Question 1

Which state is cheapest to form an LLC for a non-US resident?

Accepted Answer

Wyoming ($100 formation fee, $60/year report) and New Mexico ($50 formation, no annual report fee) are typically the cheapest options for small owner-operated LLCs without US physical presence. Delaware charges $90 to form but its annual franchise tax (minimum $300) plus registered-agent fees ($100–300/yr) make it more expensive than Wyoming for most non-US founders. USLaunchStack's AI State Selector ranks Wyoming, New Mexico, and Florida as the most cost-effective choices for non-resident single-member LLCs.

Question 2

Do I need a US physical address to form an LLC?

Accepted Answer

Every state requires a registered agent with a physical street address in that state — that's a legal requirement, not optional. The registered agent receives service of process and state correspondence on your behalf. You do not need a personal US address or a physical office; a registered-agent service ($50–300/yr) that forwards mail to you abroad is what most non-US founders use.

Question 3

Should I form my LLC in Delaware if I'm not a US resident?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. Delaware's franchise tax starts at $300/yr and registered-agent fees run $100–300/yr, so for a non-resident single-member LLC with no US employees Delaware delivers no meaningful legal benefit over Wyoming or New Mexico. Delaware's edge is in venture-backed C-Corps that need well-developed corporate case law and Court of Chancery rulings — not in small foreign-owned LLCs. The AI State Selector flags this and recommends Wyoming or New Mexico by default for non-resident founders.

Question 4

Which state is best for an LLC with no US physical presence?

Accepted Answer

Wyoming is the strongest default for non-resident owners: $100 formation fee, $60/yr renewal, strong privacy (member names not in public filings), and no state income tax. New Mexico is similar with the lowest formation fee ($50) and no gross-receipts tax. Delaware is rarely the right answer when you don't have a US office — its franchise tax structure assumes a venture-backed C-Corp. Run the AI State Selector to confirm based on your entity type and country of residence.

Question 5

What's the difference between forming in Wyoming vs Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Wyoming: $100 formation, $60/yr renewal, no franchise tax, no state income tax, member names not publicly listed — cheaper and more private for non-resident LLCs. Delaware: $90 formation, but $300 minimum franchise tax plus an annual report fee, registered-agent handling fees are higher, and member/officer names appear in the state's annual franchise tax report. Delaware's case is investor credibility and the Court of Chancery — which matters more for C-Corps than LLCs. For non-US founders forming an LLC, Wyoming wins on cost and privacy.

Which US state should you register in?

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The 5 states we compare

Delaware

Wyoming

Florida

Texas

Nevada