Home › State comparison
Wyoming vs Delaware LLC for non-residents is the most common state question we hear. Wyoming is usually cheaper to keep, Delaware is more familiar to investors. Here is how to decide.
Wyoming suits most solo freelancers and small online businesses because the filing fee is $100 and annual costs stay low. Delaware suits founders planning to raise venture money or convert to a corporation, though it adds a $400 annual LLC tax due June 1. Neither state is best for everyone.
Verified figures only — sources are listed at the foot of this page.
$100
$60 minimum, due in the anniversary month
$400, due June 1
Check current fee at corp.delaware.gov
None at state level
October 2026
Both states let non-residents own an LLC with no visa and no SSN. Both require a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The real differences are cost, reputation and how you plan to grow.
In short, Wyoming wins on running cost and simplicity. Delaware wins on recognition among investors and lawyers. For a freelancer billing clients from Pakistan, the extra Delaware cost rarely buys anything.
Wyoming charges $100 to file. Each year you file an annual report with a minimum of $60, or a small percentage of Wyoming assets if that is greater. It is due on the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month.
Delaware sets its own formation fees, so check the current figure on corp.delaware.gov. The annual LLC tax is $400 and is due June 1. Add the registered agent fee in either state, which is yearly after the first year.
Over several years, the gap adds up. A Delaware LLC costs more to keep alive even if you earn nothing, since the tax applies regardless.
Wyoming is often described as privacy-friendly, but you should be careful with that claim. Public filings, banks and federal rules may still require your information in other places. Privacy depends on what each filing asks for and on current reporting rules, including FinCEN requirements that have changed. Check fincen.gov for the latest.
Delaware has a long-established body of business law and a specialized court for business disputes. That track record matters most to companies with investors, partners or complex ownership. A small solo LLC seldom needs it.
Choose Wyoming if you are a solo founder or small team, you sell services or digital products online, and you want the lowest recurring cost. It is also a practical pick if you do not plan to raise outside capital soon.
Wyoming has no state personal income tax, though that does not remove federal rules or your home-country tax duties.
Choose Delaware if you expect to raise venture funding, issue shares to several investors, or later convert the business into a C corporation. Many investors and lawyers are used to Delaware documents, which can make deals smoother.
If that is you, ask whether an LLC is even the right entity. Our guide on LLC vs C corp for non-residents covers it. Delaware itself is also fine for a freelancer who accepts the extra yearly cost.
Founders often assume one state helps with Stripe, Wise or Payoneer approval. We have no evidence of that. Each provider reviews your business, documents and activity, and decisions are theirs alone. State choice alone does not guarantee approval anywhere.
Pick the state for cost and growth plans. Then focus on clean paperwork, a real business description and a consistent address across all documents.
Ask three questions. Will I raise investor money in the next two years? Do I want the lowest yearly cost? Do I need the legal depth Delaware offers? If the answers are no, yes, no, Wyoming is the usual fit. If the first answer is yes, Delaware deserves a serious look. FenFile can file in either state, with state fees extra and shown before payment.
Keep these ready and our team will guide you through the rest.
From first message to done — with updates at every stage.
Decide whether you want low cost or investor readiness.
Add the annual report or tax plus registered agent fees for each state.
Confirm current fees at sos.wyo.gov and corp.delaware.gov.
Appoint a registered agent and submit the formation document.
Pick a plan, pay once, and let our team handle the rest.
Solo founders launching their first US company
one-time + state filing fee
Founders who need to get paid and bank in the US
one-time + state filing fee
Full launch with brand, website and support
one-time + state filing fee
Talk to a FenFile advisor — we’ll point you to the right one.
Can’t find your answer? Our team replies on WhatsApp and email.
Usually yes. Wyoming has a $100 filing fee and a $60 minimum annual report, while Delaware has a $400 annual LLC tax plus its own formation fee. Registered agent fees apply in both states.
Not strictly, but many investors prefer Delaware entities, and most venture deals use a Delaware C corporation. If you plan to raise capital, speak to a lawyer before choosing.
Yes. Neither state requires US residency, a visa or an SSN to form an LLC. You do need a registered agent with a physical address in the state you choose.
Wyoming has no state personal income tax. That does not remove federal reporting or your home-country tax duties, so ask a qualified adviser what applies to your situation.
Neither state guarantees Stripe approval. Stripe decides on its own review of your business, and it does not support Pakistan-based businesses directly. Focus on documents and a legitimate business model.
It is possible through a conversion or by forming a new entity, but it takes paperwork and fees. If you think you may need Delaware soon, it can be cheaper to start there.
A Wyoming LLC for non-residents is a low-cost way to get a US company with light…
A Delaware LLC for non-residents is popular with founders who plan to raise mone…
LLC vs C corp for non-residents comes down to your goals. An LLC is simpler and …
Written by the FenFile team · Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Join founders from Pakistan and beyond who started their US business with FenFile.
Chat with the FenFile team on WhatsApp. We usually reply within business hours (Pakistan time).
Start chat →