Register a C-Corporation as a Foreign Founder
This page explains what a C-Corporation is, how non-U.S. residents can register a C-Corporation in the United States, and the administrative structure and compliance requirements involved.
What Is a C-Corporation?
A C-Corporation is a legal entity formed under U.S. state law that exists separately from its owners. Ownership is represented by shares held by shareholders.
A C-Corporation has a defined governance structure, typically involving shareholders, a board of directors, and appointed officers.
Can a Foreign Founder Register a C-Corporation?
Yes. U.S. law generally permits non-U.S. residents to form and own shares in a C-Corporation. U.S. citizenship or residency is not a general requirement for share ownership.
Physical presence in the United States is not generally required to complete the administrative formation process.
Registering a C-Corporation does not grant U.S. immigration status, work authorization, or residency rights.
State-Level Nature of C-Corporation Formation
C-Corporations are formed at the state level. Each U.S. state maintains its own corporate registry, filing rules, and compliance framework.
An overview of the broader registration system is available here: Registering a business in the United States as a non-resident.
Choosing a State for a C-Corporation
The state of incorporation affects filing requirements, reporting obligations, and corporate governance rules.
Delaware is commonly used for C-Corporations, though other states may also be used depending on circumstances.
No recommendation is implied. State suitability depends on individual business factors.
Certificate of Incorporation
To form a C-Corporation, a Certificate of Incorporation (sometimes called Articles of Incorporation) is filed with the relevant state authority.
This document establishes the corporation’s existence and includes basic administrative information required by state law.
Share Structure (Conceptual Overview)
A C-Corporation issues shares that represent ownership interests. The number and type of authorized shares are defined in the incorporation documents.
Determining share structure involves legal and tax considerations and is not addressed on this page.
Directors and Officers
C-Corporations are typically governed by a board of directors, which oversees corporate management. Officers are appointed to manage day-to-day operations.
State laws define minimum governance requirements. These rules apply regardless of the nationality of shareholders.
Registered Agent Requirement
Most states require C-Corporations to appoint and maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state of incorporation.
The registered agent receives official correspondence on behalf of the corporation.
Further explanation: What is a registered agent?
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
C-Corporations generally require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for federal identification and reporting purposes.
Foreign founders may request an EIN even without a U.S. Social Security Number.
Detailed explanation: EIN for non-U.S. founders
Ongoing Compliance for C-Corporations
C-Corporations are subject to ongoing compliance obligations at both the state and federal levels.
- Annual or periodic state filings
- Maintaining an active registered agent
- Corporate recordkeeping requirements
- Federal reporting obligations
An overview of compliance is available here: U.S. company compliance requirements
Banking and Financial Institutions
Many C-Corporations seek to open U.S. bank accounts or engage payment processors. These services are provided by independent financial institutions.
Possession of a C-Corporation or EIN does not guarantee approval by any bank or financial provider.
Administrative Assistance with C-Corporation Formation
Administrative assistance providers may support C-Corporation formation by coordinating state filings, registered agent services, and EIN requests based on client-provided information.
This assistance is procedural and does not replace legal, tax, or accounting advice.
For comparison of entity structures at a conceptual level, see: Registering an LLC as a non-resident
HelvetiaForm’s Administrative Role
HelvetiaForm provides administrative assistance for C-Corporation registration and related compliance steps. Services are limited to documentation coordination and procedural support based on client instructions.
Information about HelvetiaForm’s Swiss base and operating principles: Swiss-based administrative assistance provider