Wyoming vs Delaware LLC: Which Is Better for Non-Residents?
Wyoming or Delaware? For non-US residents forming an LLC, the right state matters. This guide compares costs, taxes, privacy, banking access, and Stripe compatibility — with a clear recommendation for most international founders.
Published by HynoGo — US LLC & UK LTD Formation for Non-Residents — From Anywhere.. Dedicated corporate formation, international taxation, and business compliance intelligence for cross-border founders.
Why the state matters for non-residents
When forming a US LLC as a non-resident, you can register in any US state regardless of where you live or do business. Two states dominate: Wyoming and Delaware. Each has distinct advantages, and choosing the wrong one can cost you money annually or complicate your banking and compliance.
The good news: for most international entrepreneurs, the right choice is clear.
Wyoming LLC — the non-resident default
Wyoming is the most popular choice for non-US residents for several reasons. First, it has zero state income tax. Second, the annual maintenance fee is just $60 — the lowest of any major formation state. Third, Wyoming offers some of the strongest LLC privacy protections in the US: member names do not appear in publicly accessible state filings.
Wyoming also does not require an operating agreement to be publicly filed, and there is no minimum capital requirement. It is simple, cheap, and private — exactly what most international founders need.
- Annual state fee: $60/year
- State income tax: None
- Member privacy: Strong (names not in public filings)
- Best for: Freelancers, agencies, SaaS, payment access, digital businesses
- Formation speed: ~2 business days
Delaware LLC — for venture-track startups
Delaware is the home of US corporate law. More than 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware, and it is the preferred state for startups planning to raise US venture capital. Delaware's Court of Chancery provides the most predictable and sophisticated case law for business disputes.
However, Delaware's annual fees are significantly higher: the minimum Franchise Tax is $300/year for LLCs, compared to Wyoming's $60. Delaware also requires a registered agent and annual report filing.
- Annual state fee: $300+ (LLC franchise tax)
- State income tax: None for foreign-source income
- Best for: VC-backed startups, US investors, complex equity structures
- Formation speed: ~2–3 business days
Stripe compatibility — does the state matter?
No. Stripe does not differentiate between Wyoming and Delaware LLCs. Both are fully eligible for Stripe merchant accounts. Similarly, Wise Business and Mercury accept both state formations for non-resident owners.
Choose your state based on cost and long-term plans — not payment gateway compatibility.
The verdict for non-residents
- Choose Wyoming if: you are a freelancer, agency owner, SaaS founder, or digital entrepreneur focused on payment access and low costs
- Choose Delaware if: you plan to raise US venture capital or have US investors who require it
- The majority of HynoGo's 5,000+ clients choose Wyoming — it is the right choice for most non-residents
HynoGo supports formation in both states and advises you during onboarding. There is no wrong choice — only the right fit for your situation.
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