How to Open an LLC for Your Online Business: A Complete Guide (USA, Dubai, UK)

Dreaming of selling digital products, but worried about bureaucracy and legally getting paid? You're not alone. The solution is an LLC...

If you’re building your digital empire — whether it’s through coaching, selling online courses, or creating digital products — there’s one thing you’ll eventually need: a legal business structure.

And for most creators and online entrepreneurs, that structure is an LLC (Limited Liability Company).

Let’s explore why, where, and when to open an LLC — and how it can completely change the way you run your business.

When I first started exploring how to turn my online skills into a real business, I didn’t think much about legal structures.
It all became real when we moved abroad — and suddenly, I couldn’t receive payments.

Stripe wouldn’t work, PayPal was limited, and I realized that to function globally, I needed to set up a proper business entity.

In my home country, Slovenia, the process of opening a company felt complicated and full of paperwork. So I started looking for other options.

That’s when I discovered the Meydan Free Zone in Dubai — and honestly, at first, I thought it was too good to be true.

When the agent explained how simple the whole process was compared to what I was used to, I thought, “This must be a scam.”

But it wasn’t.

After meeting the representative in person, I realized everything was legitimate — and that I could actually run my business legally, pay 0% tax, and manage everything online from anywhere in the world.

That moment changed everything. It was the first time I truly understood the freedom that comes with having your own LLC. 💼✨

If you’re thinking about opening your LLC in Dubai but aren’t sure where to start — I can help.

You can book a personal consultation with me, where I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process:

✨ how to secure 0% tax status,
✨ how to prepare your documents,
✨ and how to connect directly with a verified Meydan agent for a smooth and trusted setup.

I always encourage everyone to double-check and make sure they feel confident about who they’re working with — transparency and trust are everything when setting up your business abroad.

Opening an LLC means turning your side hustle into a real business.

Here’s why it matters:

• ✅ You can legally receive payments from most platforms (Stripe, PayPal, Etsy, Teachable, etc.).

• ✅ You can open a business bank account and separate your personal and business finances.

• ✅ You protect your personal assets — your car, your house, your savings — from business risks.

• ✅ You gain credibility and trust when working with clients or collaborators.

In short: an LLC makes your business official, legal, and scalable.

Whether you are a citizen of one country, living in another, or paying taxes somewhere else, these are three completely different things — and it’s important to understand the difference.

Here’s the truth: you can be a citizen of Country A, live in Country B, be a tax resident in Country C, and still open an LLC in Country D.

For example, you could be a Slovenian citizen, live in Thailand on a digital nomad visa, and have your LLC registered in the USA or Dubai.

What really matters is where you’re a tax resident — that’s usually the country where you spend most of the year and where you pay taxes.

Some countries also have tax treaties (agreements between two governments) to avoid being taxed twice.
That means if you pay 10% tax in Country A and the tax rate in Country B is 22%, you don’t pay both — you simply pay the difference of 12% to Country B.

These agreements are called Double Taxation Treaties, and they make it much easier for people who live or work internationally to stay compliant and avoid overpaying taxes. 🌍💼

As long as you respect those rules, you can legally run your online business from anywhere in the world. 🌎✨

⚖️ Disclaimer: I’m not a tax advisor. Every country has its own tax laws and regulations, so always check the official information with your local tax office or a qualified accountant before making decisions about your business setup.

Here are three of the most popular (and proven) options — including the ones I personally use:

This is where I opened my first LLC.

Meydan Free Zone is one of the most flexible and professional options for entrepreneurs who want to work globally.

What you need:

• Passport copy

• Business name

• Basic business activity description

Cost:
Licenses start from around AED 12,500 (≈ $3,500 USD) per year, depending on the number of activities, visas, and office options. Prices vary slightly depending on VAT and government fees.

Keep in mind that every emirate in the UAE has its own Free Zones, and prices can vary a lot — some smaller emirates can be much cheaper.

However, be careful with brokers or middlemen who often charge high “processing” or “transfer” fees for paperwork.
👉 Always go directly through the official Free Zone provider, not through unofficial agents.

Process:
Everything is done online — you don’t need to travel to Dubai. Once approved, you’ll receive your license and company documents digitally.

Taxes:

• 0% corporate tax for income below AED 375,000 (≈ $100,000).

• 0% personal income tax for non-residents.

It’s a great choice for global freelancers, creators, and coaches who want a simple, 100% online setup with full ownership and zero tax. ✨

This is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to start your LLC.

Bizee itself is a free formation service — you only pay the state fee, which depends on the U.S. state you choose.

Each state sets its own registration price (usually between $40–$300).

To operate your business properly, you’ll also need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) — that’s your company’s tax ID.

You can apply for it yourself through the IRS, or Bizee can handle it for you during setup for a small fee.

I personally opened my U.S. LLC through Bizee — and I highly recommend it.

There are several platforms where you can register a U.S. company, but I personally use and recommend Bizee — because they offer everything you need in one place, at an affordable price.

It’s truly an all-in-one solution for international entrepreneurs.

Why I love Bizee:

• Super easy online process (takes less than 10 minutes)

• Affordable — from $0 + state fees

• Includes a free registered agent for the first year (renewal around $119/year after that) with the Standard Plan

• Works perfectly for digital creators and freelancers worldwide

Taxes:
U.S. LLCs are pass-through entities, which means that profits go directly to the owner and are taxed on a personal level — not on the company.

However, non-residents generally don’t pay U.S. tax unless they have a physical presence or business activity inside the United States (for example, employees, an office, or inventory stored there).

If you live and operate your business from abroad — for example, selling your online course from Europe to a U.S. customer — that’s not considered U.S.-sourced income.

That’s why opening a U.S. LLC through Bizee is a great first step toward global business freedom — it’s simple, transparent, and works beautifully for online creators.

For those who want an EU-friendly setup, the UK is a fantastic option.

You can open your company remotely through First Formations.

Process:

• Fully online application (takes about 24 hours).

• Company registration with Companies House.

• Optional business address service and mail forwarding.

Cost:
Packages start around £12–£50, depending on the plan.

Taxes:

• 19% corporate tax (on worldwide profits for UK residents).

• 0% for non-residents if business activity is outside the UK.

A simple and affordable choice for freelancers, consultants, and EU-based digital creators. First Formations is your answer.

(Hint: Not too soon!)

This is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make — rushing into opening a company too early.
They get excited, register an LLC immediately… and then end up paying yearly fees while their website or product isn’t even finished.

Here’s my rule:
👉 Open your LLC right before you’re ready to accept your first payment.

Why?

💸 Save Money

Every company has annual maintenance costs (renewals, registered agent fees, accounting, etc.).
If you’re not generating income yet, that’s just unnecessary spending.

🎯 Stay Focused

In the early stages, your main goal should be to create your product or service, build your audience, and prepare your website or funnel.
You can do all that without a company for now.

⚡ It’s a Quick Process

Opening an LLC doesn’t take long anymore — it can be done in just a few days.
So there’s no reason to rush it months in advance.

Exception:
If you already have a launch date (for example, someone is building your website and you know exactly when it goes live), you can plan your LLC setup in parallel and open it about a month before launch.

Anyone!

You don’t need to be a U.S., UK, or UAE resident to open a company there.

As long as you have a valid ID and a clear business purpose, you can legally start your LLC from anywhere in the world.

✨ And here’s a bonus:
If you open a company in the UAE, you can also apply for a UAE ID (residence visa) as part of your company package.

This gives you the right to live, work, and bank in the Emirates, which makes it a great option for entrepreneurs who want to relocate or enjoy the benefits of a 0% tax environment. 🇦🇪💼

🗺️ Note: Only UAE LLCs offer the option to obtain a residence visa. U.S. and UK companies don’t include relocation rights.

Starting an LLC isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about stepping into your power as a creator.
It’s the moment when your dream becomes a real, legitimate business.

You don’t need to have everything perfect to start — just a clear vision, the right tools, a solid plan, knowledge, and a positive mindset. 🌟

Because once you combine all that, you’re unstoppable — and that’s when your freedom business truly begins to shine. 💼✨

Opening an LLC is no longer a bureaucratic nightmare — it’s a strategic move that gives your online business a solid, legal foundation.

Remember these three key points:

✅ Yes, you do need a company if you want to run a serious online business.
⏳ Open it right before your first sale, not months in advance.
🌍 Your options are global — from the US to Dubai, the world is open to you.

Now you have everything you need to make an informed decision.

So focus on what truly matters — creating something amazing that your audience will love.

When you’re ready to step into your next level of success, setting up your business will feel like the most natural next step. 💫

When it comes to picking the right place to register your company, don’t just go with what sounds easiest or cheapest — think strategically. ✨

Here’s what truly matters:

🌍 Where Are Your Clients?

If most of your audience and customers are in the US, then a US-based LLC makes perfect sense.
But if you’re targeting a global audience or working remotely, a UAE (Dubai) setup can offer more flexibility and tax advantages.

💸 Annual Costs

Don’t focus only on the initial setup fee — also check annual renewal fees, accounting costs, and reporting obligations.
Some jurisdictions are affordable upfront but expensive to maintain later.

🏦 Opening a Business Bank Account

Make sure it’s easy to open a business bank account remotely.
Platforms like Bizee include this in their packages, while others may require more paperwork or in-person verification.

🚀 Your Long-Term Vision

Ask yourself:
Do you plan to stay a one-person creative business — or grow into a larger company someday?
Some regions are more startup-friendly and offer better opportunities for scaling and investment.