If you’re a non-resident looking to start a U.S. business, forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is one of the most flexible, tax-friendly, and globally respected options. But the question is: what’s the best U.S. state for a non-resident to register an LLC in 2025? With 50 states offering slightly different rules, fees, privacy protections, and tax treatment, making the right choice is crucial—especially if you’re living outside the United States and want to manage your business remotely. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top states for non-residents to form an LLC, key factors to consider, and how to decide which one aligns best with your goals.
Let’s start with the most popular states among international entrepreneurs: Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, and Florida. These states have gained global reputation for being low-cost, privacy-friendly, and easy to manage remotely. Here’s why they matter:
Wyoming is consistently ranked among the best states for LLC formation for non-U.S. residents. It offers low annual fees (just $60 per year), strong asset protection laws, and excellent privacy—your name doesn’t need to be listed in public records. Plus, Wyoming does not have a state income tax, and it allows foreigners to form and own LLCs 100% remotely. There’s no requirement to physically be in the U.S. and you can register the LLC online with the help of a registered agent.
Delaware is another strong contender, especially for tech startups or those planning to raise capital. It has a long-standing reputation for being business-friendly with its specialized court system (Court of Chancery) that deals only with business law. Delaware LLCs are also fast to form, often approved within 1-2 days. However, it’s worth noting that Delaware requires an annual franchise tax ($300 flat for LLCs) and annual report filing, which makes it slightly more expensive than Wyoming or New Mexico.
New Mexico is often overlooked, but it’s one of the cheapest and most private states to register an LLC. You don’t have to file annual reports, and the state doesn’t require your name to be public—giving you high anonymity. New Mexico LLCs are great for non-residents who want minimal maintenance and don’t plan to raise outside funding. The formation fee is also low (around $50), and there are no annual fees, making it ideal for side businesses, consulting, or holding companies.
Florida is attractive for its easy online filing system and friendly tax environment for many industries. While it does have an annual report fee (around $138.75), it’s still manageable, and the state is very welcoming to international business owners. However, Florida does require that you disclose member/manager information publicly, which reduces privacy. It’s a good option if your business will interact with customers or suppliers in the southeastern U.S.
So, which is the best state for your non-resident LLC? It depends on your goals. If you want low fees, privacy, and easy online formation, Wyoming or New Mexico are excellent. If you’re building a startup with future investors, Delaware might be your best bet. If you expect to live or operate in Florida, that state can make more sense for tax and logistical reasons.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the top 4 states for non-resident LLCs:
| State | Formation Fee | Annual Fees | Privacy | State Income Tax | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | ~$100 | $60 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Best overall for privacy and low fees |
| Delaware | ~$90 | $300 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Startups & investors |
| New Mexico | ~$50 | $0 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Low-cost & anonymous LLCs |
| Florida | ~$125 | $138.75 | ❌ No | ❌ No (for LLCs) | Local business presence in the U.S. |
Important Tip: As a non-resident, you do not need to live in the U.S. to form an LLC. However, you do need a registered agent in the state where you form your LLC. This agent receives legal documents and notices on your behalf. All the states above allow third-party registered
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Forming a Non-Resident LLC
While forming an LLC in the U.S. as a non-resident is relatively straightforward, many entrepreneurs make avoidable mistakes that can cost them time and money. Here are some of the most common:
Not hiring a reliable registered agent: Your registered agent is your company’s official point of contact in the U.S. Make sure you choose a trustworthy, responsive service. Cheap agents often cut corners or disappear when you need support the most.
Choosing the wrong state: Just because Delaware is popular doesn’t mean it’s the best for everyone. If you’re not planning to raise capital or have U.S.-based employees, you might end up paying unnecessary fees. Always match your choice to your business goals.
Not getting an EIN early: Without an EIN, you can’t open a bank account or pay taxes. Many non-residents delay this step or try to get it themselves and end up stuck for weeks. It’s worth paying a service to get it done quickly.
Forgetting compliance filings: Every state requires you to maintain your LLC. That may mean filing annual reports, paying franchise taxes, or updating business details. Failing to do so can result in penalties or even dissolution of your LLC.
Using your personal name/address: For privacy and branding, consider naming your LLC something separate from your own name and using a virtual business address or a registered agent’s address to avoid exposing your location.
Best Registered Agent Services for Non-Residents
Here are a few registered agent services that specialize in working with international clients:
– Northwest Registered Agent: Known for privacy and strong customer support. They work well with foreign LLC owners.
– IncFile: Offers free LLC formation (you only pay state fees) and comes with 1 year of registered agent service.
– ZenBusiness: Affordable, beginner-friendly, and great for getting an EIN and operating agreement bundled.
– Harbor Compliance: More premium, but great for scaling and getting help with compliance.
Can You Form a U.S. LLC as a Non-Resident Without Visiting the U.S.?
Yes. You can register an LLC entirely online. You’ll need:
– A registered agent in the state of formation
– A U.S. business address (you can rent a virtual office or use the agent’s address)
– An EIN from the IRS (can be obtained by fax/mail or via filing services)
– Optionally, a U.S. business bank account that supports international owners
If you plan to open a Stripe or PayPal account, some of them will require identity verification. This can be done with your passport and LLC documents, even if you don’t live in the U.S.
How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC as a Non-Resident?
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
– State formation fee: $50–$150 (depends on the state)
– Registered agent: $50–$150 per year
– EIN: Free if you do it yourself, or $50–$150 if you hire help
– Operating agreement (recommended): $30–$100 or included in a bundle
– Optional extras (virtual address, compliance alerts, banking setup): $50–$300
So in total, you can expect to spend around $200–$400 for a basic, legitimate LLC setup if you do it smartly and use affordable services.
Summary: Which State Is Best for a Non-Resident LLC Owner in 2025?
– Choose Wyoming if you want strong privacy, low fees, and an easy setup
– Go with New Mexico if your top priority is low-cost and no annual reporting
– Pick Delaware if you’re starting a venture-backed startup or want legal credibility
– Consider Florida if you’ll be doing business with U.S. clients in the Southeast
Whatever you choose, the key is to stay compliant, get your EIN, and use a solid registered agent. You don’t have to live in the U.S. to do business there—tens of thousands of global entrepreneurs are already doing it successfully.
Need Help Choosing the Best State, EIN Application, or Bank Setup?
Just let me know where you’re from, what your business does, and what your goals are. I’ll help you choose the most affordable path, provide a checklist, and guide you through every step—no U.S. address or SSN required