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US LLC (Delaware) · via Mercury (banking-only)·🇺🇦Founder profile

Delaware LLC Incorporation for Ukrainian IT Contractors

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

Ukrainian IT contractors can form a Delaware LLC to invoice international clients while operating under the Diia City tax regime. This structure separates your professional liability from personal assets.

The process requires formation in Delaware, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, and opening a Mercury business bank account. You must remain compliant with both US information reporting and Ukrainian tax residency requirements.

§ 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 · Ukrainian IT Contractors

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

US LLCs are treated as pass-through entities for federal tax purposes, meaning income is generally not subject to US federal tax if the owner is non-US and has no US-based trade or business (ETBUS).

Home-country rule

Diia City tax regime; war-time residency displacement rules

Editorial verdict

Use your Delaware LLC for B2B contracts while maintaining your Diia City tax status in Ukraine; ensure your US income is not effectively connected to the US to avoid federal tax.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Form 5472 and 1120 penalty of $25,000 for failure to file
  • 02Potential double taxation if Diia City residency status is lost
  • 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

Generally, no. As long as you remain a tax resident of Ukraine and report your LLC income according to Ukrainian law, you can maintain your Diia City status. Consult a local tax advisor regarding the specific treatment of foreign-sourced dividends or income.
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.