Contents
- 1 📋 Quick Formation Guide
- 2 💰 Wyoming State Taxes Explained
- 3 🏦 Opening a US Bank Account
- 4 🛡️ Privacy Comparison: Wyoming vs Other States
- 5 ⚔️ Wyoming vs. Delaware vs. New Mexico
- 6 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📋 Quick Formation Guide
Forming an LLC in Wyoming is the fastest and most private option for non-US residents. This state pioneered the LLC structure in 1977 and remains the gold standard for asset protection and anonymity.
✅ Why Wyoming Wins for Non-Residents
- Zero state income tax – Keep 100% of your profits
- No franchise tax – Just $60/year to maintain
- Anonymous ownership – Your name stays off public records
- Immediate processing – Approved in 1-3 business days
- Strong asset protection – Charging order protection built-in
🚀 Step 1: Choose Your LLC Name
Your Wyoming LLC name must follow these rules:
- Must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”
- Cannot use restricted words like “Bank”, “Insurance”, or “University”
- Must be unique (not already registered in Wyoming)
Pro Tip: Check name availability instantly on the Wyoming Secretary of State website.
Example: “Global Ventures LLC” ✅ | “Wyoming State Bank LLC” ❌
📍 Step 2: Get a Registered Agent (Required)
Wyoming law requires every LLC to have a physical address in the state with someone available during business hours to receive legal documents.
⚠️ The Non-Resident Problem
You cannot use:
- Your home address in another country
- A PO Box
- A virtual mailbox service
You need a real Wyoming address with a registered agent service.
🏆 Our Recommended Solution: Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent has a physical office in Cheyenne, Wyoming and specializes in privacy for non-residents. They guarantee:
- ✅ Your name stays off public records
- ✅ Instant document scanning & email forwarding
- ✅ $125/year (includes registered agent + compliance alerts)
- ✅ No upsells or hidden fees
Get Your Wyoming Registered Agent →
📝 Step 3: File Articles of Organization
This is the official document that creates your LLC. You have two options:
Option A: DIY Filing ($100 State Fee Only)
- Go to Wyoming Business Center
- Fill out the “Articles of Organization” form
- Pay $100 via credit card
- Wait 1-3 days for approval
⚠️ Warning: If you file yourself, your personal name will appear on the public filing. Not recommended if you want privacy.
Option B: Professional Service ($100 + Service Fee)
Northwest Registered Agent can file on your behalf using their address as the organizer. Your name never appears publicly.
This is the method used by: Asset protection attorneys, crypto holders, and privacy-focused entrepreneurs.
🆔 Step 4: Get Your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
After Wyoming approves your LLC, you need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. This is your LLC’s Social Security Number for tax purposes.
🛂 No Visa Required
You do NOT need a US Visa, SSN, or ITIN to get an EIN. You can apply as a foreign citizen using your passport.
Non-residents have two options:
- Apply by fax – Fill out Form SS-4 and fax to the IRS (takes 4-6 weeks)
- Use a service – Northwest can get your EIN in 1-2 days
👉 Read our complete EIN guide for non-residents
📄 Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement
Wyoming doesn’t legally require an Operating Agreement, but you absolutely need one for:
- ✅ Opening a US bank account (Mercury, Wise, etc. require it)
- ✅ Protecting your liability shield in court
- ✅ Defining ownership percentages if you have partners
What to include:
- Member names and ownership %
- Profit distribution rules
- Management structure (member-managed vs manager-managed)
- Dissolution procedures
Northwest includes a customizable Operating Agreement template with their formation service.
💰 Wyoming State Taxes Explained
For Non-Residents (Good News!)
- State Income Tax: 0% ✅
- Franchise Tax: None ✅
- Sales Tax: 5.36% (only if you have physical presence in Wyoming)
What you actually pay:
- If your LLC is foreign-owned and operates 100% outside the US: $0 US taxes (not even federal income tax)
- If you have US clients: You file Form 1040-NR and pay federal tax only on US-sourced income
👉 Read our complete tax guide for non-resident LLCs
Annual Compliance Costs
Wyoming has the lowest ongoing costs of any state:
| Item | Cost | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $60 | First day of your anniversary month |
| Registered Agent | $125 | Annual renewal |
| Total Annual Cost | $185/year | — |
💡 No surprises: Wyoming has no franchise tax, no minimum revenue requirements, and no publication requirements (unlike New York).
🏦 Opening a US Bank Account
The best digital banks for Wyoming LLCs are:
1. Mercury (Most Popular)
- ✅ 100% online application
- ✅ No minimum balance or monthly fees
- ✅ Accepts non-resident Wyoming LLCs
- ⚠️ Requires US-sourced revenue
2. Wise Business (For International Payments)
- ✅ Multi-currency accounts (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
- ✅ Low international transfer fees
- ✅ Easy approval for Wyoming LLCs
3. Relay Bank
- ✅ Up to 20 checking accounts (great for organizing funds)
- ✅ No foreign transaction fees
Documents banks will ask for:
- Certificate of Organization (from Wyoming)
- EIN Confirmation Letter (from IRS)
- Operating Agreement
- Your passport + proof of address
🛡️ Privacy Comparison: Wyoming vs Other States
| Privacy Question | Wyoming | Delaware | California |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are member names public? | NO ✅ | NO ✅ | YES ❌ |
| Are manager names public? | NO ✅ | YES ❌ | YES ❌ |
| Can I use a virtual address? | YES ✅ | YES ✅ | YES ✅ |
| Annual franchise tax? | $0 ✅ | $300 ⚠️ | $800 ❌ |
Verdict: Wyoming offers the best privacy-to-cost ratio for non-residents.
⚔️ Wyoming vs. Delaware vs. New Mexico
Choose Wyoming if:
- You prioritize privacy and anonymity
- You want the lowest annual costs
- You’re doing e-commerce, consulting, or crypto
Choose Delaware if:
- You’re raising venture capital
- You plan to go public (IPO) someday
- You need the Court of Chancery for disputes
Choose New Mexico if:
- You want even more privacy (no annual report = less paper trail)
- You don’t mind slower processing (2-3 weeks)
👉 Still deciding? Compare all 50 states side-by-side
❓ Frequently Asked Questions