Starting a U.S. Limited Liability Company (LLC) as a non-resident is a smart move for international entrepreneurs, freelancers, and global e-commerce sellers. But choosing the right state to register your LLC is critical. The most popular states among non-residents are Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico—each offering unique advantages for foreigners.
This guide compares the best states to start an LLC for non-residents based on taxes, privacy, filing requirements, costs, and ease of maintenance. If you’re outside the U.S. and looking to set up a company, here’s everything you need to know.
🔍 Why Does the State Matter?
The U.S. allows LLC formation at the state level, not the federal level. That means your LLC will be governed by the rules, fees, and laws of the state where it is registered.
When choosing a state, non-U.S. residents should consider:
- No or low state taxes
- Privacy of ownership
- Easy online filing
- Cost of formation and renewal
- No physical office requirements
- Reliable legal and business environment
🌟 The Top 3 States for Non-Residents
| State | Known For | Foreign-Friendly | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Tax savings & privacy | ✅ High | $60 |
| Delaware | Corporations & prestige | ✅ High | $300 |
| New Mexico | Anonymity & low fees | ✅ Medium | $0 annual |
Let’s compare them side-by-side.
🟢 Wyoming LLC for Non-Residents
Wyoming is widely considered the best all-around choice for non-residents forming a U.S. LLC.
✅ Key Benefits:
- No state income tax
- Strong privacy: Members/managers not listed publicly
- Low annual report fee: Just $60
- Fast online formation
- Allows single-member LLCs owned by foreigners
- Doesn’t require U.S. residency or a U.S. address
🔗 Official site: Wyoming Secretary of State
🧾 Formation Costs:
- Filing fee: $100
- Annual fee: $60
- Registered agent required in WY
📌 LegalFlow.blog offers registered agent services and EIN application support for foreign-owned Wyoming LLCs.
🔵 Delaware LLC for Non-Residents
Delaware is the most famous U.S. state for incorporating companies, especially large corporations. But does it make sense for non-resident LLCs?
✅ Key Benefits:
- Prestige: Recognized globally for corporate structure
- Strong legal protection
- Fast court system for business disputes (Chancery Court)
- Foreigners can form LLCs with no U.S. presence
🔗 Official site: Delaware Division of Corporations
⚠️ Considerations:
- Higher annual franchise tax: Minimum $300/year
- No privacy: Registered agent must hold ownership data
- Complex system better suited for C-Corps or funded startups
🧾 Formation Costs:
- Filing fee: $90
- Franchise tax: $300/year
- Registered agent required
✅ Use LegalFlow.blog if you’re seeking help forming a Delaware LLC from abroad with EIN and compliance support.
🟡 New Mexico LLC for Non-Residents
New Mexico is less known, but it’s gaining popularity for its unique anonymity and zero annual fees.
✅ Key Benefits:
- No annual report and no franchise tax
- Strong privacy: Ownership is not disclosed
- One of the few states with anonymous LLC filing
- Low formation cost and simple filing
🔗 Official site: New Mexico Secretary of State
⚠️ Considerations:
- Less international recognition than Delaware
- Slower support and fewer online systems
- May not be suitable for high-growth startups
🧾 Formation Costs:
- Filing fee: $50
- Annual cost: $0
- Registered agent still required
📌 LegalFlow.blog can help you create a New Mexico LLC and maintain compliance from anywhere in the world.
📊 Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Wyoming | Delaware | New Mexico |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Annual report required | ✅ Yes ($60) | ✅ Yes ($300) | ❌ No |
| Anonymous ownership | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Filing fee | $100 | $90 | $50 |
| International reputation | ✅ Strong | ✅ Very High | ❌ Moderate |
| Ideal for | Online business | Startups & investors | Asset protection & holding companies |
| Ease of formation for foreigners | ✅ Easy | ✅ Medium | ✅ Easy |
🛡️ What Do All Three States Have in Common?
- No need to be a U.S. resident or citizen
- No need to have a U.S. Social Security Number
- Allow formation of LLCs online
- Require a registered agent with a physical address in the state
- You can operate the business from outside the U.S.
- You must file IRS forms such as Form 5472 (if single-member foreign-owned)
💡 Need help managing compliance and filings? LegalFlow.blog supports all three states with full remote services.
📝 Federal Requirements (Regardless of State)
Even if the state has few local requirements, foreign-owned LLCs must still comply with federal rules:
- Apply for an EIN
- File Form 5472 + pro forma 1120 annually
- File Form 1040-NR if income is U.S.-sourced
- Maintain proper accounting records
- Use a U.S. registered agent
IRS EIN info:
🔗 Apply for EIN – IRS
IRS Form 5472 guide:
🔗 Form 5472 – IRS
🏁 Final Recommendation: Which State Should You Choose?
- Choose Wyoming if you want simplicity, low fees, and privacy. Ideal for solopreneurs and online businesses.
- Choose Delaware if you plan to raise investment, form a C-Corp later, or care about corporate image.
- Choose New Mexico if you want extreme anonymity and zero annual reporting—perfect for asset holding or side businesses.
No matter your choice, LegalFlow.blog can help you start your LLC remotely, get an EIN, stay compliant, and manage your business without stepping into the U.S.
📌 Ready to Start Your LLC in the U.S. as a Non-Resident?
👉 Visit LegalFlow. for step-by-step help with LLC formation, EIN, banking, and compliance—whether you choose Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico.