Best state for an LLC as a non-resident
If you don't live or operate in the US, you can form your LLC in any state. The choice mostly comes down to yearly cost, privacy and whether you plan to raise investment.
Quick answer
Wyoming is the best all-round choice for most non-residents: low fees, strong LLC law, owner privacy, and supported by most formation services. New Mexico is the cheapest to maintain. Choose Delaware only if you plan to raise venture capital or convert to a C-Corp.
State fees compared (2026)
| State | Formation fee | Yearly state cost | When due | Owner privacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 minimum | 1st day of anniversary month | Members not on public filings |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 | No annual report | Members not required on Articles |
| Delaware | $110 | $400 annual LLC tax | June 1 | Members not on public filings |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | May 1 ($400 late fee) | Members/managers public |
Sources: Wyoming fees, New Mexico fees (verified Oct 2026), Delaware and Florida fee schedules (Aug 2026). Registered agent fees (about $50–300/yr) are extra in every state. Always confirm on the Secretary of State's site.
Wyoming: the default for most non-residents
Wyoming combines a $100 formation fee, a $60 minimum yearly license tax (for LLCs with under $300,000 of assets in the state), no state income tax and a mature LLC statute. It does not require member names on public filings, and nearly every formation service supports it.
New Mexico: lowest yearly cost
New Mexico charges $50 to form and nothing after that: no annual report and no franchise tax for pass-through LLCs. The trade-offs: its LLC law is less tested in court, and fewer services form there. Northwest does; Atlas does not, and independent trackers report that Firstbase and doola do not either — check before you choose a service.
Delaware: only if you're raising money
Delaware's courts and corporate law are the standard for venture-backed companies. For a single-member LLC selling services or products, that advantage rarely matters, and the $400 yearly tax makes it the most expensive of the four.
Florida and your "home" state
Florida has no structural advantage for non-residents. If you actually live or run operations in a US state, you will usually need to register there anyway — speak to a local professional.