FilingMercury (banking-only) 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. Delaware LLCs can be formed entirely remotely through a registered agent. Banking platforms like Mercury allow for remote account opening for non-resident founders.
Next step

Start filing with Mercury (banking-only)

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