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Open an Office in NYC

Open an Office in NYC

There are six main things to consider when opening an office/business in NYC. We provide this list to help international businesses understand the basic things they need to open here! Expand the sections for more detailed information.

**Disclaimer:**
**This guide only provides basic information on some of the legal and practical issues to consider when setting up a business. IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. Persons contemplating starting a business are strongly encouraged to consult legal, financial and tax advisors.**

Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.

Legal

In order to open in NYC, your business will need to be legally registered in the United States. This will determine who will own and be legally responsible for your business, and affects how you file your taxes.

Taxes

Once you have registered your business, you will need to set up your taxes. The U.S. federal government imposes taxes on corporations organized under U.S. law. The State and City also have corporate taxes on most entities.

Immigration

For non-U.S. citizens you want to bring to New York City to help run your new operation, and/or for yourself, you will likely need to obtain permission to work legally in the United States.

  • There are a number of different ways this can happen, but some of the more common visas include the B-1 Business Visitor, the H-1B Specialty Occupation, the O-1A Extraordinary Ability and Achievement, the E-2 Treaty Investor, the L-1 Intracompany Transferee. Learn more about visa options.

Office Space

We have resources to help you find the office space that's right for you. And with lower property sales prices than Hong Kong, London, and Toronto, New York City is more affordable than many global cities.

Banking

Establish a business checking account that is separate from any personal accounts you may have. Shop for the bank and services that best fit your needs.

  • Consider large national banks and smaller local banks, and credit unions, as each has different strengths. It may take time for international businesses that don't have a history in the U.S. to complete their banking set-up, so plan ahead.

Employees

Below, we provide information on some of the main things you need to hire, pay, and provide a safe and legal work environment for your employees.

  • New York City offers programs to help businesses find employees with the skills they're looking for.
    • Workforce1 is a service provided by the NYC Department of Small Business Services that prepares and connects qualified candidates to job opportunities in New York City.
    • New York City also sponsors the Tech Talent Pipeline, which connects New Yorkers trained in tech with businesses that are looking to hire tech talent.
  • You will need to meet a number of employment, safety, and labor rules relating to your employees. See this guide on employment rules.
  • For most employees, you will need to withhold taxes, and make payments on their behalf, including into the social security and workers compensation programs. Find more information on employee taxes and benefits.

New York City also offers a number of programs to help bring international businesses to NYC, and to help them succeed and find a soft landing once they arrive here in NYC. Check out this list of NYC programs.