What business licence do I need in the USA? The answer is that, if you want to do business in the USA, you usually need none. The exceptions are barbers, car mechanics and other personal services. For example, if you want to set up an LLC in the USA (e.g. an LLC in Delaware, Nevada or California) and sell software or apps via the Apple App Store, the Android store, your own website or in person, you do not need to obtain a business licence for the LLC. The same applies if you want to set up a Ltd., an Inc. or a Corp.; an Inc. and a Corp. are the same as a Ltd., i.e. they are simply different designations for exactly the same type of company.
If you sell or trade in the USA, it is usually enough simply to set up an LLC and start trading or selling. Activities that usually require licences from local authorities include those of car mechanics, plumbers, electricians, builders, bailiffs, insurance agents, estate agents and anyone who provides personal services (i.e. barbers, beauticians, doctors and nurses).
There are three levels of authority in the USA: federal, state and municipal (city). Issuing business licences and permits in the USA is mostly a matter for the state authorities; in other words, this power does not lie with the federal authorities.
If you have any further questions about doing business, trading or operating in the USA, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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