How to register US LLC from Philippines for Upwork withdrawal

ByBNW TEAM

Establishing a global presence as a Filipino freelancer or agency owner often comes with a significant hurdle: managing international payments efficiently. If you’re earning on Upwork, you know the struggle of high withdrawal fees and unfavorable exchange rates when moving funds to local Philippine banks.

Registering a US LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a strategic move that can unlock professional US banking infrastructure, providing a more direct and cost-effective way to manage your hard-earned dollars.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to register a US LLC from the Philippines and how to use modern fintech solutions like Hurupay to streamline your Upwork withdrawals.

Why Register a US LLC from the Philippines?

Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why.” For a Filipino freelancer, a US LLC offers several game-changing advantages:

  1. Professional Credibility: Operating as a US-registered entity can make you more attractive to high-paying US clients.
  2. Access to US Banking: A US LLC allows you to open a genuine US business bank account online.
  3. Better Payout Options: With a US bank account, you can link directly to Upwork, PayPal, and Stripe, often bypassing the heavy “international” fees associated with local Philippine bank withdrawals.
  4. Limited Liability: Your personal assets in the Philippines are generally protected from business-related liabilities in the US.

Step 1: Choosing Your US State

As a non-resident, you can register an LLC in any US state. However, two states are the most popular for international founders:

  • Wyoming: Known for its low annual fees and strong privacy protections.
  • Delaware: The “gold standard” for companies looking to raise venture capital, though it comes with higher maintenance costs.

For most Filipino freelancers, Wyoming is often the most cost-effective choice.

Step 2: Registering Your LLC

To register your LLC, you will need to follow these sub-steps:

  1. Pick a Unique Name: Ensure your business name isn’t already taken in your chosen state.
  2. Hire a Registered Agent: Every US LLC must have a “Registered Agent” with a physical address in the state to receive legal documents. Many online services provide this for a small annual fee.
  3. File Articles of Organization: Submit this document to the Secretary of State. Once approved, your LLC is officially born.

Step 3: Getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Think of an EIN as a US social security number for your business. You must have an EIN to:

  • Open a US business bank account.
  • File US tax forms (even if you don’t owe taxes).
  • Sign up for US-based payment processors.

As a Filipino citizen without a US Social Security Number (SSN), you can still apply for an EIN by filing IRS Form SS-4 via fax or mail.

Step 4: Solving the Banking Problem with Hurupay

Historically, the hardest part for Filipinos was opening the bank account. Traditional US banks often require you to be physically present. This is where Hurupay provides the essential bridge.

Hurupay allows you to get a USD account to receive payments from US banks and major global platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PayPal.

How Hurupay Optimizes Your B2B Workflow:

For those looking to scale, the Hurupay Business dashboard is designed to manage international liquidity seamlessly. Instead of withdrawing directly from Upwork to a local bank at a poor rate, you can:

  1. Receive in USD: Withdraw from Upwork to your US-connected account.
  2. Hold and Manage: Keep your funds in USD, EUR, or GBP to protect against peso volatility.
  3. Instant Settlement: Use stablecoin rails for near-instant settlements when you need to move money globally.

Step 5: Connecting Upwork for Seamless Withdrawals

Once your US LLC is registered and your Hurupay account is active, connecting them to Upwork is straightforward:

  1. Add Payment Method: In your Upwork settings, select “Add Method” and choose “Direct to US Bank (USD).”
  2. Enter Your Details: Provide the routing and account numbers provided by your US banking infrastructure or your Hurupay virtual account.
  3. Verify: Upwork will typically send small test deposits. Once verified, you can withdraw your earnings in full USD.

Can I Really Open a US Business Bank Account Online?

The short answer is yes. Modern fintech has eliminated the need for a flight to New York just to open a business account. For a deep dive into the legalities and technical requirements, check out this detailed guide on how to open a US business bank account online.

Conclusion

Registering a US LLC from the Philippines is no longer a complex secret reserved for large corporations. It is a powerful tool for the modern freelancer to take control of their finances, reduce fees, and present a global face to the market.

By combining a US LLC with the flexible banking power of Hurupay, you can ensure that more of your hard-earned Upwork dollars stay where they belong—in your pocket.

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