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US LLC (Delaware) · via Stripe Atlas·🇻🇳Founder profile

Incorporating a Delaware LLC for Vietnamese Freelance Developers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$500.00

Vietnamese freelance developers can form a Delaware LLC to provide services to global clients using the US financial infrastructure. This structure separates personal assets from business liabilities while utilizing Stripe Atlas for formation.

Founders must manage US tax reporting obligations alongside Vietnamese personal income tax requirements for foreign-source earnings.

§ 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
$750.00
$31.25/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupStripe Atlas setup
    $500.00
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $250.00
Total$750.00
§ 02Tax residency · Vietnamese Freelance Developers

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

Delaware LLCs are pass-through entities for US federal tax purposes, meaning income is taxed at the member level unless the entity is engaged in a trade or business in the US (ETBUS).

Home-country rule

Circular 111/2013 on foreign-source income; USD conversion rules

Editorial verdict

Use Stripe Atlas to streamline Delaware formation and EIN acquisition, but consult a Vietnamese tax advisor regarding Circular 111/2013 to ensure compliant reporting of foreign-source income.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Form 5472 and 1120 filing requirements for foreign-owned single-member LLCs
  • 02Potential $25,000 penalty for failure to file timely US information returns
  • 03Vietnamese personal income tax liability on global income under Circular 111/2013
§ 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
01FilingStripe Atlas 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 law allows for remote formation. You can complete the entire process, including the Stripe Atlas setup and EIN application, from Vietnam without physical presence in the US.
Next step

Start filing with Stripe Atlas

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