A business license is government permission to operate a business in a specific city, county or state. Most US states have no general statewide business license, so most businesses get one from their city or county. At the state level, a business license costs $0 to $500 a year in 2026.
Wyoming is the best state to form an LLC for most Amazon FBA sellers who do not run the business from a physical location in one state: $100 to form, a $60 minimum annual report, no state income tax and owner names kept off the public record. If you live and work in one US state, form the LLC there, because it has to register in that state anyway. Non-US sellers form in Wyoming or New Mexico. Your formation state does not change sales tax: Amazon collects and remits sales tax on marketplace sales in every state that has one.
California, New York, Texas, Washington and Colorado are the top 5 states for startup venture capital access, with California’s Silicon Valley far ahead of the rest. Where you raise money and where you form your company are separate choices: VC-backed startups form a Delaware C corporation and operate in the state where their team works. See the best state to form an LLC for startups.
Relocating to the U.S. boosts VC access but adds visa, tax, and living costs; remote companies save money and stay flexible but may limit VC reach.
International founders can succeed in the U.S. by navigating legal, tax, and cultural hurdles—choose the right entity, protect IP, and work with local experts.
Explore how to set up and manage a U.S.-based business remotely, ensuring compliance while enjoying the digital nomad lifestyle.
