Why Wyoming is the ideal state for non-residents
There are 50 states in the US, but they're not all equal for a non-resident who wants to form an LLC. Wyoming has become the number-one choice for several reasons:
| Criterion | Wyoming | Delaware | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | ✓ None | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Franchise tax | ✓ None | ✗ Yes ($400+) | ✗ Yes |
| Annual fees | ✓ low | ✗ high | medium |
| Member privacy | ✓ Not public | ✗ Partial | ✗ Public |
| Asset protection | ✓ Excellent | Good | Good |
Bottom line: for a non-resident entrepreneur with no physical activity in the US, Wyoming is objectively the best choice. That's why it's the only state we recommend to our clients.
Who can open a US LLC?
The short answer: anyone in the world. There is no nationality or residency requirement to form an LLC in the United States. Whether you're French, Belgian, Canadian, Moroccan or anything else, it's possible.
An LLC is especially advantageous if you live in a territorial-tax country (Paraguay, Panama, Georgia, Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE…): these countries only tax locally-sourced income, so income earned through your US LLC may not be taxed locally. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Documents you'll need to form the LLC
To form a Wyoming LLC, you'll need:
- Your full name and address (does not have to be American)
- Your LLC name (must end in "LLC" or "L.L.C.", and be unique in the state)
- A Registered Agent with a physical address in Wyoming (included in our service)
- Your passport (for obtaining the EIN)
You do not need a personal US address, a Social Security Number, or to be physically present.
The formation steps: in order
Choose your LLC name
Check availability on the Wyoming Secretary of State website. The name must contain "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and not already be in use.
Appoint a Registered Agent
A legal requirement: a person or company with a physical Wyoming address to receive official documents. With our service, the first year is included.
File the Articles of Organization
The founding document of your LLC, filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State. State fee: $100. Standard turnaround: 24-48h.
Get the EIN (federal tax number)
The Employer Identification Number is your Tax ID with the IRS. Essential for opening a US bank account and signing contracts. For non-residents, it takes 4-6 weeks by mail (or a few days by fax).
Draft the Operating Agreement
An internal document defining how your LLC runs (ownership split, member rights, etc.). Not mandatory in Wyoming but strongly recommended.
Open a US bank account
Once you have your EIN, you can open a US bank account remotely. Wise Business (multi-currency) and Relay (USD) are the best options for non-residents.
How much does a Wyoming LLC cost?
Here's the breakdown if you do everything yourself:
- Wyoming filing fee (Articles of Organization): $100
- Registered Agent: an annual renewal (varies by provider)
- Annual Report: a small state filing each year from year 2 onward
- EIN: free (directly via the IRS)
If you use a US formation service, expect $0 to $300 in service fees depending on the package, on top of the state fees.
Don't want to handle it all yourself?
Wyoming LLC done-for-you; you then open your own Wise Business + Relay accounts, guided step by step (recommended banks, detailed guides and chat support). All-in.
The annual obligations you can't forget
A Wyoming LLC is not "set it and forget it". Every year you must:
1. The Annual Report
Filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State each year before the first day of your formation anniversary month. A small state filing. If you skip it, your LLC can be administratively dissolved.
2. The IRS filings
As the foreign owner of a single-member LLC, you must file each year:
- Form 5472: reporting transactions between you and your LLC
- Pro forma 1120: an information return for the IRS
Deadline: by April 15 each year. Penalty for missing it: $25,000 per form. This is the part most people underestimate.
We take care of your annual IRS filings (5472 + 1120). Get my filings in order →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a US visa to form an LLC?
No. Forming and running a US LLC requires no visa, no travel and no presence in the United States.
Can I run multiple activities in one LLC?
Yes. An LLC can carry on several types of activity at once (consulting, e-commerce, trading, etc.) except for certain regulated activities. Always check with a professional for your specific industry.
Do I have to pay tax in the United States?
For a single-member LLC owned by a non-resident with no US-source income and no permanent establishment in the US: generally no. You must still file Forms 5472 + 1120 every year. Always consult a specialized tax advisor for your situation.
How long until my LLC is operational?
LLC formed: 24-48h in Wyoming on standard processing. EIN obtained: 4-6 weeks (by mail) or a few days (by fax). Once your LLC and EIN are ready, you open your US bank account in a few days (recommended banks + chat support). Formation total: about 2 weeks with a service like ours.
Where should you be a tax resident?
If you're a tax resident of a specific country, the treatment of your LLC depends on local rules. A clean pairing is a US LLC combined with residency in a territorial-tax country. See our residency guides by country: starting with Panama (0% tax on foreign income).