If you’re a business owner who lives outside the United States, you might be thinking about starting a U.S. LLC. But before you do, it’s important to understand what each state offers–especially for non-US business owners.
Two of the most popular choices are Delaware and Wyoming.
You don’t need to live in the U.S. to form a U.S. LLC. You don’t need a visa, Social Security Number, or even U.S. business partners. But the state you choose will impact:
- How much you pay in taxes
- How private your business information stays
- How easy it is to manage your company.
Let’s break down the difference between Delaware and Wyoming, so you can decide which one is best for your business.
Why the State You Choose Matters
Many people think it doesn’t matter where you open your U.S. LLC. But the truth is—it does. Each state has its own rules, costs, and benefits.
Choosing the right state can help you:
- Save money on taxes and yearly fees
- Keep your personal and business information private
- Protect yourself and your company legally
- Attract customers, partners, or investors
Choose the wrong state, and you could end up spending more money, dealing with unnecessary paperwork, or having less legal protection.
Why Non-U.S. Entrepreneurs Choose Delaware
Delaware is one of the most popular states for forming companies–especially large corporations.
Here’s why:
1. Business-Friendly Court System
Delaware has a special court that only handles business cases. Judges are experienced in common law, so cases are handled quickly and fairly.
2. Investor-Friendly
Many investors prefer companies registered in Delaware. If you plan to raise money, Delaware gives your business added credibility.
3. Strong Reputation
Delaware is recognized globally. Other businesses, banks and partners are more likely to take your company seriously if it’s registered there.
But Delaware has some downsides too. It costs more than Wyoming. Every year, you have to pay at least $300 in franchise taxes. And Delaware doesn’t offer as much privacy as Wyoming—you may have to list your name in state records.
Why Non U.S. Entrepreneurs Choose Wyoming
Wyoming is another great state for U.S. LLCs—especially for people who don’t live in the U.S. It’s simple, affordable, and gives you strong privacy protection.
1. No state income tax.
Wyoming doesn’t charge income tax at the state level. So if your LLC doesn’t have employees or a physical office in the U.S., you won’t owe state tax in Wyoming.
2. No franchise tax.
Unlike Delaware, Wyoming doesn’t make you pay a franchise tax every year. That’s a lot of savings for your business!
3. Low yearly fees.
Wyoming’s annual fees to keep your LLC active are very low—only about $60 each year.
4. Strong privacy protection.
Wyoming lets you keep your name and other personal details off public records. This is great if you want your business to remain private.
5. Good protection for single owners.
Even if you’re the only person running your LLC, Wyoming offers strong legal protection. Your personal assets (like your house or car) are kept safe if something happens to your business.
Wyoming is a great choice for online businesses, e-commerce stores, digital agencies, coaches, or freelancers who don’t need outside investment.
What If You Don’t Live in the U.S.?
If you live outside the United States and want to open a U.S. LLC, both Delaware and Wyoming are great options. You don’t need to be a citizen or even travel to the U.S. to do it.
You will need:
- A Registered Agent in the state (this is someone who receives official documents for your business)
- An EIN (Employer Identification Number) to open a U.S. bank account
- A U.S. business address (many services provide one for LLCs)
You can run your business completely online and manage everything from your home Country.
Which State Should You Choose?
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Choose Delaware if you want to raise money from investors or plan to turn your LLC into a C-Corp later on.
- Choose Wyoming if you want to keep costs low, stay private, and run a simple online business without investors.
If you’re unsure, Tony Durante and his team can help you make the right choice based on your goals.
Why Work With Tony Durante LLC?
At TonyDurante.us, we’ve helped hundreds of non-U.S. citizens start U.S. LLCs safely and legally. We don’t just file your paperwork—we walk you through the entire process, including:
- Choosing the best state for your business
- Filing your LLC documents correctly
- Applying for your EIN with the IRS
- Helping you open a U.S. business bank account
- Making sure you stay compliant every year
We make the process fast, legal, and stress-free—so you can focus on growing your business.
Final Thoughts
Both Delaware and Wyoming are great choices for non-U.S. entrepreneurs who want to do business in the United States. But each state has different benefits.
Delaware is best if you’re planning to grow fast, raise money, or work with investors.
Wyoming is ideal if you want a low-cost, private, and simple way to start your U.S. business.
No matter which state you choose, forming a U.S. LLC can help you:
- Access U.S. banking and payment tools
- Build trust with customers
- Protect your personal finances
- Lower your business taxes
- Grow your business internationally
Ready to start US LLC in the right state for your business?
Don’t guess your way through the process–Visit TonyDurante.us to book your free 15-minute call. We’ve helped hundreds of non-US residents start up successful LLCs in the US and we’re ready to transform your business dreams into reality!
