Pre-Arrival Checklist for Foreign Investors
Everything to prepare before your first US investment trip
Preparation Overview
Months Lead Time
Key Documents
Critical Steps
US Entity (LLC)
Proper preparation before arriving in the US dramatically increases your chances of successful investment. Wire freezes, documentation issues, and legal structure problems are far easier to prevent than to fix. This checklist covers everything you need to prepare 3-6 months before your first investment-related US visit.
Preparation Timeline
Recommended Timeline (6 Months)
Initial Planning
Define investment goals, research visa options, consult with attorney about strategy
Legal Structure Setup
Form US LLC, apply for EIN, arrange registered agent, draft operating agreement
Document Preparation
Gather source of funds documents, arrange translations, compile financial records
Visa Application (if needed)
Apply for B-1/B-2 or appropriate visa, prepare for interview, schedule appointment
Financial Preparation
Initiate test wire transfer, notify bank of planned larger transfers, arrange funds
Travel Preparation
Schedule US appointments (banks, attorneys, real estate), book accommodations
US Entry
Clear immigration with proper documentation, do not overstate investment intentions if on B visa
Document Checklist
Essential Documents to Prepare
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Valid PassportAt least 6 months validity beyond planned US stay. Check for blank visa pages.
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Secondary Government IDDriver's license, national ID card, or other government-issued photo ID.
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Proof of Home AddressUtility bills, bank statements, or government correspondence from past 3 months.
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Tax Returns (3 Years)Home country tax returns with certified English translations.
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Bank Statements (12 Months)All accounts that will be source of investment funds. Show accumulation of wealth.
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Source of Funds DocumentationEmployment contracts, business ownership records, sale proceeds, inheritance documentation.
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Investment Account StatementsBrokerage accounts, real estate holdings, business valuations.
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Professional ReferencesLetters from your banker, accountant, or attorney in home country (helpful for banking).
Translation Requirements
Documents Requiring Translation
- Tax returns
- Business registration documents
- Employment contracts
- Property deeds
- Court judgments or legal documents
- Any document not in English
Translation Standards
- Certified translation required
- Translator certification statement
- Include original language document
- Notarization for legal documents
- Apostille for some jurisdictions
Financial Preparation
Financial Readiness Checklist
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Consolidate Investment FundsMove investment capital to one or two accounts for cleaner documentation.
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Document Fund SourcesCreate clear paper trail showing how funds were earned/accumulated.
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Verify Wire Transfer AbilityConfirm your home bank can wire to US. Check limits and requirements.
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Send Test WireTransfer small amount ($1,000-5,000) to establish banking relationship before large transfer.
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Notify Receiving BankAlert US bank about expected large incoming wire. Provide advance documentation.
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Arrange CurrencyCheck if currency controls apply in your country. Plan conversion timing.
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US Credit Card (if possible)Some foreign cards work in US. Consider Wise or similar for US spending.
Legal Structure Setup
US Entity Formation Checklist
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Choose Entity TypeLLC recommended for most foreign investors. Consult attorney for your situation.
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Select State of FormationDelaware, Wyoming, or state where you will invest. Each has tradeoffs.
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Engage Registered AgentRequired in formation state. Provides US address for legal service.
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File Formation DocumentsArticles of Organization (LLC) or Certificate of Incorporation (Corp).
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Obtain EIN (Tax ID)Apply via IRS Form SS-4. Required for banking. Takes 4-6 weeks by mail for foreign owners.
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Draft Operating AgreementInternal governance document. Banks require this for account opening.
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BOI Report (FinCEN)Beneficial Ownership Information reporting required within 90 days of formation.
Banking Setup
Bank Account Preparation
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Research Bank OptionsIdentify banks experienced with foreign investors from your country.
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Schedule AppointmentBook business banking appointment before arriving. Some require advance notice.
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Prepare Account Opening DocumentsEntity documents, EIN, operating agreement, personal ID for all owners.
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Gather Source of Funds DocsHave bank statements, tax returns, and source documentation ready.
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Plan Initial DepositBring sufficient funds for initial deposit. Check accepted methods.
Visa Planning
Visa Options for Investors
Scouting Trip (B-1/B-2)
- Explore investment opportunities
- Meet with professionals
- Open bank accounts
- Cannot work or manage business
- 90-day maximum (ESTA) or 6 months (B visa)
E-2 Treaty Investor
- Requires treaty country nationality
- Substantial investment required
- Can manage your investment
- Renewable indefinitely
- Spouse can work
L-1 Intracompany Transfer
- Transfer from foreign company
- Manager or specialized knowledge
- Opens US office for foreign company
- Can lead to green card
EB-5 Immigrant Investor
- $800K-$1.05M investment
- Creates US jobs
- Leads to green card
- Long processing time
First US Visit Agenda
Recommended First Visit Activities
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Open Business Bank AccountIn-person account opening at pre-selected bank. Bring all documentation.
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Meet with AttorneyReview legal structure, discuss investment strategy, establish relationship.
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Meet with CPADiscuss tax implications, reporting requirements, structuring advice.
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Explore Investment TargetsView properties, meet business owners, evaluate opportunities in person.
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Obtain US Phone NumberGet US SIM card or service like Google Voice for ongoing communication.
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Establish US Mail AddressVirtual mailbox service or use registered agent address for business correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start preparing?
Ideally 6 months before your planned investment. Entity formation takes 1-2 weeks, EIN takes 4-6 weeks for foreign owners, and document gathering/translation takes time. Starting early gives you flexibility if issues arise.
Can I do everything remotely without visiting?
Entity formation, EIN, and some banking (Mercury, Relay) can be done remotely. However, most traditional banks require in-person account opening. For real estate, many investors buy remotely using trusted local representatives, but I recommend at least one visit for your first investment.
Do I need an ITIN before arriving?
Not necessarily. ITINs are for tax filing purposes. You can open bank accounts and invest without an ITIN. You will need one when filing your first US tax return (if you have US-source income). Many investors apply for the ITIN with their first tax filing.
What if my country has currency controls?
Countries like China and Argentina have significant currency controls. You need to understand and comply with your home country's regulations for moving capital abroad. Using funds already held outside your home country (legitimately) is often easier. I recommend consulting with a local attorney about compliant methods.
Should I hire a US attorney before my first visit?
Yes, I recommend engaging an attorney before your visit. They can form your entity, advise on structure, and help prepare for banking. Having professional guidance from the start prevents costly mistakes. Most consultations can be done by video call.