4 months ago · Updated 3 days ago
Official source: IRS Form 5472 guidance provides the primary guidance used in this guide.
Disclosure: the doola links are affiliate links and we earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Costs below are estimates from published prices; confirm each on the provider's or state's site.
US LLC Cost for Non-US Residents: Quick Answer
A US LLC for a non-US resident typically costs between $141 and $500 to start, depending on the state and whether you form the company yourself or use a formation service.
For most foreign entrepreneurs, the lowest-cost option is a DIY Wyoming LLC. In that scenario, you pay the state filing fee, maintain a registered agent, and apply for an EIN directly with the IRS. The total startup cost can be as low as $141.
If you prefer a done-for-you solution that includes EIN assistance, compliance guidance, registered agent service, and banking support, expect to spend roughly $300–500 during the first year. Ongoing annual costs are usually between $160 and $700, depending on the state, registered agent provider, and tax compliance requirements.
Quick summary: Most non-US founders spend $300–1,200 during their first year when formation costs, registered agent fees, banking setup, and Form 5472 compliance are included. Wyoming remains the most popular choice because it combines low filing fees, strong privacy protections, and relatively low annual maintenance costs.
| Formation Scenario | Year 1 Cost | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming LLC (DIY) | ~$141 | ~$161–700 |
| Wyoming LLC + Formation Service | $300–500 | $300–600 |
| New Mexico LLC (DIY) | ~$91 | ~$99–600 |
| Fully Managed Compliance Setup | $600–1,200 | $500–1,000+ |
Quick summary: Most non-US founders spend $300–1,200 during their first year when formation costs, registered agent fees, EIN setup, and Form 5472 compliance are included. Wyoming remains the most popular state because it offers low startup costs, strong privacy protections, and relatively inexpensive annual maintenance.
- How much does a US LLC cost for non-US residents?
- Required formation costs
- Startup cost breakdown
- Annual ongoing costs
- Is an EIN free?
- Registered agent costs
- Virtual address costs
- Hidden costs most founders miss
- Cheapest states compared
- Wyoming LLC cost in detail
- Total cost by founder type
- How doola changes the cost equation
- DIY vs formation service
- Common cost mistakes
- FAQ
The LLC cost for non-US residents breaks into two buckets: what you pay once to form the LLC, and what you pay every year to keep it alive. The minimum realistic first-year cost in Wyoming — the most popular state for non-residents — is around $141 if you handle everything yourself. With a formation service that covers EIN, registered agent, and compliance setup, expect $300–500. Annual costs run about $160–190 in state and registered agent fees in Wyoming, plus compliance costs.
This guide uses verified 2026 fees from official state sources. See the full how much does an LLC cost guide for all 50 states. Here we focus on what non-residents specifically need to budget for.
How much does a US LLC cost for non-US residents?
It depends on the state, but here is the honest range across all scenarios:
Minimum (Wyoming): ~$141 Year 1 — $100 filing + $2 online fee + $39 Northwest formation service (registered agent included in year 1). EIN is free from the IRS.
Typical (Wyoming, formation service): $300–500 Year 1 — includes state fee, registered agent, EIN filing, operating agreement, and banking setup guidance.
Annual maintenance (Wyoming): $161–187 — $62 annual report + $99–125 registered agent renewal.
Full compliance (all-in): $600–1,200 Year 1 — adds Form 5472 CPA preparation, a virtual office address, and accounting setup.
Non-US residents pay the same state filing fees as US residents. What adds cost is the EIN process (requires a service if you want help), the mandatory registered agent (non-residents can't be their own), and federal compliance requirements specific to foreign-owned LLCs — most notably Form 5472.
What costs are required to form a US LLC?
Formation costs divide into three categories: required by law, required in practice, and optional but recommended.
| Cost item | Status | Who pays it | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (Articles of Organization) | Required | Everyone | $50–$300 |
| Registered agent | Required | Non-residents (must use commercial RA) | $99–$300/yr |
| EIN from IRS | Required in practice | Everyone (for banking and taxes) | Free (DIY) / $50–200 (service) |
| Operating agreement | Required in practice | Everyone (banks require it) | Free (template) / $100–200 (professional) |
| BOI report (FinCEN) | Not required | U.S.-formed LLCs are exempt | $0 |
| Business address | Optional | Needed for Mercury bank applications | Varies |
| Formation service | Optional | Non-residents who want guided setup | $149–400 service fee |
LLC startup cost breakdown for non-US residents
The table below shows realistic Year 1 costs across the three most common formation setups for non-residents. All figures use verified 2026 fees.
| Cost item | DIY (Wyoming) | Northwest + DIY EIN | doola |
|---|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | $102 | $102 | Included |
| Registered agent (Year 1) | From $99 (any provider) | Included in $39 formation | Included |
| EIN filing | Free (IRS fax) | Free (IRS fax) | Included |
| Operating agreement | Free (template) | Free (NW includes) | Included |
| BOI report | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| Banking guidance | None | None | Included |
| Business address | $0–50/mo (extra) | Included with NW RA | Included |
| Year 1 estimate | $141–741 | $141 minimum | From ~$297 + state |
Northwest's $39 is its formation service: it files your Articles of Organization and includes the registered agent for the first year, which then renews at $125/year. You still get the EIN from the IRS directly. Northwest provides a free operating agreement template and includes a business address in your state. Total Year 1 with Northwest: $102 state + $39 formation = $141 minimum.
Ongoing annual costs for a foreign-owned LLC
These costs repeat every year your LLC stays in existence. Missing them triggers loss of good standing, administrative dissolution, or IRS penalties.
Annual report / license tax
Every state except New Mexico charges an annual renewal fee. In Wyoming, the minimum is $62/year (with online convenience fee), due the first day of the anniversary month of formation. In Delaware, it's a flat $400 annual LLC tax due June 1, with a $200 late penalty. Texas charges $0 in annual report fees for most LLCs but imposes a franchise tax once revenue passes the no-tax-due threshold the Texas Comptroller sets each year.
Registered agent renewal
Your registered agent must be maintained year-round. Northwest charges $125/year after the first year (the first year is included when it forms your LLC for $39 + state fee). Budget roughly $100–150/year depending on provider.
Form 5472 — mandatory for foreign-owned single-member LLCs
This is the most commonly missed annual expense. Every single-member LLC owned by a non-US person must file Form 5472 plus a pro forma Form 1120 by April 15 each year, regardless of revenue. The IRS does not send reminders. A CPA experienced with foreign-owned entities charges $200–500 for this filing. See the LLC taxes guide for the full compliance picture.
Annual cost by state
| State | Annual report fee | RA (Northwest) | Total annual minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $62/yr | $99–125/yr | $161–187/yr |
| New Mexico | $0 | $99–125/yr | $99–125/yr |
| Delaware | $400/yr | $99–200/yr | $499–600/yr |
| Florida | $138.75/yr | $99–125/yr | $238–264/yr |
| Texas | $0 | $99–125/yr | $99–125/yr |
Add $200–500/year for Form 5472 preparation regardless of state. doola includes this in their compliance packages.
Is an EIN free?
The IRS does not charge for EIN issuance. Applying directly through the IRS costs nothing. The catch for non-residents: the online EIN application requires an SSN or ITIN. Non-residents apply via fax (Form SS-4) or by calling the IRS international line — both are free. The IRS says phone applications can be issued during the call, fax requests typically come back in about 4 business days, and mail takes about 4 weeks.
Third-party EIN services charge $50–200 to prepare and submit your Form SS-4. They use the same IRS channels you can use yourself. You pay for coordination and error-checking, not for a faster IRS turnaround.
No service controls the IRS timeline. The phone line and fax are open to you directly. A provider that promises an EIN without an SSN is using those same channels, so compare what you get for the fee, not a faster IRS.
For the complete fax application walkthrough and what to do if the IRS rejects your application, see our EIN guide for non-US residents and the general EIN for LLC guide.
Registered agent costs
Every US LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the formation state. Non-residents cannot serve as their own agent without a state address. Commercial registered agent services are the only practical option.
| Provider | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $125/yr (year 1 included with $39 formation) | Address for public filings; check bank rules |
| ZenBusiness RA | $199/yr | Included in some formation plans |
| doola RA | Included in plans | Part of formation packages |
| Bizee RA | $149/yr | First year often included with formation |
| LegalZoom RA | $249/yr | Premium pricing |
Northwest Registered Agent at $125/year (included in year 1 when it forms your LLC for $39) is our default choice for non-residents. The included business address also helps with Mercury bank applications.
Virtual address costs
A business address is separate from your registered agent address. Mercury Bank no longer accepts an RA address as your business address — you need a distinct US business address for banking applications.
Options include the address that comes with some registered agent plans, digital mailboxes and virtual offices. Prices and what banks accept vary by provider. See our virtual business address guide and the comparison with a registered agent.
A registered agent address is for legal notices. Mercury says its physical business address cannot be a registered agent, PO box, mail center or virtual office, so confirm the rule on Mercury's page before you pay for an address service.
Hidden costs most non-resident founders miss
Form 5472 — $200–500/year
Mandatory annual IRS filing for single-member foreign-owned LLCs. Due April 15. IRS penalty for non-filing: $25,000 per form per year — no minimum revenue threshold, no grace period for new entities. Most non-residents discover this requirement when they're already one year behind. A qualified CPA charges $200–500 to prepare it correctly.
BOI reporting — generally $0 for a U.S.-formed LLC
Under FinCEN's current rule, companies created in the United States — including LLCs owned by non-US residents — are exempt from BOI reporting. Certain entities formed under foreign law and later registered to do business in the United States may still have to report. Confirm the current rule directly on FinCEN's BOI page.
International transfer fees — 1–3% ongoing
Moving money from your US LLC account to your personal account abroad triggers transfer fees and FX conversion. Wise and bank wires charge fees and exchange-rate margins, so compare the cost before you move profits abroad. Budget for this each year.
Bookkeeping and accounting
Not required by law, but Form 5472 preparation requires clean books. Basic software (Wave, QuickBooks): $0–30/month. Part-time bookkeeper: $100–300/month. Annual tax preparation for a foreign-owned LLC: $300–800. Without bookkeeping, CPA fees for reconstructing records are significantly higher.
State amendment fees
Changing your registered agent, updating Articles, or adding members each carry a state fee that varies. Check your state for the current fee. Plan for occasional amendments over time.
Cheapest states for non-US residents
The cheapest state to file in is not always the cheapest state over time — and the wrong choice can cost more than the savings.
| State | Filing fee | Annual fee | State income tax | Privacy | 5-year state cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $102 | $62/yr | None | Strong | ~$350 |
| New Mexico | $52 | $0 | None (out-of-state) | Limited | $52 |
| Delaware | $110 | $400/yr | None (out-of-state) | Moderate | ~$1,710 |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75/yr | None on pass-through | Low | ~$680 |
| Texas | $300 | $0 (most LLCs) | None | Low | $300 |
New Mexico is cheapest long-term but not always the right choice. No annual report fee is appealing, but New Mexico offers weaker privacy than Wyoming and less international recognition. For non-residents banking with Mercury or building a US business reputation, Wyoming's additional $62/year is worth the trade-off. For the full decision framework, see our best state guide for non-US residents.
Wyoming LLC cost for non-US residents — full detail
Wyoming consistently ranks as the best combination of low cost and strong protections for non-resident founders. Here is every cost verified from official sources.
Wyoming LLC — 2026 Verified Cost Breakdown
Wyoming's annual report due date is the first day of the month your LLC was formed — not a calendar year-end deadline. If your LLC was approved April 15, your annual report is due April 1 each year. Set a calendar reminder immediately after formation. If an LLC is dissolved for a missed report, reinstatement carries extra fees.
For the complete Wyoming formation process for non-residents, see the LLC for non-US residents guide and the dedicated Wyoming vs Delaware vs New Mexico comparison.
Total cost by founder type
Real numbers for four common profiles. All Wyoming-based.
Freelancer or consultant
Year 1:: $102 state + $39 Northwest formation (RA included) + $0 EIN = $141 minimum
Annual:: $62 annual report + $125 RA + $200–300 Form 5472 CPA = $387–487/yr
Notes:: No inventory, no US employees. Form 5472 is the primary ongoing compliance cost. Mercury bank account: $0/month.
E-commerce seller
Year 1:: $102 state + $39 Northwest formation (RA included) + $0 EIN + $15–50/mo business address = $321–741
Annual:: $62 annual report + $125 RA + $300–500 Form 5472 + $100–200 bookkeeping = $587–887/yr
Notes:: Sales tax obligations may arise if using US-based fulfillment centers. Budget for US bank account setup — Mercury handles this well for e-commerce.
SaaS founder
Year 1:: $102 state + formation service (RA included) = $300–500
Annual:: $62 annual report + $125 RA + $400–600 tax prep = $587–787/yr
Notes:: Stripe integration is critical — Mercury is the standard for SaaS. LLC taxes remain pass-through by default.
Agency owner
Year 1:: $102 state + formation service (RA included) = $300–600
Annual:: $62 annual report + $125 RA + $500–800 accounting + $400–600 tax = $1,087–1,587/yr
Notes:: Higher revenue typically increases tax complexity. A part-time bookkeeper becomes worthwhile above $50K annual revenue. The LLC cost calculator gives a quick estimate for your specific situation.
How doola changes the cost equation
The headline cost of forming an LLC yourself is lower. But the hidden time cost — navigating IRS fax procedures, preparing Form SS-4 correctly, sequencing the EIN application before bank applications, knowing which documents Mercury needs — often exceeds the service fee.
Doola bundles Articles of Organization, registered agent, EIN support without an SSN, operating agreement, banking setup, and ongoing compliance options including Form 5472. It reduces the coordination required across formation, banking, and tax setup.
The real all-in cost is lower than you think
Add EIN service fees, a CPA for Form 5472, and a business address — doola often costs less than managing every piece separately. And it's done correctly the first time.
DIY vs formation service: honest comparison
The question is not whether to save money but where the actual risk lies. Getting the EIN wrong doesn't cost you $50 — it costs you weeks and delays your bank account. Getting Form 5472 wrong costs $25,000. Getting your Articles of Organization wrong is cheap to fix but annoying. Know which mistakes are expensive before deciding what to outsource.
| Factor | DIY | Northwest + DIY EIN | doola |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formation cost | $102 state only | $102 state + $39 formation (RA year 1) | Service fee + state fee |
| EIN support | Self-file via IRS fax | Self-file via IRS fax | Handled by doola |
| Operating agreement | Free template | Free (NW provides) | Included |
| BOI report | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| Banking guidance | None | None | Included |
| Form 5472 support | Hire CPA separately | Hire CPA separately | Available in compliance plans |
| Time required | High | Medium | Low |
| Error risk | High for first-timers | Medium | Low |
Northwest's $39 package files your Articles of Organization and includes the registered agent for year 1 (then $125/year). It does not include EIN filing for non-residents or tax compliance. See the doola vs Northwest comparison for a side-by-side breakdown of what each covers for non-residents. For the full market overview, see best LLC services.
Common cost mistakes non-resident founders make
- Choosing Delaware for name recognition. Delaware costs about $340/year more in annual state fees than Wyoming. Unless you're raising VC funding, that premium serves no purpose for most non-residents.
- Missing the annual report deadline. Wyoming can administratively dissolve an LLC that misses its annual report, and reinstatement has its own fees. Check the Wyoming Secretary of State for the current process. Set your reminder the day your LLC is approved.
- Not budgeting for Form 5472. This $200–500/year CPA cost doesn't disappear until your LLC is dissolved. It applies even in years with zero revenue. Budget for it from Year 1.
- Paying for an "expedited EIN." Phone and fax are already the fast routes. A service adds convenience, not a faster IRS channel.
- Using the RA address as a business address. This gets Mercury bank applications rejected. Your registered agent address and business address are separate things — and Mercury's rules say a registered agent address does not qualify.
- Ignoring bookkeeping until tax time. Paying a bookkeeper $100/month throughout the year costs less than paying a CPA $500–800 to reconstruct transactions in April — and errors on Form 5472 trigger a $25,000 IRS penalty.
- Assuming a no-income-tax state eliminates all US tax obligations. Federal obligations — including Form 5472 and potentially Form 1040-NR for US-source income — apply regardless of which state you form in.
- Dissolving and re-forming to avoid annual fees. Some founders try closing the LLC each year and reforming to skip the annual report. This creates a new EIN obligation every time, resets banking relationships, and costs more in formation fees than the annual report saves.
Year 1, Wyoming, formation service: $300–500 plus $200–500 for Form 5472 CPA. Year 2: $160–190 state fees and RA renewal, plus $200–500 ongoing compliance. Total 2-year cost: $800–1,700 for a properly formed and compliant foreign-owned LLC. Form 5472 is the single biggest hidden expense — budget for it from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a US LLC cost for non-US residents?
The minimum is approximately $141 in Wyoming: $102 state filing and Northwest's $39 formation service, which includes the registered agent for year 1 (EIN is free from the IRS). With a formation service, expect $300–500 for Year 1. Annual costs run $161–187 in Wyoming plus $200–500 for Form 5472 CPA preparation — mandatory for foreign-owned single-member LLCs. Total realistic 2-year cost: $800–1,700.
Is Wyoming the cheapest state to form an LLC?
New Mexico is cheaper — $52 to file and $0 in annual fees, making 5-year state costs just $52. Wyoming costs $102 to file and $62/year, totaling approximately $350 over 5 years. However, Wyoming offers stronger privacy and better international recognition. Delaware is the most expensive at $110 to file plus a $400/year LLC tax — about $1,710 over 5 years.
Is an EIN free for non-US residents?
Yes. The IRS does not charge for EIN issuance. Non-residents apply by fax (Form SS-4) or by calling the IRS international line — both are free. Third-party services charge $50–200 to prepare and submit the same fax but have no faster channel to the IRS. The IRS timing depends on the method (phone, fax or mail), not on whether you use a service.
Do non-US residents need a registered agent?
Yes — every US LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the formation state. Non-residents cannot serve as their own agent without a US state address. Commercial RA services fill this role. Northwest Registered Agent charges $125/year (included in year 1 when it forms your LLC) ; its address is for public filings, and banks have their own address rules.
What annual fees do non-residents pay for a US LLC?
In Wyoming: $62 annual report + $99–125 RA = $161–187. Add $200–500 for Form 5472 CPA preparation (mandatory for foreign-owned single-member LLCs). In Delaware: $400 annual LLC tax + RA = $499+ minimum. In New Mexico: $0 annual report, RA only ($99–125). Total realistic annual cost in state and agent fees: $161–187 in Wyoming and $99–125 in New Mexico (plus $200–500 Form 5472 in both cases).
Is Delaware more expensive than Wyoming?
Significantly. Delaware: $110 to form + $400/year LLC tax. Wyoming: $102 to form + $62/year annual report. Over 5 years: Delaware costs ~$1,710 in state fees; Wyoming costs ~$350. Delaware only makes sense if you need VC-compatible structure or access to Delaware's Court of Chancery for complex governance matters. For most non-resident business operations, Wyoming is the clear financial winner.
Can I form a US LLC myself as a non-resident?
Yes. File Articles of Organization through the state's online portal, appoint a registered agent, apply for your EIN using the method available to international applicants, and use an operating agreement suited to your business. A U.S.-formed LLC is currently exempt from BOI reporting. International applicants can use Form SS-4 by fax or mail and may also apply by telephone if they have no legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office in the United States or its territories.
What is the cheapest way to start a US LLC as a non-resident?
Form in New Mexico ($52 filing, $0 annual fees), use a registered agent service such as Northwest, which currently renews at $125/year, apply for your EIN via IRS fax (free), and use a free operating agreement template. Confirm the live formation offer and state checkout total; the current registered agent renewal is $125/year. Note: New Mexico has weaker privacy than Wyoming. You still owe Form 5472 annually as a foreign-owned LLC regardless of state — budget $200–500/year for that compliance cost.
Are there hidden fees when forming a US LLC?
Two costs commonly catch non-residents off guard: (1) professional help with Form 5472 and its pro forma Form 1120 when those filings apply, and (2) a separate business address when required by a banking provider. A U.S.-formed LLC is currently exempt from BOI reporting, so BOI filing should not be added to its formation budget.
How much should I budget for the first year as a non-resident?
Conservative budget for Wyoming: $300–500 for formation (state fee, RA, EIN, operating agreement). Add $200–500 for Form 5472 CPA preparation and $0–600 for a business address if needed. Total first-year budget: $500–1,200 covers formation, banking compliance, and the first tax filing. Budget $300–600/year from Year 2 for annual report, RA renewal, and Form 5472.
Does doola include EIN support for non-residents?
Yes. doola's formation packages include EIN application as part of the service. doola submits Form SS-4 to the IRS on your behalf — no SSN required. The IRS timing still depends on the method used, but doola manages the submission, tracking and document delivery. Their compliance packages also cover Form 5472 filing — the most expensive annual compliance item for foreign-owned LLCs.
Do I need accounting services for my non-resident LLC?
Not legally required, but practically necessary if your LLC has business activity. Clean bookkeeping is needed to prepare Form 5472 accurately. Basic bookkeeping software (Wave, QuickBooks Simple Start) costs $0–30/month. A US CPA for annual tax preparation: $300–800/year. Without ongoing bookkeeping, CPA fees for reconstructing records are significantly higher — and errors on Form 5472 trigger a $25,000 IRS penalty.
How much does a virtual address cost for a US LLC?
Virtual address and mailbox prices vary by provider and plan, and a bank may not accept one as your operating address. Read the bank's address rules first, then compare providers in our virtual business address guide.
Can I reduce my annual LLC costs as a non-resident?
Yes — within limits. Choose a state whose filing and recurring fees suit your actual business, apply for your EIN directly from the IRS at no charge, and use a suitable free operating agreement template. U.S.-formed LLCs are currently exempt from BOI reporting. Do not cut corners on tax filings such as Form 5472 when they apply; the IRS can assess substantial penalties for incomplete or late filings.
What happens if I don't pay annual LLC fees?
Your LLC loses good standing and risks administrative dissolution. Wyoming can administratively dissolve an LLC that misses its annual report, and reinstatement has its own fees. Delaware charges a $200 penalty for late franchise tax. Missing Form 5472 triggers a $25,000 IRS penalty per year. Annual compliance is non-negotiable.