US LLC formation · for founders anywhere
Form your US LLC from anywhere. Pick the right service the first time.
Plain-English guides and side-by-side reviews of LLC formation services, written for non-US founders, Amazon and Shopify sellers, and freelancers who need a US company.
Our picks
Formation services we recommend
Doola
All-in-one package for founders outside the US: formation, EIN, registered agent and ongoing compliance in one dashboard.
- Best for
- Non-US founders
- EIN without SSN
- Included
Firstbase
Formation plus banking, mailroom and accounting add-ons for international founders building a startup.
- Best for
- Startup founders
- Entity types
- LLC & C-Corp
StartGlobal
Lean formation packages for international entrepreneurs who want a US LLC without paying for extras.
- Best for
- Budget, non-US
- Focus
- International
Inc Authority
Free formation where you pay only the state filing fee. A good fit if you live in the US and want the lowest upfront cost.
- Best for
- US residents
- Service fee
- $0 + state fee
Pricing and inclusions change often. Each review lists current prices and the date we last checked them.
Start here
Which one sounds like you?
I live outside the USWhat a non-resident needs: state, agent, EIN, bank account and tax filings.Non-resident guide →
I sell on Amazon or ShopifyWhy most sellers pick Wyoming or Delaware, and what each costs to keep running.Wyoming vs Delaware →
I live in the USForm in your home state, step by step, with the filing fees and timelines.How to start an LLC →
I already have an LLCSwitch registered agents, file your annual report and stay in good standing.Registered agents →
Head-to-head
State guides
Start an LLC in your state
Filing fees, name rules, registered agent requirements and annual report dates for all 50 states.
Popular with non-US founders
The complete guide
How to start a US LLC as a non-resident in 2026
RebelLink covers every step of forming and running a US limited liability company from outside the United States: picking a state, choosing a formation service, appointing a registered agent, getting an EIN, opening a bank account and staying compliant with the IRS. Below is the short version, with links to the full guides.
Why founders outside the US form an LLC
A US LLC lets you sell to American customers, accept payments through Stripe and PayPal, open a US business bank account and sell on Amazon.com under a US entity. It also separates your personal assets from the business. For a single foreign owner, the LLC is a disregarded entity for US tax purposes, so it usually pays no US federal income tax on income earned outside the US, though it still has filing obligations. Start with our guide to starting a business in the USA as a non-resident, and see single-member vs multi-member LLCs if you have a co-founder.
Choosing the right state
You can form an LLC in any of the 50 states, regardless of where you live. Most non-US founders pick one of three:
- Wyoming: no state income tax, a $60 minimum annual report fee and strong owner privacy. The default choice for e-commerce sellers and freelancers.
- Delaware: the standard for startups that plan to raise money, with a $300 yearly LLC tax. Read Delaware C-Corp or LLC before you decide.
- New Mexico: no annual report for LLCs, which keeps running costs low.
Compare the first two in Wyoming vs Delaware LLC, check total LLC costs and fees, or use the state grid above to open the guide for any state. Before filing, check that your business name is available.
Using a formation service or filing yourself
You can file Articles of Organization with the state yourself, but a formation service handles the filing, registered agent, EIN and compliance reminders in one order, which saves time when you live in another country. Our best LLC formation services comparison ranks the main providers on total first-year cost and support for non-US founders. Read the full reviews of Doola, Firstbase, StartGlobal and Inc Authority, or compare head to head in Firstbase vs Stripe Atlas and ZenBusiness vs Inc Authority. Looking at other options? See Stripe Atlas alternatives and ZenBusiness alternatives.
Appointing a registered agent
Every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in its formation state to receive legal and tax notices. As a non-resident you can’t be your own agent, so you need a service. Compare providers in best registered agent services, or see state-specific picks for Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, California, Texas, Florida and New York.
Getting an EIN, a bank account and payment processing
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your LLC’s federal tax ID. Owners without an SSN apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or let their formation service file it. Our guide to getting an EIN as a foreign national walks through it, and how to request an EIN verification letter (147C) helps when a bank asks for proof. With an EIN you can open a US bank account as a non-resident (see also opening a bank account for an LLC and best banks for small business) and create a US PayPal account.
Taxes and staying compliant
A foreign-owned single-member LLC must file Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 every year, even with no income. Missing it can cost $25,000 per form. Most states also require an LLC annual report to keep the company in good standing. For the tax side, read how LLCs pay taxes, LLC tax status, filing taxes for an LLC with no income and common LLC tax deductions. If you want to trade under another name, see DBA (doing business as). When it’s time to close, follow the state guide, such as dissolving an LLC in Wyoming or in Delaware.
Getting a US business address
Your registered agent’s address receives legal mail, but banks, payment processors and customers often need a separate business address. A virtual mailbox gives you a real US street address and scans your mail online. Compare options in best virtual mailbox services, read Anytime Mailbox vs iPostal1, and learn how to register an LLC with a virtual address.
Ad tools for e-commerce founders
Many readers form an LLC to run an online store. If you advertise on Meta, Google or TikTok, our guides to the best ad spy tools, Facebook ad spy tools and Shopify spy tools help you research competitors, and Facebook ads coupon credits and Google Ads coupons cover free ad credit offers.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-US resident form an LLC in the United States?
Yes. You don’t need to be a US citizen or resident, and you don’t need an SSN or a US visa. You need a registered agent with an address in your formation state, and you can get an EIN from the IRS without an SSN.
Which state is best for a non-resident LLC?
Most non-US founders choose Wyoming for its low yearly cost and no state income tax, or Delaware if they plan to raise venture capital. If you have a physical presence in another state, you usually need to form or register there instead.
How much does it cost to form a US LLC?
You pay a one-time state filing fee, which ranges from about $50 to $500 depending on the state, plus a registered agent (often $0–$150 a year) and any formation service package. Some states also charge a yearly fee or franchise tax.
Do I need an EIN for my LLC?
Yes, in practice. An EIN is needed to open a US bank account, use Stripe or PayPal, hire, and file the yearly Form 5472 and 1120 required of foreign-owned single-member LLCs.
What happens if a foreign-owned LLC doesn’t file Form 5472?
The IRS can charge a $25,000 penalty for each missed or incomplete Form 5472, even if the LLC had no income. It is the most commonly missed filing for non-resident owners.
How we review
Reviews you can check against the source
- Prices from the provider’s own checkout, including state fees and renewal costs, with the date we checked.
- Judged on what non-US founders need: EIN without an SSN, banking help, mail handling and tax filings.
- Clear “not for you if” notes on every review, so you can rule a service out quickly.
- Updated when pricing changes, with the last-updated date at the top of each page.
RebelLink is reader-supported. When you sign up through some links on this site we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not decide which services we recommend. RebelLink is not a law firm and does not give legal or tax advice.