United States: World's Largest Economy with Complex Regulatory Landscape

The United States, the world's largest economy by nominal GDP, offers unparalleled market access, sophisticated financial infrastructure, and diverse business opportunities. While not a low-tax jurisdiction, the US provides legitimacy, banking access, and consumer market scale that few other jurisdictions can match for international business setup.

Living in the United States

With a population exceeding 330 million across 50 states, the US offers extraordinary diversity in climate, culture, and lifestyle. English is the de facto national language, though Spanish is widely spoken. Quality of life varies significantly by location, from world-class cities like New York and San Francisco to affordable mid-sized markets.

Healthcare is excellent in quality but expensive without insurance coverage. The private insurance-based system contrasts with universal coverage in other developed nations. Education options range from top global universities to varied K-12 systems. Safety varies dramatically by location, with some areas among the safest globally and others facing significant crime challenges.

The cost of living spans enormous ranges – from affordable Midwest cities to extremely expensive coastal metropolitan areas. The cultural offering is unmatched, with diverse dining, entertainment, arts, and outdoor recreation depending on location.

Doing Business in the United States

The federal corporate tax rate stands at 21% following the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. State corporate taxes add 0-12% depending on jurisdiction, with some states like Wyoming, Nevada, and South Dakota imposing no state income tax. Personal income tax reaches 37% federally, plus state taxes up to 13.3% (California).

There is no federal VAT or sales tax, though states impose sales taxes ranging from 0% to over 10%. Capital gains face preferential rates for long-term holdings (0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income). The US taxes worldwide income of citizens and residents, with complex international tax rules.

The US maintains over 65 double tax treaties and participates in global tax information exchange. The dollar's reserve currency status ensures banking access and currency stability.

Company Formation and Registration

Company registration occurs at the state level, creating a menu of options. Delaware dominates for corporations due to its business-friendly courts and established case law. Wyoming and Nevada attract LLCs with privacy features and no state income tax. Each state has different requirements, fees, and annual obligations.

Formation is fast – often same-day in popular states. LLCs and corporations are the primary vehicles for foreign investors. A registered agent is required in the formation state. No minimum capital requirements apply for most structures. EIN (tax identification) from the IRS is needed for banking and tax purposes.

Foreign ownership is generally unrestricted, though certain sectors (banking, defense, media, aviation) have limitations. CFIUS reviews foreign acquisitions with national security implications.

Crypto License Opportunities

The United States presents a complex crypto license environment with multiple overlapping regulators. At the federal level, FinCEN requires Money Services Business (MSB) registration for crypto exchanges and money transmitters. The SEC claims jurisdiction over securities offerings and potentially some tokens. The CFTC regulates cryptocurrency derivatives.

At the state level, 47+ jurisdictions require Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) for money transmission activities. New York's BitLicense is the most demanding, requiring substantial compliance infrastructure. Some states have created crypto-specific frameworks or exemptions.

Total licensing costs for nationwide operations can reach $1-5 million considering all state licenses, compliance systems, and professional fees. The regulatory complexity drives many crypto businesses to offshore jurisdictions, though US presence provides legitimacy and banking access unmatched elsewhere.

Gambling License Framework

Gambling regulation is primarily state-based, with no federal online gambling license. The landscape has transformed since the 2018 Supreme Court decision allowing states to legalize sports betting. As of 2026, 38+ states have legalized sports betting, with varying degrees of online permission.

Online casino gambling remains restricted to a handful of states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Each state requires separate licensing through its gaming commission. License costs, tax rates, and regulations vary dramatically.

Nevada remains the traditional gaming capital with comprehensive land-based regulation. Tribal gaming adds another regulatory layer through the National Indian Gaming Commission. The fragmented market requires operators to navigate multiple jurisdictions for national coverage.

Considerations

The US combines world-class business infrastructure with significant regulatory complexity. Compliance costs are high across financial services, employment law, healthcare mandates, and environmental regulations. Employment is at-will in most states but subject to various federal and state protections.

Banking access is generally excellent for legitimate businesses, with a deep financial services market. The legal system provides strong property rights and contract enforcement through independent judiciary. Professional services are sophisticated but expensive.

The domestic market's size and purchasing power justify compliance costs for consumer-facing businesses. The US serves as an ideal headquarters for global operations seeking legitimacy, access to capital markets, and the world's deepest talent pools. State selection allows optimization for specific needs – Delaware for corporate governance, Wyoming for asset protection, Texas for no income tax.

This jurisdiction suits businesses requiring US market presence, seeking venture capital or public markets, building global brands, or needing premier banking relationships for their business setup.