How Much Does It Really Cost to Start an LLC as a Non-Resident?
The state filing fee alone runs $100 to $110 in Wyoming or Delaware, the two states most non-resident founders pick. That number alone will not get you a working LLC. By the time you have an EIN, a registered agent, and a US bank account ready to receive payments, budget $499 to $700 for year one, and $209 to $449 a year after that, depending on the state and whether you need an ITIN.
One-time: state filing
$100–$110 depending on the state. The only cost that is legally unavoidable.
One-time: EIN
$0 from the IRS directly. Non-residents apply by phone, fax, or mail instead of online.
Recurring: registered agent + state fee
$209–$449/year depending on the state, starting in year 2.
The Only Mandatory Cost: State Filing Fee
Every US state charges a fee to file an LLC, and it is the one cost you cannot legally avoid. Below are Wyoming and Delaware, the two states OpenEntity uses for most non-resident clients. For the full comparison, including privacy and bank recognition, see the best-state guide for non-residents.
| State | Filing fee | Annual fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $100 mail / $104 online | $60/year | Cheapest recurring cost, strong privacy |
| Delaware | $110 online | $300/year | Preferred by US venture investors |
Both figures are confirmed directly against the Wyoming Secretary of State fee schedule and Delaware's annual tax page and August 2026 filing fee schedule. Florida and other states charge different amounts, but we only put a precise number in front of you once we can confirm it against an official source.
EIN: Free From the IRS, But Not Simple for Everyone
The Form SS-4 that gets you an EIN carries no IRS filing fee. The catch for non-residents is that the fast online path only works with an SSN, so most apply by phone, fax, or mail instead. It is slower, not more expensive. See our full EIN-without-an-SSN guide for timing.
ITIN: Only If You Actually Need One
Form W-7 for an ITIN is also free from the IRS. The common confusion is assuming an ITIN is a prerequisite for forming the LLC or getting its EIN. It is not: the foreign responsible party simply writes "Foreign" on Form SS-4. An ITIN only becomes useful later, for certain personal tax filings, not as a formation step.
Registered Agent: The One Recurring Requirement
Every state requires an LLC to keep a registered agent with a physical address inside the state to receive legal mail. This line does not go away. It is a recurring annual cost for the life of the entity. OpenEntity's $499 package includes year one, then $149/year after that, which sits within typical market range.
The Costs Non-Resident Founders Specifically Hit
This is the layer most generic guides skip, because they are written for US residents. The first thing non-resident founders run into: a registered agent's address is usually not set up to receive your personal mail or packages, so a separate virtual address is often needed, especially before opening an account that asks for proof of address.
The second: opening a US bank account remotely as a non-resident takes longer than a domestic account opening and can require extra verification documents. That is not a direct fee, but it is time and effort worth planning for before your first expected payment.
Year 2 and Beyond: The Real Annual Number
After year one, you pay the state's annual fee plus registered agent renewal together: about $209/year for a Wyoming LLC ($60 + $149), or about $449/year for a Delaware LLC ($300 + $149). See the pricing page for the full breakdown with no hidden line items.
Total Cost by Scenario
| Scenario | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bootstrapped, Wyoming LLC, no ITIN | $499 formation, then $209/year |
| Delaware LLC, planning to raise venture capital | $499 formation, then $449/year |
| Wyoming LLC, plus an ITIN for personal filings | $499 formation + ITIN processing, then $209/year |
The practical takeaway: most non-resident founders pay $499 to get running, then $209 a year after that. Pick Delaware only when raising US venture capital is an actual plan, not a distant maybe.
LLC Costs — FAQ
What is the absolute minimum cost to form a US LLC?
The state filing fee alone: $104 online in Wyoming, or $110 in Delaware. That gets you a filed Certificate of Formation and nothing else — no EIN, no registered agent for year 2, no bank account. Most non-resident founders need at least the EIN and a registered agent to actually use the LLC.
Do I need an ITIN to start an LLC?
No, not to form the LLC or get its EIN. The IRS assigns EINs to foreign responsible parties who write "Foreign" on Form SS-4 instead of an SSN or ITIN. An ITIN only becomes relevant later, for certain personal US tax filings — budget for it separately, if and when you actually need one.
Is Wyoming or Delaware cheaper for a non-resident LLC?
Wyoming, on every recurring line: $60/year state fee versus Delaware's $300/year, on top of similar registered agent costs. Delaware mainly earns its higher cost back for founders planning to raise priced venture capital, where investors expect Delaware paperwork.
Are there hidden costs non-resident founders forget to budget for?
The two that catch people out: a US mailing address (your registered agent's address usually is not set up to receive personal mail or packages, so a separate virtual address is common) and the time cost of EIN processing without an SSN, which runs weeks longer than the domestic online path.
What does OpenEntity's $499 include, and what does it leave out?
It includes state filing, your EIN, a registered agent for year 1, and a US banking introduction. It does not include the state's annual renewal fee starting year 2, an ITIN if you need one, or tax return preparation. See the pricing page for the full breakdown.
Start Your US LLC at a Clear Price, No Surprises
OpenEntity files your LLC and gets your EIN, registered agent, and banking introduction in year one for $499, with no hidden fees. Remote-friendly for UAE and Gulf founders.
Check if I qualify — free, 60 secondsDisclaimer: OpenEntity is a private business formation and consulting firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. The figures here are general information for educational purposes, and state and IRS fees can change. Always verify against the official source and consult a qualified tax advisor before acting.