In this guide
- What is an LLC and why does Mercado Libre require one?
- What are the requirements to form a US LLC as a non-resident?
- How much does it cost to form a US LLC?
- How long does it take to form an LLC and get the EIN?
- How much does it cost to maintain an LLC each year?
- What comes after forming the LLC?
- Frequently asked questions
You can form a US LLC from any country, without traveling and without a Social Security number (SSN). We formed CBT Labs, LLC with Stripe Atlas in October 2026: it costs 500 dollars one time (350 with an invitation link), the company is ready in 1 or 2 business days, and the tax ID (EIN) takes 10 to 45 business days.
What is an LLC and why does Mercado Libre require one?
An LLC (limited liability company) is a US limited liability company: the most common company type for a single owner and also for businesses with several partners. Mercado Libre Global Selling requires a company formed in the United States to open the account, and an LLC meets that requirement. It works even if your main company is in another country: the LLC is the one that operates on Global Selling.
We recorded the whole process of forming our LLC, step by step (the video is in Spanish):
What are the requirements to form a US LLC as a non-resident?
- You don't need a Social Security number (SSN) or an ITIN, or a company in your home country.
- Have ready your passport and a card.
- Recommended: a US address and phone number. A virtual mailbox and a virtual number work.
How much does it cost to form a US LLC?
Forming the LLC with Stripe Atlas costs 500 dollars, one time. With this invitation link, you pay 350 dollars. Stripe Atlas forms the company in Delaware.
How long does it take to form an LLC and get the EIN?
- The company is ready in 1 or 2 business days.
- What takes time is the tax ID (EIN). Without an SSN, it takes 10 to 45 business days.
Global Selling requires the EIN, so it pays to start now. That is what we did at CBT Labs, the platform from the Automeli group.
How much does it cost to maintain an LLC each year?
From the second year on, even if you don't sell anything:
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Delaware annual tax | USD 400 |
| Registered agent | about USD 100 |
| IRS filing (Form 5472) | USD 300 to 1,500 |
An accountant files the return and charges for each company. Hispano Tax, the firm we file with, charges between 900 and 1,300 dollars a year. Stripe publishes the key tax dates for Atlas companies.
This is not legal or tax advice: review your case with your accountant.
What comes after forming the LLC?
With the LLC and the EIN ready, you can request your Global Selling account by invitation and start selling on Mercado Libre in five countries.
If you have questions about your case, write to us at hello@cbtlabs.co.
Frequently asked questions
Can I form a US LLC without an SSN?
Yes. To form the LLC you need neither a Social Security number (SSN) nor an ITIN. Without an SSN, the tax ID (EIN) takes longer: 10 to 45 business days.
How much does it cost to form a US LLC?
With Stripe Atlas it costs 500 dollars one time, or 350 with an invitation link. From the second year, you pay about 400 dollars of Delaware tax, about 100 for the registered agent and between 300 and 1,500 for the accountant.
How long does it take to form an LLC?
The company is ready in 1 or 2 business days. The EIN, without an SSN, takes 10 to 45 business days.
Do I have to travel to the United States to form the LLC?
No. The whole process with Stripe Atlas is done online. We formed CBT Labs, LLC without traveling.
What happens if I don't file Form 5472?
An LLC with a foreign owner must file Form 5472 with the IRS every year, even if it sells nothing. Not filing it carries a 25,000 dollar penalty.
