How to Start an E-commerce Business in the USA from Dubai

Everything you need to know about how to start an e-commerce business in the USA from Dubai.

Apart from jaw-dropping desert safaris, melt-in-your-mouth shawarmas, and world-renowned gold souks, Dubai has another rising reputation: it’s becoming a launchpad for global e-commerce entrepreneurs.

Thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and tax-friendly policies, Dubai makes it incredibly easy for businesses to scale beyond borders, especially to the U.S. market. 

In case you didn’t know this:  the UAE’s e-commerce market is projected to reach AED 48.8 billion by 2028, indicating a robust growth trajectory.

And if you’re wondering whether it’s possible to start a U.S. e-commerce business while based in Dubai, the answer is yes. In fact, thousands of international entrepreneurs already do it. 

With the right setup, you can register a U.S. business, accept global payments, and sell to American customers. All without leaving Dubai.

But where do you start? What legalities should you know? How do you set up your business the right way? This guide breaks it all down for you.

We know you’ve got a million things on your plate, so we’ll keep this scannable and to the point.

Ready? Let’s prepare you for your new e-commerce journey.

Why Register Your Dubai-Based E-commerce Business in the USA?

We’ve already talked about why Dubai is a fantastic place to launch an e-commerce business, but what if we told you that registering your business in the US could unlock even bigger opportunities?

If you’re based in Dubai and want to start an e-commerce business in the USA, here’s why it makes sense to do it from here:

Tax Advantages

Dubai offers a zero personal income tax policy, meaning you can reinvest more of your profits into growing your business without worrying about high local taxes.

Compare this to other global business hubs, and you’ll see why Dubai is a top choice.

Strategic Location & Global Connectivity

Positioned between major markets like Europe, Asia, and the U.S., Dubai makes global e-commerce operations smoother.

With world-class logistics hubs like Jebel Ali Port and Dubai International Airport, shipping products to the U.S. is faster and more cost-effective.

Business-Friendly Environment

The UAE government actively supports digital businesses through initiatives like Dubai CommerCity, e-commerce-friendly licensing options, and free zones that allow 100% foreign ownership. This makes it easier for entrepreneurs to manage a U.S.-based e-commerce store while operating from Dubai.

Access to a Wealthy & Tech-Savvy Market

With 99% internet penetration, high purchasing power, and a strong digital payments infrastructure, Dubai gives e-commerce entrepreneurs the perfect testing ground before expanding into the U.S.

No Currency Restrictions

Dubai’s open economy allows seamless cross-border transactions, meaning you can accept payments in USD, reinvest earnings, and easily manage finances without heavy restrictions.

In short, starting your U.S. e-commerce business from Dubai gives you the best of both worlds. You get access to the world’s largest consumer market (the U.S.) while enjoying Dubai’s tax benefits, logistical advantages, and supportive business policies.

Read more: 6 E-commerce Trends You Can’t Ignore for 2025

Choosing the Right Business Structure

Now that you know setting up an e-commerce business from Dubai is straightforward, the next big decision is choosing the right business structure. 

This choice impacts everything. From taxes and liability protection to how you operate your business and attract investors.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple and clear so you can decide what works best for you.

LLC vs C-Corporation: Which One Is Best?

When registering your business in Dubai or the U.S., the two most common options are:

✅ LLC (Limited Liability Company)

✅ C-Corporation (C-Corp)

Here’s what you need to know about each:

LLC (Limited Liability Company) – Best for Small Businesses & Solo Entrepreneurs

An LLC is ideal for small business owners, freelancers, and solopreneurs who want:

• Limited liability (your personal assets are protected from business debts)

• Fewer compliance requirements (less paperwork and lower costs)

• Flexible taxation (you can avoid double taxation)

• Easier management (fewer formalities compared to a C-Corp)

If you’re running a Shopify store, Amazon business, or any small-to-medium e-commerce brand, an LLC is usually the best choice because it’s easy to set up, low-maintenance, and cost-effective.

C-Corporation – Best for High-Growth Startups & Investors

A C-Corporation is typically better for businesses that plan to raise capital, scale big, or attract investors. Here’s why:

• Easier to raise investment (VCs and angel investors prefer C-Corps)

• Unlimited number of shareholders (great for expanding a business)

• Stronger corporate structure (good for businesses planning an IPO)

• Tax flexibility (some tax benefits if profits are reinvested)

If you’re building a large-scale e-commerce brand, SaaS company, or planning for big investments, a C-Corp might be a better fit. But keep in mind, it involves higher taxes and more paperwork than an LLC.

Now that you understand the differences, let’s talk about where you should register your U.S. LLC if you’re based in Dubai.

Best States to Register Your US LLC from Dubai

If you’re an international entrepreneur in Dubai looking to register a U.S. LLC, you’re not required to register in a specific state. Instead, you can choose a state that offers the best benefits for your business. 

Here are some of the most business-friendly options:

• Wyoming: Known for its low registration fees, zero state taxes, and strong privacy protection, making it a top choice for e-commerce businesses.

• Delaware:  Popular among startups and tech companies, as it offers investor-friendly policies and a well-established legal framework.

• Nevada:  Provides no state income tax, strong asset protection, and minimal reporting requirements, making it a great choice for businesses wanting legal protection.

• Florida: A good option for online businesses due to its straightforward compliance process and a thriving e-commerce market.

• Texas: Offers no state income tax, a large consumer base, and a business-friendly regulatory environment, making it ideal for growing businesses.

Each state has unique advantages, so the right choice depends on your business goals, tax preferences, and long-term plans. If you’re unsure, Wyoming is often the best pick for e-commerce entrepreneurs due to its low costs, privacy benefits, and ease of doing business.

How to Start an E-commerce Business in the USA from Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Okay, in this section, we’ll try to cover as much information as possible without bombarding you with too many alien terms. We want to make sure you walk away with a clear understanding of what needs to be done, without feeling like you just read a legal textbook.

And if you need a more tailored roadmap, doola’s formation experts are always here to help you navigate the details.

Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure

Before you do anything else, you need to decide how your business will be structured. The two most popular options are LLCs and C-Corporations. We already covered that part, but revisiting here for clarity. 

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the go-to choice for most e-commerce sellers because it protects your personal assets while keeping things simple. It’s great for solo entrepreneurs and small businesses that don’t plan on raising venture capital.

A C-Corporation, on the other hand, is better suited for startups that plan to attract investors. It allows for multiple shareholders and easier stock issuance but comes with double taxation.

For most Dubai-based e-commerce sellers, an LLC is the best bet because it offers flexibility, tax advantages, and limited liability protection.

Step 2: Pick the Best State for Your LLC

Since you’re setting up your business from abroad, you have the flexibility to choose where to incorporate in the U.S. Some states are more business-friendly than others, and your choice can impact taxes, privacy, and compliance requirements.

As mentioned earlier, Wyoming is one of the best states for e-commerce businesses, offering no state income tax, strong privacy protections, and low fees. Delaware is another popular choice, especially for startups planning to raise funds in the future. 

Nevada and Florida also provide tax advantages and business-friendly regulations, making them strong contender states for incorporation.

Step 3: Register Your US Business

Once you’ve chosen your business structure and state, it’s time to make it official. You’ll need to:

• Pick a unique business name that complies with your chosen state’s naming rules.

• Appoint a registered agent. This is a US-based contact who receives official documents on your behalf (a mandatory requirement). Get in touch with doola to appoint a registered agent in your state. 

• File your formation documents with the state, which includes Articles of Organization for an LLC or Articles of Incorporation for a C-Corp.

• Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. This is essentially your business’s tax ID and is required to open a US business bank account and file taxes.

Step 4: Open a US Business Bank Account

A US business bank account is crucial for managing your e-commerce transactions, handling payments, and ensuring smooth financial operations. Fortunately, many fintech solutions allow non-US residents to open a bank account remotely.

Mercury Bank and Relay are two popular options that offer online banking for international entrepreneurs. Some traditional banks may require an in-person visit, but most e-commerce sellers go with digital banking solutions to avoid that hassle.

Step 5: Get an ITIN (If Needed)

If you don’t have a US Social Security Number (SSN), you may need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to file taxes. Not all businesses require it, but if your e-commerce store generates US-sourced income, an ITIN ensures you stay compliant with IRS regulations.

Not sure if you need one? A tax expert from doola can guide you based on your specific business setup.

Step 6: Understand US Sales Tax Requirements

Sales tax in the US is different from Dubai’s 5% VAT system. In the US, sales tax varies by state and even by county, which means you need to know where you have tax obligations based on your customer locations.

Some states like Oregon have no sales tax, while others like California have higher rates and stricter compliance rules. If your business reaches a certain sales threshold in a state (known as “nexus”), you’ll need to collect and remit sales tax there.

This is where things can get a little tricky and confusing, but don’t worry! doola’s sales tax team can help you determine your obligations and handle sales tax filings for you.

Step 7: Set Up Payment Processing & E-Commerce Platforms

To start selling, you need to integrate a payment gateway and set up your online store.

Stripe and Payoneer are great for international sellers and allow you to accept payments from US customers. PayPal and Wise are also solid options for cross-border transactions.

If you’re using Shopify, Shopify Payments is another seamless option.

Your business structure needs to align with your payment provider’s requirements—some platforms have stricter rules for non-US businesses, so double-check with our experts before setting up.

Step 8: Launch & Market Your Store

Once everything is in place, it’s time to drive traffic and get sales. Successful e-commerce businesses focus on:

• SEO and content marketing to bring in organic traffic.

• Social media and influencer marketing to build brand awareness.

• Paid advertising on Facebook, Google, and TikTok to scale quickly.

Many new e-commerce entrepreneurs underestimate marketing costs, so make sure you don’t fall into that category. Factor this into your budget so you don’t run out of funds too soon.

Related Read: Shopify Bookkeeping Guide for 2025

Managing Your US E-commerce Business from Dubai

All set and done! You’ve figured out everything you need to register your business in Dubai and how to use services like doola to get a registered agent. 

Now, assuming you’ll be running your US e-commerce business remotely, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

Running a Business Remotely

Since you don’t have a physical office in the US, you’ll need a virtual business address. This is necessary for receiving official documents, tax notices, and banking correspondence. A mail forwarding service makes sure you don’t miss anything important.

Next, let’s talk about order fulfillment. If you’re selling physical products, you won’t be shipping them yourself. Instead, you’ll want to partner with a US-based fulfillment service like Amazon FBA, ShipBob, or Deliverr. They handle storage, packing, and shipping, so your customers get their orders fast, without delays.

Payment Processing for Dubai-Based Entrepreneurs

Now, how do you accept payments in the US without a Social Security Number?

If you’ve set up a US LLC and obtained an EIN (Employer Identification Number), you can apply for Stripe Atlas or PayPal Business, both of which are designed for international business owners.

But if you run into issues with these platforms, don’t worry. Other payment processors like Mercury, Payoneer, or Wise allow you to accept and withdraw US payments without needing an SSN.

At the end of the day, running a US e-commerce business from Dubai isn’t complicated once you have these key systems in place. With a proper address, fulfillment solution, and payment processor, you’re all set to scale your business from anywhere in the world.

Start Your E-commerce Business With doola

Still figuring out how to start your U.S. e-commerce business from Dubai without drowning in a million tasks?

doola takes care of LLC formation, EIN registration, bookkeeping, and tax compliance, all in one place. No headaches, no guesswork, just a smooth setup so you can focus on running your store.

Whether you’re launching a Shopify store, Amazon FBA business, or a dropshipping brand, we’ve got the tools and expertise to make it hassle-free.

Book a free consultation today and let doola help you start, manage, and grow your U.S. e-commerce business the right way.

FAQs

Can I open a US LLC without living in the USA?

Yes, non-US residents can form a US LLC remotely. You don’t need to be physically present or have a US address.

Do I need a US visa to start an e-commerce business?

No, you don’t need a visa. You can own and operate a US LLC from Dubai without immigration status in the US.

How much does it cost to register a US business from Dubai?

Costs vary by state, but typically range from $150 to $500 for state filing fees. Additional costs include a registered agent, EIN registration, and compliance services.

What are the tax obligations for non-US e-commerce owners?

Non-US LLC owners don’t pay US income tax if they have no US-based operations. However, state taxes, sales tax, and IRS filings may still apply depending on your business activities.

How do I open a US Stripe or PayPal account without a Social Security Number?

You can register with a US LLC, EIN, and ITIN (if required). Some providers, like Mercury and Payoneer, offer alternative payment solutions for global entrepreneurs.