How to Set Up Your Business in the United States: A Simple Guide

Quick answer: International companies can set up a business in the U.S. state of New Jersey in five key steps: write a business plan and choose a structure, register your business and get an EIN, protect your assets with banking and insurance, source local or international talent, and secure real estate. Choose New Jersey offers free concierge services to guide you through each stage.

New Jersey gives international businesses a direct line to the North American market. With world-class talent, unmatched infrastructure, and strong state support, it’s one of the smartest places to launch your U.S. expansion.

But where do you begin? This guide breaks the process into five clear steps—from incorporation to hiring—so you can move forward with confidence. Whether you’re a growing startup or an established company, here’s what you need to know to get started.

Step 1: Plan your business

Every successful expansion starts with a solid plan. First, write a business plan to organize your goals, understand your customers, and guide your decisions. The State of New Jersey offers a free online tool to help. New Jersey’s Business Action Center (business.nj.gov) is a great place to help get you started.

Next, determine your NAICS code—a six-digit number that classifies your business by economic activity. You can find yours using the search tools on the U.S. Census Bureau website.

Then, choose your business structure. Common options include:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): A popular structure where owners aren’t personally liable for company debts.
• Corporation (C Corp): Best for larger, established companies with multiple employees.
• General Partnership: Two or more owners share responsibility for assets and liabilities.
• Sole Proprietorship: One person owns and is responsible for the business.

Other options include S Corp designation, nonprofits, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and limited partnerships (LPs). A law firm can help you pick the right fit, and Choose New Jersey can help connect you to an attorney.

Step 2: Register your business

Once you’ve settled on a structure, it’s time to make things official.

Start by confirming your business name is available through the state’s online portal. Then, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your business—it identifies your business for federal tax purposes and is required for most businesses with employees. Many businesses also need an EIN to open a business bank account or meet other state and federal requirements.

Finally, register for state taxes and employer purposes. You’ll need details like your Entity ID, NAICS code, EIN, estimated start date, and owner information. After registering with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, save your New Jersey Tax ID.

Should you incorporate in Delaware or New Jersey?

Many international companies incorporate in Delaware for its well-established corporate laws and strong liability protections. The good news: you can incorporate in Delaware while operating in New Jersey without facing double taxation. Just remember—if you operate in New Jersey, you must register here as a “foreign entity.”

Step 3: Protect your assets

Safeguarding your business is a critical next step.

To open a business bank account, you’ll typically need your federal EIN confirmation letter, corporate documents, beneficial ownership information, photo identification, proof of address, and a U.S. business address. Some banks accept a registered agent’s address or a virtual mailbox in place of a physical location.

You’ll also want the right insurance. Common types include:

• Commercial general liability insurance: Protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: Required by New Jersey if you have employees.
• Professional liability insurance: Covers businesses offering professional advice or services.
• Motor vehicle insurance: Worth considering if your company uses vehicles.

Step 4: Source your talent

New Jersey has one of the strongest workforces in the country, with the highest concentration of scientists and engineers in the United States and a strong pipeline of skilled talent. You can hire locally, tap into international talent, or both.

What visas do international employees need?

Several visa options exist for hiring international talent:

• B1/B2 business travel (under ESTA): For meetings and conferences—not a work visa. Maximum stay is 90 days.
• L-1A: For executives and managers transferring from overseas, valid up to seven years.
• L-1B: For specialized knowledge workers, valid up to five years.

The L-1 category requires a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and overseas company, plus at least one year of overseas employment in the last three years.

What does it cost to hire local talent?

New Jersey’s minimum wage is $15.92 per hour (as of 2026), with paychecks typically issued every two weeks. Average annual wages vary by role—for example, software developers earn around $143,400, while chemists earn about $101,600.

If you use a recruitment firm, expect to pay 15% to 25% of the recruit’s annual salary. You can also build your workforce through the NJ Pathways Program, internships, and apprenticeships via the New Jersey Apprenticeship Network.

New Jersey requires employers to provide sick leave, family leave, disability leave, and workers’ compensation. Many also provide 401(k) plans, healthcare, and life insurance.

Step 5: Secure your real estate

Real estate prices in New Jersey vary by region, with different areas catering to specific industries.

• Northern New Jersey: Close to airports and seaports, popular with logistics, tech, and fintech firms. Office space averages $37.82 per square foot per year.
• Central New Jersey: A hub for life sciences and higher education, sitting between New York City and Philadelphia. Office space averages $33.98 per square foot per year.
• Southern New Jersey: Home to food and beverage companies, with the lowest prices in the state. Office space averages $25.54 per square foot per year.

Commercial real estate commissions typically range from 3% to 6% and are paid by the property owner—not the tenant or buyer.

Understanding New Jersey taxes

New Jersey’s taxes fund top universities, strong infrastructure, and the nation’s #1 public school system. While rates are competitive with other talent-rich states, the value is clear.

The corporate income tax ranges from 6.5% to 11.5% depending on income. The state sales and use tax is 6.625%. Compared to New York City—the most expensive U.S. location for businesses—New Jersey offers similar access at a lower price.

The U.S. also has income tax treaties with many countries, which may reduce or eliminate certain taxes for foreign residents.

Ready to make your move?

Setting up a business in New Jersey is more straightforward than it may seem when you break it into these five steps. From planning and registration to hiring and real estate, each stage builds toward a strong foundation for your U.S. expansion.

You don’t have to do it alone. Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading economic development organization, offers free, confidential concierge services—including market intelligence, site selection, and introductions to trusted legal, banking, and staffing partners. Reach out to the Choose New Jersey team at [email protected] to start your expansion today.

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to start a business in New Jersey?

There are five main steps: (1) plan your business and choose a structure, (2) register your business and get an EIN, (3) protect your assets with banking and insurance, (4) source talent, and (5) secure real estate.

How much does it cost to incorporate in New Jersey?

Law firms typically charge a flat rate of $3,000 to $4,000 to incorporate in New Jersey. Fees can climb to $5,000 or more with additional shareholders, and hourly legal advice ranges from $150 to $500.

Can international companies incorporate in Delaware and operate in New Jersey?

Yes. Many international companies incorporate in Delaware for its strong corporate laws, then operate in New Jersey. You won’t face double taxation, but you must register in New Jersey as a “foreign entity.”

What is New Jersey’s minimum wage in 2025?

New Jersey’s minimum wage is $15.92 per hour as of 2026, with paychecks typically distributed every two weeks.

What visas do international employees need to work in New Jersey?

Options include the L-1A visa for executives and managers (up to seven years), the L-1B visa for specialized knowledge workers (up to five years), and B1/B2 business travel under ESTA for short visits like meetings and conferences.