For Global Founders

Start your US company online, from anywhere

Form your LLC in the United States with clear guidance, state-by-state information, registered agent options, EIN support, and step-by-step resources for non-residents.

US LLC formation guidance
Non-resident friendly
State-by-state resources
Registered agent support
https://incorify.com/states
WY
Wyoming LLCState Fee: $100
DE
Delaware C-CorpInvestor Choice

Built for founders, freelancers, e-commerce sellers and global entrepreneurs

Fast online process
Transparent guidance
US state comparisons
Affiliate disclosure friendly
How It Works

Everything you need to understand US company formation

Navigate the complexity of starting an LLC with simple, clear-cut guides and reliable partnerships.

LLC Formation

LLC Formation

Forming an LLC protects your personal assets. Discover state filings, articles of organization, and setup costs.

Learn more
EIN Guidance

EIN Guidance

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for banking and tax compliance. Learn how non-residents can apply.

Learn more
Registered Agent

Registered Agent

Every US LLC needs a registered agent in their state of formation. Learn about their role and how to choose one.

Learn more
US Business Address

US Business Address

Get a real US business address to receive mail, open US bank accounts, and establish a professional presence.

Learn more
State Guides

Choose the right state for your LLC

Different states offer different tax rates, filing fees, and privacy protections. Compare the top choices for non-residents.

Most Popular / Low Cost

Wyoming

Best for: Small businesses seeking low annual fees and privacy

Privacy Protection
10/10
Annual Cost Efficiency
10/10
Tax Simplicity
9/10
Banking Friendliness
9/10
Foreign Founder Friendly
10/10
E-commerce Compatibility
9/10
VC Friendliness
4/10
Ease of Maintenance
9/10
Best for Startups & VC

Delaware

Best for: Startups raising venture capital and seeking prestige

Privacy Protection
10/10
Annual Cost Efficiency
5/10
Tax Simplicity
8/10
Banking Friendliness
10/10
Foreign Founder Friendly
9/10
E-commerce Compatibility
9/10
VC Friendliness
10/10
Ease of Maintenance
8/10
Excellent for E-Commerce

Florida

Best for: E-commerce sellers and active traders

Privacy Protection
2/10
Annual Cost Efficiency
7/10
Tax Simplicity
9/10
Banking Friendliness
9/10
Foreign Founder Friendly
8/10
E-commerce Compatibility
10/10
VC Friendliness
5/10
Ease of Maintenance
6/10
Large Domestic Market

Texas

Best for: Companies with physical US operations

Privacy Protection
4/10
Annual Cost Efficiency
9/10
Tax Simplicity
7/10
Banking Friendliness
9/10
Foreign Founder Friendly
8/10
E-commerce Compatibility
9/10
VC Friendliness
6/10
Ease of Maintenance
7/10
Local Business Hub

New York

Best for: Localized consulting and trading

Privacy Protection
8/10
Annual Cost Efficiency
4/10
Tax Simplicity
8/10
Banking Friendliness
9/10
Foreign Founder Friendly
5/10
E-commerce Compatibility
8/10
VC Friendliness
6/10
Ease of Maintenance
8/10
Local Business Hub

Washington

Best for: Businesses seeking no state income tax and modern electronic filing

Privacy Protection
4/10
Annual Cost Efficiency
9/10
Tax Simplicity
8/10
Banking Friendliness
9/10
Foreign Founder Friendly
9/10
E-commerce Compatibility
9/10
VC Friendliness
5/10
Ease of Maintenance
9/10
Local Business Hub

Oregon

Best for: E-commerce founders seeking zero state sales tax

Privacy Protection
4/10
Annual Cost Efficiency
8/10
Tax Simplicity
8/10
Banking Friendliness
9/10
Foreign Founder Friendly
9/10
E-commerce Compatibility
10/10
VC Friendliness
5/10
Ease of Maintenance
9/10
Local Business Hub

California

Best for: High-growth tech businesses requiring local Silicon Valley presence

Privacy Protection
2/10
Annual Cost Efficiency
2/10
Tax Simplicity
6/10
Banking Friendliness
9/10
Foreign Founder Friendly
4/10
E-commerce Compatibility
8/10
VC Friendliness
8/10
Ease of Maintenance
6/10
Local Business Hub

Arizona

Best for: Founders seeking zero recurring state fees and low setup costs

Privacy Protection
4/10
Annual Cost Efficiency
10/10
Tax Simplicity
10/10
Banking Friendliness
9/10
Foreign Founder Friendly
9/10
E-commerce Compatibility
9/10
VC Friendliness
5/10
Ease of Maintenance
10/10
Step-By-Step

How Incorify helps you move from idea to company

We break down the company formation process into simple, actionable steps.

01

Choose your formation path

Assess your business goals, target audience, and select the correct entity structure (LLC or C-Corp).

02

Compare states and requirements

Compare annual fees, maintenance costs, and privacy standards between Wyoming, Delaware, and other states.

03

Prepare your company filing

Organize the necessary paperwork, select a registered agent, and file your Articles of Organization.

04

Get your documents and next steps

Secure your official documents, apply for an EIN, set up a US business bank account, and start operating.

Non-Residents

For non-US residents

Forming a US company is fully legal and possible without setting foot in the United States. Here is what you need to know:

  • 1You do not need to live in the US to form an LLC. Anyone from anywhere in the world can legally own and operate a US business.
  • 2You need a registered agent. A registered agent must have a physical address in the state of formation to receive legal notices.
  • 3EIN, address, banking and tax considerations should be planned carefully. Opening a bank account online requires proper company documents and an EIN.

Legal Disclaimer

Incorify provides educational information and may connect users with third-party providers. We do not provide legal or tax advice.

Compare Methods

Compare popular formation options

See how using Incorify's educational guidance compares to hiring a direct registered agent provider or doing it yourself.

FeatureIncorify GuidanceRegistered Agent ProviderDIY Filing
State comparison
Detailed, objective side-by-side analysis
Limited (Focuses on upselling their services)
No comparison (Must research independently)
Non-resident guidance
Tailored instructions for global founders
Standard filings (Varies by provider)
Complex (Very hard to navigate alone)
EIN support information
Free instructions for non-residents (Form SS-4)
Paid add-on (Usually costs $150+)
Free but requires mailing/faxing to IRS
Registered agent requirement
Helps you choose the best provider objectively
Required to use their in-house service
Must find, contract, and pay a provider manually
Ongoing compliance resources
Annual reminders and clear step-by-step guides
Automated billing for reports (Upsells)
Must track all filing deadlines yourself

State comparison

Incorify GuidanceDetailed, objective side-by-side analysis
Registered Agent ProviderLimited (Focuses on upselling their services)
DIY FilingNo comparison (Must research independently)

Non-resident guidance

Incorify GuidanceTailored instructions for global founders
Registered Agent ProviderStandard filings (Varies by provider)
DIY FilingComplex (Very hard to navigate alone)

EIN support information

Incorify GuidanceFree instructions for non-residents (Form SS-4)
Registered Agent ProviderPaid add-on (Usually costs $150+)
DIY FilingFree but requires mailing/faxing to IRS

Registered agent requirement

Incorify GuidanceHelps you choose the best provider objectively
Registered Agent ProviderRequired to use their in-house service
DIY FilingMust find, contract, and pay a provider manually

Ongoing compliance resources

Incorify GuidanceAnnual reminders and clear step-by-step guides
Registered Agent ProviderAutomated billing for reports (Upsells)
DIY FilingMust track all filing deadlines yourself
Recommended Service

Looking for a registered agent?

Many founders choose established registered agent providers when forming a US LLC. Incorify may review and compare third-party services such as Northwest Registered Agent to help you understand your options.

Some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Resources

Guides for forming and managing a US company

Stay updated with the latest requirements, tax updates, and business tips for your US company.

LLC Basics5 min read

How to start a US LLC as a non-resident

Learn the exact step-by-step process of setting up a US Limited Liability Company from outside the USA.

Read guide
Comparison8 min read

Delaware vs Wyoming LLC: which is better?

A comprehensive breakdown of the two most popular US states for international business owners.

Read comparison
LLC Costs4 min read

How much does it cost to form an LLC?

Calculate the exact initial setup fees and ongoing yearly costs to maintain a US business.

Read breakdown
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get instant answers to the most common questions about forming a US company.

Can a non-US resident form an LLC?

Yes. Anyone of any nationality can form and own a US LLC. There is no residency or citizenship requirement, and you do not need to visit the United States to start your company.

Which state is best for non-residents?

Wyoming and Delaware are the most popular choices. Wyoming is recommended for small businesses, freelancers, and e-commerce sellers due to its low annual fees ($62) and strong privacy. Delaware is ideal for software startups planning to raise venture capital.

Do I need a registered agent?

Yes. Every state requires an LLC to have a Registered Agent with a physical address in that state. They receive official legal documents and state notices on your behalf.

Can I get an EIN without an SSN?

Yes, non-residents can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS without a Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN. This is done by filing Form SS-4 via fax or mail.

Is Incorify a law firm?

No. Incorify is an educational resource and informational platform. We provide guides, tools, and reviews of third-party company formation services. We do not offer legal, financial, or tax advice.

Does Incorify provide tax advice?

No, we do not provide tax advice. US tax rules for non-residents can be complex depending on whether your business is 'Effectively Connected with a US Trade or Business' (ETBUS). We strongly advise consulting with a qualified CPA.

Ready to explore your US company formation options?

Start with state guides, compare requirements, and choose the right path before forming your company.

Formation FolderReady
Articles of Organization
Registered Agent Confirmed
IRS EIN Application