Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions about Establishing a
U.S. Operation
What does a business need to consider when establishing a U.S. entity or a U.S. branch office?
U.S. subsidiaries insulate foreign companies from liabilities that might arise in this country. Entities such as corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs) retain liabilities at the entity level and do not allow them to pass up to the parent company Read more.
What taxes can affect my business operations in the United States?
A range of taxes will affect U.S. operations, depending upon the choice of business entity and its location. Any U.S. business must consider federal, state and local taxes Read more.
Must I apply for a visa before visiting the United States to decide whether I should invest?
U.S. immigration laws encourage business visits for research or possible investment. Nationals of most European countries and other major trading partners with the United States may enter the country on business visitor status without applying for a visa Read more.
How do I relocate my key foreign executives, managers or specialized employees to the United States?
The three principal options for transferring or hiring foreign executives for U.S. operations are the L-1, E-2 and H-1B nonimmigrant visas Read more.
Will U.S. laws protect my intellectual property?
Strong U.S. intellectual property laws protect the legal rights of owners. Proprietary rights in technology, inventions, software, business processes, creative materials and other intangible assets can therefore be valuable in operating a business, raising capital and pursuing exit strategies such as an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or acquisition Read more.
May foreign-owned companies bid for contracts and receive subsidies and other financial incentives under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)?
Under international agreements such as the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement, companies from some foreign countries are exempt from certain applications of Buy American provisions in the ARRA. Foreign companies can also team with U.S. contractors or enter into joint ventures to obtain government contracts and subcontracts Read more.
What business strategies are available to expand sales in the United States?
Growth strategies include sales and distribution, joint ventures and teaming agreements, franchising and licensing agreements, subcontracting and manufacturing Read more.
Questions & Answers:
Do you have questions about doing business in the United States?
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