[jdtenis]

Im thinking on creating a company but the only visa that I have is the tourist visa. My partner in the business is a US citizen but I'm not sure if I will be able to do this since I don't have a working permit or anything like that. Could I create the partnership? What process could I do?

[DCcityboy]

Yes, you can enter into a partnership agreement and incorporate a company as a visitor. The most important thing to remember is that you are not allowed to do any compensable employment. When you incorporate, you will need the USC partner to apply for the EIN as the IRS requires a SSN.

This means, not only no payroll, but no work done that normally would be compensated.

[jdtenis]

yes, you can enter into a partnership agreement and incorporate a company as a visitor. the most important thing to remember is that you are not allowed to do any compensable employment. when you incorporate, you will need the USC partner to apply for the EIN as the IRS requires a SSN.

this means, not only no payroll, but no work done that normally would be compensated.

This would mean that I can create this partnership, but that I cannot be compensated?

[DCcityboy]

Yes, you cannot be paid for work. You certainly can be issued dividends, but cannot work at the business unless you change your status to work-authorized classification. Possibly an L-1A or E-2?