Complete Guide
No visa. No US address. No Social Security Number. Here's everything you need to legally form and operate an American business from anywhere in the world.
Choose Your State
The state you choose determines your taxes, privacy, and annual costs. Here's what actually matters.
America's corporate capital. Preferred by investors, startups, and anyone planning to raise VC funding. Best legal infrastructure in the US.
No state income tax. No publication requirement. Strongest privacy laws in the US. Best for non-residents who want simplicity and low cost.
No state income tax, large market access, and no publication requirement. Growing popular for e-commerce businesses.
Free Tools
Use our free tools to understand your costs before spending a dollar.
Exact first-year and ongoing costs for a Delaware LLC as a non-US resident. State fees, registered agent, franchise tax — all in one place.
Use Calculator →Delaware vs Wyoming vs Florida — find the best state for your specific business in 60 seconds. Side-by-side cost and privacy comparison.
Notify Me →FAQ
Can I form a US LLC if I'm not a US citizen?
Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to form an LLC in any US state. Non-residents from any country can legally form, own, and operate a US LLC. You will need a registered agent with a US address, but that service typically costs $50–$150/year.
Do I need to visit the US to form my LLC?
No. The entire process can be completed online. You can form your LLC, get your EIN (Tax ID), and open a bank account without ever setting foot in the United States.
How much does it cost to form a Delaware LLC?
The Delaware state filing fee is $90. You'll also need a registered agent ($50–$150/year) and pay Delaware's annual franchise tax ($300 minimum). Total first-year cost is typically $440–$540. Use our free calculator for your exact numbers.
What taxes does a foreign-owned US LLC pay?
A single-member LLC owned by a non-US person is typically treated as a "disregarded entity" by the IRS. If the LLC has no US-sourced income, it may owe little to no US federal tax — but you must still file Form 5472 annually. Always consult a CPA familiar with international tax.
Delaware or Wyoming — which is better for non-residents?
For most non-residents without plans to raise VC funding: Wyoming. Lower annual costs ($60 vs $300+), stronger privacy laws, and simpler compliance. For those seeking investor funding or US market credibility: Delaware. Our comparison guide covers this in full detail.
Start with our free Delaware cost calculator, or go straight to formation with our trusted partner.
We earn a commission if you use our ZenBusiness link — at no extra cost to you.