The Best Registered Agent Services for Non-US Residents (2026)
You need a physical address in the USA to protect your privacy and stay legal. Here are the top 3 services that scan your documents online.
| Service | Price/Year | Best For | Privacy | Rating | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Northwest
Top Pick
|
$125 | Privacy & Non-Residents | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 9.8/10 | Read Review → |
|
ZenBusiness
|
$199* | Brand New Businesses | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 8.5/10 | Read Review → |
|
Bizee
(formerly Incfile)
|
$119 | Budget Shoppers | ⭐⭐⭐ | 7.5/10 | Read Review → |
📋 What's Covered in This Guide
Forming a US LLC as a non-resident comes with a unique challenge: you need a physical US address to receive legal documents, but you don't live there. That's where a registered agent becomes not just helpful, but legally required.
Every state mandates that your LLC have a registered agent with a physical street address (no P.O. boxes) available during business hours to accept service of process—legal documents like lawsuits, subpoenas, and government notices. If you're in Spain, Argentina, or India, you can't fulfill this requirement yourself.
But here's where it gets tricky: not all registered agent services are designed for international entrepreneurs. Most cater to US residents who just need a compliance placeholder. What you need is a service that:
- Scans documents immediately and sends them via email (not snail mail to your country)
- Protects your privacy by using their address instead of exposing your home address in public databases
- Doesn't sell your data to marketing partners who will spam you with "business credit card" offers
- Offers a clean online dashboard you can access from anywhere in the world
We've tested 10+ registered agent services over the past 3 years—forming real LLCs, monitoring scanning speed, checking privacy policies, and analyzing pricing structures. This guide breaks down the top 3 services that specifically cater to non-US residents.
Quick Answer: Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) is our #1 pick for privacy and same-day scanning. ZenBusiness ($199/year) wins on modern UX and branding tools. Bizee ($119/year) is cheapest but comes with tradeoffs.
Below, you'll find in-depth reviews, pricing breakdowns, and honest warnings about services to avoid.
How We Tested These Services 🔬
This isn't a list compiled from Google searches. We actually used these services for real LLCs across multiple states. Here's our testing process:
Step 1: Real LLC Formations
We formed 5 LLCs across Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico using different registered agent services. This gave us firsthand experience with their onboarding, document delivery, and customer support.
Step 2: Document Scanning Speed Test
We mailed test documents (legal letters, IRS notices, random junk mail) to each service's address and measured:
- Time from arrival to scan notification: How fast do you get the email?
- PDF quality: Are documents readable? Can you download/print them?
- Coverage: Do they scan only lawsuits, or everything?
Results: Northwest averaged 4.2 hours. ZenBusiness averaged 1.5 days. Bizee averaged 3 days.
Step 3: Privacy Audit
We monitored our email inboxes and phone numbers for 12 months to check if services sold our data. We also verified if our home addresses appeared in public LLC databases.
Results: Northwest and ZenBusiness had zero spam. Bizee had 3 "partner" emails in Year 1.
Step 4: Customer Support Testing
We contacted each service 3 times via:
- Email (general questions)
- Phone (urgent scanning requests)
- Live chat (dashboard help)
Results: Northwest answered phones in 2 minutes, emails in 6 hours. ZenBusiness had longer phone waits (8 min) but excellent chat. Bizee was slowest (12+ hours for email).
Step 5: Long-Term Cost Analysis
We calculated 5-year total cost including:
- Year 1 promotional pricing
- Renewal rates (where the gotchas happen)
- Hidden fees (scanning charges, forwarding, etc.)
Conclusion: Every recommendation in this guide is backed by real-world testing, not affiliate commissions or marketing materials.
What is a Registered Agent? 🤷♂️
Think of a Registered Agent as your official liaison with the US government. They are a person or business designated to receive legal documents (Service of Process) and official government correspondence on your behalf.
⚖️ The Simple Definition
They receive lawsuits, tax forms, and state letters for you. If the police or a court needs to find you, they go to your Registered Agent first.
Why Non-Residents Desperately Need One
If you live in the US, you could be your own agent (though it's risky). But for entrepreneurs in Europe, Latin America, or Asia, hiring a service is mandatory for three reasons:
1. The Law (Physical Presence)
State laws require the agent to be physically present at a street address in the state during normal business hours (9 AM - 5 PM). Since you don't live there, you cannot fulfill this requirement.
2. Logistics (You Are Far Away)
You need someone to receive the mail and immediately let you know. You can't wait for a letter to cross the ocean.
3. Privacy (Shield Your Address)
The Registered Agent's address is public record. Using a professional service keeps your personal home address off the public database, protecting you from junk mail and scammers.
The "Non-Resident" Criteria (How We Ranked Them) 🏆
Not all registered agents are created equal. Most are designed for US locals who just need a compliance placeholder. For international founders, we ranked these services based on three vital factors:
-
📱 Digital Scanning (Crucial)
Most agents only scan "Service of Process" (lawsuits). As a non-resident, you need a service that scans everything (including debit cards and random state notices). Northwest is the leader here.
-
🔒 Privacy by Default
Some "cheap" agents sell your data to partners. We only recommend services that treat your data with respect and don't use it as a revenue stream.
-
💻 Online Dashboard
Since you are managing this remotely, the web interface must be modern, fast, and easy to use from anywhere in the world.
The Top 3 Ranking (Detailed Reviews)
#1 Northwest Registered Agent
🥇 Best Overall & PrivacyWhy Northwest Dominates for Non-Residents
Northwest Registered Agent isn't just another registered agent service—they're the gold standard for international entrepreneurs who value privacy and speed. Founded in 1998, they've spent 27 years perfecting ONE thing: being a registered agent. No upsells for logo makers, no website builders, no tax prep packages. Just reliable, privacy-focused registered agent service.
Key Features:
- Same-Day Scanning: Documents arrive at their office and are scanned within 4-6 hours (not 3 days like competitors). You get an instant email notification with a downloadable PDF.
- 5 Free Scans/Year: Most agents only scan lawsuits (Service of Process). Northwest scans up to 5 additional documents per year for free—perfect for IRS letters, state notices, or bank correspondence.
- Address Shielding: They use their address on your LLC formation documents whenever legally possible, keeping your home address in your country off public databases.
- No Data Selling: Unlike VC-funded competitors (ZenBusiness raised $55M), Northwest is family-owned and doesn't sell your email/phone to "marketing partners."
- Expert Support: When you call, you speak with trained LLC specialists (not offshore call centers). Average wait time: 2 minutes.
Pricing Breakdown:
$125/year, flat rate. No promotional tricks. What you see is what you pay. Over 5 years, you'll spend $625 total.
Best For:
- Non-US residents who need fast, reliable scanning
- Privacy-conscious entrepreneurs (digital nomads, e-commerce sellers)
- Long-term LLC owners (5+ years) who value stability
- Amazon FBA sellers needing a US business address
Not Ideal For:
- Startups on ultra-tight budgets testing an idea for 12 months (Bizee's $0 Year 1 might be better short-term)
- Companies wanting bundled services (website, email, tax prep) in one place
#2 ZenBusiness
🥈 Best for Branding & UXThe Modern, All-in-One Option
ZenBusiness is what happens when a tech startup enters the registered agent space. They offer the most polished, modern dashboard in the industry—think Notion or Stripe-level UX. If you want to handle your LLC, domain registration, business email, and website builder all in one platform, ZenBusiness delivers.
Key Features:
- Best-in-Class Dashboard: Clean, intuitive interface accessible from mobile/desktop. Documents are organized by category with search functionality.
- Scanning Speed: 1-2 business days (slower than Northwest but faster than Bizee). They scan Service of Process immediately, but regular mail takes longer.
- Bundled Tools: Get a business website builder, email setup assistance, domain registration, and worry-free compliance reminders—all included in higher-tier plans.
- Banking Help: They have partnerships with Mercury, Relay, and other digital banks to streamline account opening for non-residents.
Pricing Breakdown:
$199/year for standalone registered agent service. Their Pro plan ($349/year) includes website builder, compliance calendar, and premium support.
Over 5 years: $995 for basic service (significantly more expensive than Northwest).
Best For:
- New businesses wanting an "all-in-one" solution
- Founders who value modern UX and mobile-first design
- Companies planning to use their website builder and branding tools
Not Ideal For:
- Privacy purists (they have VC funding and more aggressive upselling)
- Budget-conscious entrepreneurs (nearly 2x the cost of Northwest)
- People who just want a registered agent and nothing else
#3 Bizee (formerly Incfile)
🥉 Best for BudgetThe "$0 LLC Formation" Option
Bizee (rebranded from Incfile in 2023) is famous for one thing: their $0 LLC formation packages. You only pay state filing fees, and they include a free year of registered agent service. It's the go-to choice for entrepreneurs testing business ideas with minimal upfront investment.
Key Features:
- $0 First Year: Form your LLC and get registered agent service for free (you only pay state fees: $50-150 depending on state).
- Renewal: $119/year: After Year 1, you're charged $119/year—still cheaper than Northwest or ZenBusiness.
- Scanning Speed: 2-3 business days (slowest of the top 3). They prioritize lawsuits but regular mail takes time.
- 50-State Coverage: Operates in all 50 states with consistent pricing.
Pricing Breakdown:
Year 1: $0 (with LLC formation). Years 2+: $119/year. Over 5 years: $476 total.
The Trade-Offs:
- Data Selling: Bizee's privacy policy allows them to share your info with "trusted partners." Expect marketing emails for business credit cards, accounting software, etc.
- Slower Support: Email responses take 12-24 hours (vs. 6 hours for Northwest). Phone support can have long wait times.
- Aggressive Upsells: Their dashboard constantly promotes add-on services (tax prep, bookkeeping, business credit).
Best For:
- Ultra-budget startups testing an MVP for 12 months
- Entrepreneurs who don't mind promotional emails
- People who plan to switch to Northwest/ZenBusiness once profitable
Not Ideal For:
- Privacy-focused entrepreneurs
- Non-residents who need fast scanning (3-day delay can cause issues)
- Long-term businesses (Northwest is better value after 3+ years)
Honorable Mentions: Other Services We Tested 🏅
While Northwest, ZenBusiness, and Bizee are our top 3, here are 4 other services worth considering depending on your specific needs:
4. LegalZoom ($299/year)
Best for: People who trust big brand names and need legal consultations.
LegalZoom is the 800-pound gorilla—huge brand recognition from TV ads. Their registered agent service costs $299/year (2.4x more expensive than Northwest) but includes access to their legal consultation network. If you anticipate needing attorney advice beyond just LLC formation, the premium might be worth it.
Why it didn't make Top 3: Way too expensive for just registered agent service. You're paying for brand name, not better features.
Score: 7/10
5. Harbor Compliance ($119/year)
Best for: Multi-state businesses needing compliance tracking.
Harbor Compliance specializes in businesses operating in multiple states (called "foreign qualification"). If your LLC is formed in Wyoming but you have physical operations in California, you'll need registered agents in both states. Harbor manages this complexity with a compliance calendar that tracks deadlines across all states.
Why it didn't make Top 3: Most non-residents only operate in one state. Harbor is overkill unless you have physical offices/employees in multiple states.
Score: 7.5/10 for multi-state, 6/10 for single-state
6. Registered Agents Inc ($125/year)
Best for: People who want Northwest-level quality with slightly different state coverage.
Very similar to Northwest—privacy-focused, no data selling, same-day scanning. The main difference is their customer support is slightly less responsive (10-hour email responses vs. 6 hours). If Northwest is sold out in your state (rare), Registered Agents Inc is the next best option.
Why it didn't make Top 3: Northwest does everything this service does, but better.
Score: 8/10
7. CorpNet ($129/year)
Best for: Corporations (not LLCs) and complex business structures.
CorpNet focuses on C-Corps and S-Corps more than LLCs. If you're forming a Delaware C-Corp to seek VC funding (not an LLC), CorpNet understands corporate compliance better than consumer-focused services like ZenBusiness. However, their scanning speed is mediocre (2-3 days) and they don't specialize in non-resident needs.
Why it didn't make Top 3: This guide focuses on LLCs, not corporations.
Score: 6.5/10 for LLCs, 8/10 for C-Corps
Bottom Line: Unless you have very specific needs (multi-state operations, legal consultations, C-Corp formation), stick with our Top 3. They offer the best combination of price, speed, and privacy for non-resident LLC owners.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison 📊
Beyond price, here's how the top 3 services compare across critical features for non-residents:
| Feature | Northwest | ZenBusiness | Bizee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $125 (flat) | $199 | $119 (after free year) |
| Scanning Speed | 4-6 hours (same-day) | 1-2 business days | 2-3 business days |
| Free Mail Scans/Year | 5 documents | 0 (lawsuits only) | 0 (lawsuits only) |
| Privacy Rating | Excellent (no data selling) | Good (some upsells) | Fair (shares with partners) |
| Phone Support | Yes (2 min wait) | Yes (8 min wait) | Yes (15+ min wait) |
| Live Chat | No | Yes | Limited hours |
| Dashboard Quality | Simple, functional | Modern, beautiful | Dated, cluttered |
| Mail Forwarding | Available (extra fee) | Available (extra fee) | Available (extra fee) |
| State Coverage | All 50 states | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Years in Business | 27 years (since 1998) | 8 years (since 2017) | 20 years (since 2004) |
| Extra Tools | None (focused) | Website, email, domain | Business credit, bookkeeping |
| 5-Year Total Cost | $625 | $995 | $476 |
What This Means for You:
- If speed matters most: Northwest's 4-6 hour scanning beats everyone.
- If you want modern UX: ZenBusiness has the best dashboard and mobile experience.
- If budget is tight: Bizee saves you $149 over 5 years vs. Northwest (but you sacrifice privacy and speed).
For most international entrepreneurs, the $125/year Northwest investment pays for itself in peace of mind. When you're managing a business from another continent, same-day scanning and privacy protection aren't luxuries—they're necessities.
Why "Cheap" Agents Are Dangerous ⚠️
You will see ads for Registered Agents charging $39 or $49 per year. Stay away.
Here is how they trick you:
- Hidden Fees: They charge $39 upfront, but then bill you $15 for every single document they scan.
- Data Selling: They make money by selling your email and phone number to "partners" (spammers).
- Slow Snail Mail: Some don't even scan. They forward the physical letter to your country, which takes weeks and costs extra postage.
The Verdict: Stick to reputable companies like Northwest ($125) or ZenBusiness ($199). The peace of mind is worth the extra cost.
5 Common Mistakes When Choosing a Registered Agent ⚠️
❌ Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Year 1 Price Only
Bizee advertises "$0 LLC + Free Registered Agent!" but you'll pay $119/year starting Year 2. Over 5 years, Northwest ($625) is only $149 more expensive than Bizee ($476)—and you get better privacy and faster scanning.
Fix: Calculate 5-year total cost, not just Year 1.
❌ Mistake #2: Using a Virtual Mailbox Instead
Services like iPostal1 or Anytime Mailbox are NOT registered agents. They can't legally accept service of process (lawsuits). You need BOTH: a registered agent for legal compliance + a virtual mailbox for general business mail.
Fix: Use Northwest for legal documents, pair with a virtual mailbox for bank cards/packages. Read our virtual mailbox guide.
❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring Scanning Speed
If you're 8 hours ahead in Europe or Asia, a 3-day scanning delay means you could miss legal response deadlines. Northwest's same-day scanning ensures you see documents the same business day they arrive.
Fix: Ask specific questions: "What's your average scan-to-email time?" Don't accept vague "we scan documents" answers.
❌ Mistake #4: Forgetting to Update Contact Info
If you change your email or phone number and don't update it in the dashboard, you won't receive scan notifications. This has caused entrepreneurs to miss lawsuit deadlines.
Fix: Set a calendar reminder every 6 months to verify your contact details are current.
❌ Mistake #5: Not Understanding "Change of Agent" Fees
If you switch registered agents later, most states charge $20-50 to file a "Change of Agent" form. Some services (like Northwest) cover this fee if you switch TO them. Factor this into your decision if you're currently with a cheap service and considering an upgrade.
Fix: Choose the right service from Day 1 to avoid switching hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Registered Agent later?
Yes. You can file a "Change of Agent" form with your state. There is usually a fee ($20-$50). Northwest often covers this fee if you switch to them.
Do I need an agent in Delaware AND Wyoming?
You only need a Registered Agent in the state where your LLC is formed (e.g., Wyoming) and any state where you register as a "Foreign LLC" to do business physically.
What happens if I stop paying my Registered Agent?
If you stop paying, the agent will resign. The state will then be notified that you have no agent. If you don't appoint a new one quickly (usually within 30-60 days), the state will "administratively dissolve" (shut down) your LLC, and you will lose your liability protection.
Can I use a Virtual Mailbox as my Registered Agent?
Usually, no. Most Virtual Mailboxes (like Earth Class Mail or Anytime Mailbox) are not authorized to accept Service of Process. You need a dedicated Registered Agent service for legal compliance, and a Virtual Mailbox for general business mail.
Does the Registered Agent help with my annual tax return?
No. A Registered Agent only handles legal mail and state compliance notifications. They are not accountants. You will need a separate CPA or tax service to handle your IRS filings.
What happens if my Registered Agent receives a lawsuit?
They will immediately scan the legal documents and email them to you (usually within 4-6 hours for Northwest). You then have a limited time to respond (typically 20-30 days depending on your state). You should consult with an attorney immediately to avoid a default judgment.
Can my Registered Agent also be my business address?
Technically yes, but it's not always ideal. Some banks and payment processors (like Stripe) prefer you have a separate business address for correspondence. Consider using a Virtual Mailbox for general mail and your Registered Agent only for legal documents.
Do I need a different Registered Agent for each LLC?
If you have multiple LLCs in the same state, you can use the same registered agent for all of them. However, you'll pay the annual fee for each LLC separately (e.g., 3 Wyoming LLCs with Northwest = $375/year total).
Looking for more specific state guides? Check out our Wyoming LLC Guide, Delaware LLC Guide, or New Mexico LLC Guide.
Secure Your Privacy Today
Don't let your home address become public record. Choose the service that protects non-residents best.