Best LLC formation services for non-residents in 2026
The cheapest headline price is rarely the cheapest company to run. We compare the five services non-US founders use most on what matters over three years.
Our picks
- Best overall for non-US solo founders: doola — built for international founders, registered agent and US address included.
- Best for venture-backed startups: Stripe Atlas — Delaware C-Corp path, one-time $500.
- Best bundled back-office: Firstbase — address, mail and banking help, but price in the required agent.
- Best for privacy and New Mexico: Northwest Registered Agent.
- Cheapest to start: Bizee — if you will handle the EIN and Form 5472 yourself.
Side-by-side comparison
| doola | Firstbase | Stripe Atlas | Bizee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formation price | $297/yr (Starter) | $399 | $500 one-time | $0 |
| State filing fee | Extra | Check package | Included (Delaware) | Extra |
| Registered agent | Included while subscribed | $299/yr, required | Year 1 included, then $100/yr | Free year 1, then $149/yr |
| EIN without SSN | Included | Included | Included | Flow assumes an SSN |
| Wyoming available | Yes | Yes | No (Delaware only) | Yes |
| Form 5472 / federal filing | In Tax & Compliance plan ($1,999/yr) | $899/yr add-on (single-member LLC) | Not included | Not offered |
| Banking | Guidance (Mercury, Relay) | Guidance (Mercury, Relay) | Partner application | None |
| Approx. 3-year total* | ~$6,200 with tax plan | ~$4,200 with tax add-on | ~$2,800–5,500 with outside accountant | ~$1,400–4,100 with outside accountant |
*Three-year totals as estimated by Global Solo (Wyoming LLC where available, including federal filings). Your own number depends on the state and on who files your Form 5472 — run the calculator.
1. doola — best overall for non-US solo founders
doola is a subscription platform designed around founders outside the US. The Starter plan bundles formation, EIN, registered agent and a US business address, and higher tiers add bookkeeping and the annual federal filings, including Form 5472.
Pros
- Built for non-residents, no SSN needed
- Registered agent and address included
- One provider can handle Form 5472
Cons
- Subscription, not one-time
- Full compliance plan is expensive ($1,999/yr)
- State fees extra
2. Firstbase — best bundled back-office
Firstbase forms LLCs and C-Corps (including in Wyoming) and sells add-ons for mail, address and compliance. The $399 entry price does not include the registered agent, which is required at $299 per year per state.
Pros
- Clean EIN-without-SSN process
- Mailroom, address and banking help
- Tax add-on for single-member LLCs
Cons
- Required $299/yr agent raises the real price
- Add-ons add up quickly
Check Firstbase's current plans
3. Stripe Atlas — best for venture-backed startups
Atlas is a one-time $500 product focused on Delaware companies, with the state fee and first-year registered agent included. It is the standard path for founders who plan to raise from US investors, but it does not handle your yearly federal filings, and Delaware's $400 annual LLC tax still applies.
Pros
- One-time price, Stripe ecosystem
- Investor-friendly Delaware setup
Cons
- Delaware only — costliest state to maintain
- No tax or Form 5472 support
- Bank approval not guaranteed
4. Northwest Registered Agent — best for privacy and New Mexico
Northwest is a long-established registered agent and formation company known for keeping owners' details off public records. It is one of the few large providers that forms New Mexico LLCs, the cheapest state to maintain. Check its site for current formation and agent prices.
See Northwest Registered Agent
5. Bizee — cheapest to start
Bizee charges $0 plus the state fee and gives a free registered agent for the first year ($149/yr after). It is built for US residents: its EIN process assumes an SSN and it does not file Form 5472, so non-residents need to handle both separately.
Which one should you choose?
| Your situation | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Solo founder, selling services or digital products worldwide | doola (Wyoming), or Bizee/Northwest + your own accountant if you want to minimise cost |
| Raising money from US investors | Stripe Atlas (Delaware C-Corp) |
| You want the lowest yearly state cost | New Mexico via Northwest |
| You need a US address, mail scanning and banking help | Firstbase or doola |