You do not need to live in the United States to own a company here. Anyone from any country can own a limited liability company in the US. The big decision you have to make is where to set up your company.
This choice affects how much you pay every year, whether your name is public, how easy it is to open a bank account and how paperwork you have to do. Here are the 5 Best States for Non-Resident LLC Formation in 2026 ranked by cost, privacy, protection and how well they work for someone living outside the US.
How These States Were Ranked
Before we get to the list, let’s talk about what makes a state good for non-resident LLC owners.
The cost is the thing to consider. Some states charge little to set up and almost nothing after that. Others charge a lot of money every year for the thing.
Privacy is the thing to think about. Some states do not ask for the owner’s name. Others make it public.
Then there is protection for your assets. This is like a shield that stops someone from taking your company. Some states make this shield strong. Others do not.
Finally there is the side of things. Can you get a bank account and file from outside the US? Some states look good on paper. Cause problems when you try to do these things.
Wyoming The Overall Winner
Wyoming is usually at the top of the list for non-resident LLC formation and it deserves to be.
It costs one hundred dollars to set up. A small fee. You usually get approved right away. After that you have to file a report every year, which costs at least sixty dollars. There is no state income tax. You do not have to live in the US to be a member or manager of the company.
Why Wyoming Works So Well
Wyoming works well because it does not make the owner’s name public. If you set up the company through a registered agent the agent’s name is the one that’s public, not yours.
Wyoming also protects your assets well. It treats the charging order as the way someone can get to your company. This protection is even strong for companies with one owner. Many states do not protect single-owner companies well. Wyoming also has a court for business disputes and good laws for digital assets.
The One Catch
You have to hire a registered agent in Wyoming, which costs fifty to three hundred dollars a year. If you miss your report the state can dissolve your company in about sixty days.
New Mexico Cheapest Long-Term Option
New Mexico is a choice for people who want to save money.
It costs fifty dollars to set up. You do not have to file a report every year. You just pay once. Keep a registered agent and the company stays active. New Mexico also does not ask for the owner’s name, which makes it a private option.
However the protection for your assets is not as strong as Wyoming’s. Some US banks are also cautious about working with New Mexico companies because they cannot see who owns them. This makes it a good choice for a company that just holds assets and does not need a bank account.
Delaware Best for Startups Raising Money
Delaware has a reputation and it is a good choice for one group of people.
If you want to raise money from investors form llc in Delaware is a choice. Its business court has been around for a time so lawyers know what to expect.
However Delaware is expensive. It costs ninety dollars to set up. The yearly tax is three hundred dollars, which is five times more than Wyoming’s. The protection for single-owner companies is also not as strong.
Florida Best for Real US Operations
If your business is really based in the US with inventory, staff or customers it does not make sense to set up in a state. You would have to register in Florida and pay twice.
Florida charges one hundred twenty five dollars to set up. One hundred thirty nine dollars for the annual report. There is no state income tax and banking is easy. The problem is that the owner’s name is public.
Nevada Strong Protection, High Price
Nevada is a good choice for protection but it is expensive.
It costs a lot to set up and renew. The protection is not as strong as Wyoming’s. Nevada’s reputation comes from marketing and it is not the best choice anymore.
The Paperwork Nobody Warns You About
Choosing a state is half the job. You also have to deal with rules.
You need to get an EIN, which’s the company’s federal tax number. You can do this by fax or phone. It takes about four to six weeks.
You also have to file Form 5472 every year, which’s a report for foreign-owned companies. If you do not do this you can get a penalty.
Finally you have to open a bank account, which can be hard. You need your passport, EIN and other documents.
So Which One Should You Pick?
For people Wyoming is the best choice. It is cheap, private. Protect your assets well.
If you just want to hold assets and do not need a bank account New Mexico is a choice. If you are raising money from investors Delaware is a choice. If your business is based in the US Florida is a choice. If someone has a reason to choose Nevada it might be a choice.
Whatever you choose, make sure to budget for a registered agent and calendar your report. You should also talk to an accountant before your tax deadline. The filing is the part but staying compliant is what keeps the company useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I form a US LLC if I have never visited the United States?
Yes you can. You just need a registered agent with a US address. They can do everything for you.
Which state is cheapest over five years?
New Mexico is the cheapest because it does not have a report. Wyoming is the state with strong protection at about sixty dollars a year plus the registered agent fee.
Do I owe US tax on my LLC profits?
If your company does not make money in the US and does not have a US office or staff you probably do not owe income tax. You still have to file some reports though.
Will my name appear online?
Not, in Wyoming or New Mexico if you use a registered agent. Florida and Delaware make information public.
Can I move my LLC to another state later?
Yes you can. You can register the existing company in a state or dissolve it and start fresh. It is easier to move before you have a bank account and contracts so choose carefully.