Stop losing clients because getting paid is a mess
Form a US LLC, then prepare your business bank and payment-provider applications with a clear view of costs and ongoing obligations.
The problems freelancers actually run into
Not one problem but three. A US LLC fixes each one differently, and there are things it does not fix at all.
You cannot get paid
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Stripe is not available where you live
You cannot open a Stripe account as an individual in Egypt and many other markets. The only route is applying through an entity in a country Stripe supports.
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The client wants to pay by card
You lose the job at the payment step, not the pitch. The client is ready to pay but will not send an international wire for a small invoice.
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Your options are limited
You rely on a personal PayPal or slow, expensive bank transfers, with no business account a client can pay comfortably.
What the company does here
The company and EIN make you eligible to apply for Stripe and a US business account. Applying becomes possible; approval is the provider's decision after its review.
You lose part of what you earn
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A percentage goes on every withdrawal
When you receive USD and withdraw to a local-currency account, platforms such as Payoneer charge a percentage of the amount for a non-local-currency withdrawal. The exact rate is on their official pricing page.
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An annual fee if the account goes quiet
Some platforms charge an annual fee when the account is inactive or when the amount received in a year falls under a threshold.
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FX on top of all that
Every time money moves from one currency to another you lose a slice. More conversion legs mean more loss.
What the company does here
A US business account lets you receive and hold USD, so you cut the number of conversions. It does not remove FX cost entirely, because the money still has to reach you eventually.
You do not look like a company
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No official invoice
Corporate and agency clients need an invoice from a registered legal entity, not from a person. A Canva invoice does not get past their accounts team.
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US clients ask for a W-9 or W-8BEN-E
Many US companies cannot pay until a tax form is on file. As an individual abroad you cannot supply the company-side paperwork they ask for.
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Personal and business money are mixed
Business income lands in a personal account with no separation from personal spending. The problem shows up as soon as volume grows.
What the company does here
A registered entity issues invoices in its own name, supplies the tax forms US clients expect, signs contracts as the company, and keeps its account separate from yours.
What we prepare so you can apply and get paid
Stripe application file
We prepare your business information and documents for the application. Approval is Stripe's decision after its review.
Mercury or Wise Business application
We prepare a business-account application under your company. Eligibility and approval depend on the provider.
Payoneer Business readiness
When the platform or client flow calls for it, a Payoneer Business account under the company is an extra option.
Invoices and forms in the company's name
Issue official invoices under your company and supply the tax forms your clients ask for.
From formation to payment applications in 4 steps
Choose your state
Pick the state that fits and send your core details.
We form the company
We handle the US LLC filing and apply for the EIN once formation is complete.
We prepare the applications
We help you prepare Mercury, Stripe, and Payoneer applications with the documents each provider asks for. Approval is the provider's decision.
Start getting paid
Once approved, configure your invoicing and payment methods and start receiving client payments under the company.
Freelancer questions about a US company
Do freelancers pay tax in Egypt?
If you are a tax resident in Egypt and earn freelance income, you generally have Egyptian tax obligations regardless of where the client is. Brackets, thresholds, and deadlines change and depend on your situation, so we do not publish figures here. Talk to a licensed Egyptian accountant.
Does a US company exempt me from tax in Egypt?
No. A US company does not cancel your Egyptian tax obligations if you are resident there, and it adds annual US filings such as Form 5472. Anyone telling you otherwise is selling you a problem, not a solution.
How much does Payoneer charge to withdraw to my bank?
It depends on the currency of the account you withdraw to: a non-local-currency withdrawal carries a percentage of the amount, and a same-currency withdrawal carries a fixed fee. The exact figures change, so check Payoneer's official pricing page rather than any other source.
How do I issue an official invoice to a foreign client?
An official invoice comes from a registered legal entity: company name, registration number, address, and payment details. A US client will often also ask for a W-9 or W-8BEN-E depending on the company's status. A US LLC in your name gives you both.
Do freelance professions need a commercial register?
In Egypt, professionals have a different tax treatment from traders, and the details need an Egyptian accountant. A US company is a separate entity with its own official record in the state where it was formed, and it does not change your legal status at home.
What happens if Stripe or the bank rejects me?
The company and EIN remain yours. Review happens after signup, not before, and activities such as financial intermediation, prohibited products, and sites that do not make clear what they sell are at risk of rejection or closure. A rejection comes from one provider and is its decision alone; you can apply to another provider or reapply after adjusting the business or website. We do not guarantee any provider's approval, and we say so up front.
How much does it cost to form a company in the US?
Through Foundlie it starts from $225, including the state fee and the first year of registered agent. The full first- and second-year cost depends on the state and is shown on the pricing page.
Before you form your company
LLC formation checklist for freelancers in Egypt
Work through formation, EIN, banking and ongoing obligations.
Business banking from Egypt
Check provider requirements before applying; approval is a separate decision.
Stripe application requirements
Understand the documents and business information a provider may review.
Ready to form your international company?
Start now and get your registered company within days. We stay with you through every step.