Are you dreaming of launching a business but worried you don’t have enough funds? The good news is: starting an LLC in the USA with little to no money is possible — if you play your cards right. While there are mandatory state filing fees, there are many ways to reduce (or even eliminate) other startup costs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- ✅ The minimum costs required to open an LLC
- 🛠 Free and low-cost tools for forming your business
- 🌐 Smart strategies for non-US residents on a budget
- 📋 A checklist to help you launch your LLC with confidence
🧾 What Costs Are Truly Required?
Let’s be upfront: every U.S. state requires a filing fee to form an LLC. This is a government charge, and you can’t avoid it.
Here’s a quick comparison of some of the lowest-cost states in 2025:
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $40 | Annual report $15 |
| New Mexico | $50 | No annual reports |
| California | $0 (filing) | $800 franchise tax |
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 annual report |
| Texas | $300 | No franchise tax if income < $1.23M |
Tip: You can check your state’s fee here on the SBA website.
🚀 How to Start with Almost No Money
Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to minimize your costs:
1. Choose a Budget-Friendly State
States like New Mexico or Kentucky have low formation and maintenance costs.
2. Use a Free Formation Service
Sites like:
…offer free LLC formation (you just pay the state fee).
3. Do It Yourself
Skip the lawyer. Most states let you file online with simple instructions. You can write your own Operating Agreement, too.
4. Get an EIN for Free
Apply directly from the IRS website. It’s fast and costs $0.
5. Use a Free Registered Agent (If Allowed)
Some states allow you to be your own agent. In others, services like Incfile offer a free agent for the first year.
🌍 Can You Open an LLC With No Money as a Foreigner?
Yes, absolutely. Here’s what you need:
- A registered agent in the state (you can find free or low-cost options)
- A U.S. mailing address (consider virtual address providers)
- An EIN, which is also free
- Optional: U.S. bank account and payment platform (like Wise or Mercury)
If you need help setting up from abroad, I can build a custom launch checklist for your location and business model.
📌 Summary: Can You Start an LLC With $0?
While the filing fee is unavoidable, you can cut other costs:
| Item | Can You Skip It? |
|---|---|
| State filing fee | ❌ No |
| Registered agent service | ✅ Yes (DIY or free year) |
| EIN | ✅ Yes (free from IRS) |
| Legal filing service | ✅ Yes (file manually online) |
| Operating agreement | ✅ Yes (write your own) |
Final Tips
- Use a free formation service + budget-friendly state.
- Apply for your EIN directly from the IRS website.
- Start lean—scale as you grow.
Need help choosing the best state, cheapest path, or fastest way to file your LLC?
👉 Let me know, and I’ll create a personalized checklist to help you launch with confidence—even from outside the U.S