Expanding into the U.S. market can be a high-stakes move — but with Warner as your U.S. legal partner, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We work closely with international businesses to simplify the complexities of entering and operating in the American market, offering strategic guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re establishing a legal entity, structuring operations or navigating corporate, tax or regulatory requirements, our team delivers practical, tailored solutions that align with your business goals.
Bringing Your Foreign Business to the U.S.
As trusted counsel to clients around the world, Warner provides the legal clarity and confidence you need to establish your business and grow successfully in the United States. We guide clients through the practical steps — from entity formation and federal registration to securing a physical location, applying for business licenses and hiring employees — ensuring that nothing important is overlooked or done out of sequence. Early on, we also assist with obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, a key requirement for opening a U.S. business bank account and conducting financial transactions. This foundational support allows our clients to avoid common delays and focus on growth from day one.
Daniel Bonucchi, Joscelyn Cekola Boucher, Mohamad Knio, Lindsey Jager
Turning Incentives into Results
Foreign businesses looking to establish a presence in the U.S. may be eligible for a wide range of economic development incentives — ranging from tax credits and grants to workforce training support and infrastructure assistance — offered at the federal, state and local levels. At Warner, we help international clients identify and evaluate the incentive programs that align with their current operations or future expansion plans. Our team conducts detailed eligibility analyses, offers preliminary guidance on how to structure projects to maximize available benefits and develops clear, actionable roadmaps to secure those incentives. By understanding your business goals and navigating the relevant regulatory landscape, we help you unlock valuable opportunities that can enhance your U.S. market entry or growth strategy.
Jared Belka, Kurt Brauer, Mike Stone
Tax Structuring for U.S. Expansion
When foreign companies establish a presence in the U.S., strategic tax planning is critical to long-term success. At Warner, we begin by understanding your short- and long-term business objectives in the U.S. and identifying the cross-border tax implications that may arise from your specific structure and operations. Our team provides tailored guidance on key issues such as entity selection, compliance requirements and the tax impact of financing strategies — including loans versus capital contributions. We also offer initial insight into how anticipated intercompany transactions may affect your U.S. tax position from day one. Following our consultation, we provide a concise written summary outlining our recommendations and suggested next steps, giving you a clear and confident path forward in your U.S. expansion.
Cross-border Real Estate Legal Support
Securing the right location is a critical step for foreign companies establishing operations in the U.S., and Warner provides comprehensive real estate legal support to ensure a smooth and strategic process. Our attorneys assist with every stage of the transaction — from reviewing and negotiating commercial leases and purchase agreements to conducting thorough title and survey reviews to identify and address any potential risks. Whether you’re leasing office space or acquiring land for a manufacturing facility, we help you navigate U.S. real estate laws, protect your interests and align property decisions with your broader business objectives. With Warner as your legal partner, you gain the confidence that your U.S. footprint is built on a solid legal foundation.
Robert Nolan, Andrew Reside, Robin Yono, Ford Turrell
U.S. Market Entry: Immigration Counsel for International Employers
For foreign companies establishing a U.S. presence, securing the right talent on the ground is essential — and Warner provides comprehensive immigration and employment legal support to make that possible. Our team offers initial visa consultations and develops tailored visa strategies to support the smooth transfer of key personnel to the U.S. We assist with all aspects of the application process, including guidance on appropriate visa categories, preparation of necessary documentation and coordination of the initial visa appointment in the employee’s home country. We also support the relocation of dependent family members, helping ensure a seamless transition for your team. With Warner’s proactive counsel, foreign companies can confidently navigate complex U.S. immigration requirements and build a strong foundation for their workforce from day one.
Sarah Bileti, Christopher LeClair
Global Trade and Tariffs
In today’s evolving global trade environment, shifting tariff policies, trade agreement renegotiations and increased regulatory scrutiny pose significant challenges for international businesses entering the U.S. market. Companies looking to establish a U.S. presence must navigate complex customs rules, potential import duties and supply chain disruptions that can impact cost structures and operational timelines. Strategic planning around trade compliance and tariff exposure is essential to ensure a smooth market entry and to mitigate financial and legal risks. Warner’s international trade and customs attorneys provide practical, business-focused guidance to help foreign companies understand and comply with U.S. trade laws, minimize tariff impacts and proactively address legal issues that could hinder expansion.
