Wyoming LLC Pros and Cons & Requirements for Non-Residents

Written by Suzanne Campbell
June 11, 2025
Business, Global Business Expansion, United States

“Wyoming might not be the first place you’d think of when starting a company, but once you understand how it

“Wyoming might not be the first place you’d think of when starting a company, but once you understand how it works, it might just be the smartest.”

Thinking of Starting a Company in Wyoming? Here’s What No One Tells You First.

You’ve probably heard it in a YouTube video or startup forum:

“Form your LLC in Wyoming. It’s cheap, private, and easy!”

And yeah—to be honest—it is.

But here’s the real question:

Does it actually make sense for you? Like, seriously, will it work for you?

Not for influencers. Not for faceless dropshippers. For you—the person who wants to build a real business that lasts.

That’s what we’re going to unpack here. The actual Wyoming LLC pros and cons—not the Pinterest version. If you’re thinking about forming your company here, this blog is your compass.

The Basics: What Makes Wyoming LLCs Attractive?

No state income tax
No annual reporting requirements (for some LLCs)
Low setup and renewal costs
Strong asset protection laws
Privacy—You don’t have to put the identities of members in public records.

And yes, you can start and manage a Wyoming LLC without ever setting foot in the state. That’s why understanding Wyoming LLC non resident requirements is essential for global founders.

Why Do Founders Keep Looking at Wyoming?

For most, it’s not about being in Wyoming. It’s about building a U.S. business that’s low-cost, low-hassle, and high-privacy. If you’ve already explored U.S. company Registration, you know the U.S. offers flexible options.

But Wyoming stands out for very specific reasons:

Simple rules
Low filing fees
No state income tax
Friendly to non-residents
No need to disclose your name publicly

It’s lean. Quiet. And it doesn’t get in your way.

Pros of Forming a Wyoming LLC

Low Cost to Start and Maintain

$100 filing fee
$60 annual fee
No franchise tax
No minimum capital requirements

That’s significantly cheaper than forming in California (see: California LLC Formation Requirements Explained) or maintaining a Delaware franchise tax. These financial perks are a big part of the Wyoming LLC pros and cons equation.

Strong Privacy Laws

Wyoming doesn’t require your name to appear in public records when you form an LLC. Only the registered agent’s info is visible.

If you’re a solo founder, content creator, or just prefer discretion, this matters.

Non-Resident Friendly

You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen—or even live in the US—to form a Wyoming LLC. You just need:

A registered agent in Wyoming
An address for mailing (your agent can generally help)
An EIN (easy with or without an SSN)

Understanding these Wyoming LLC non resident requirements is crucial if you’re starting from abroad.

See: Why Many Foreigners Choose Delaware for Their LLC for a broader comparison, but Wyoming is often more straightforward for those who don’t need investor-ready paperwork.

Asset Protection

Wyoming offers charging order protection for single-member LLCs—something even Delaware doesn’t guarantee.

In short: If someone sues you, they can’t come after your business. And if your business gets into legal trouble, your personal stuff stays safe.

Minimal Reporting Requirements

There’s no annual report that requires names or sensitive ownership info.

Just a flat annual fee, and you’re in good standing.

That makes Wyoming one of the most hands-off states once you’re formed and filed.

But… What Are the Drawbacks?

Let’s not romanticize it. Wyoming’s structure is great, but it’s not perfect for every business model.

You Might Still Owe Taxes in Another State

If you’re living and operating in California, but form an LLC in Wyoming?

California still expects you to register as a foreign entity and pay their fees and taxes.

Wyoming gives you a clean shell. But where you operate determines what else you owe.

Not Great for Fundraising

Most investors, accelerators, and startup law firms want you to incorporate as a Delaware C Corp. Wyoming LLCs:

Can’t issue preferred stock
Don’t support traditional cap tables
Raise questions in institutional fundraising

If you’re scaling, see: S Corp vs C Corp: Which One Should You Choose?

But if you’re bootstrapping, Wyoming still holds up.

Certain Banks and Platforms Might Ask More Questions

Most online banks (like Mercury, Relay) are fine with Wyoming LLCs.

But some old-school banks or B2B platforms may hesitate—especially if you have no physical U.S. address or revenue yet.

Prepare to clarify things during onboarding.

Not sure how Wyoming fits your specific business setup? It’s always a smart move to talk to a business or tax expert before you lock things in.

Who’s Wyoming Best For?

Solo founders
Freelancers and consultants
Non-residents looking for a U.S. business presence
Digital-first businesses (e.g. eCom, coaching, services)
Founders running multiple entities (Wyoming supports Series LLCs—see: What Is a Series LLC and Is It Right for You?)

This group benefits the most from the Wyoming LLC pros and cons approach, especially when cost-efficiency and privacy are top priorities.

But if you’re hiring employees, pitching VCs, or planning to live and work in a specific state, your best choice might look different.

When NOT to Choose Wyoming

A Wyoming LLC isn’t a magic workaround for everyone. You may think of avoiding it if:

You’re physically operating in another state (like California or New York)
You’re hiring employees in a specific state
You’re raising venture capital or issuing shares
You need licensing in a regulated sector (Wyoming doesn’t always speed things up)

In these cases, your legal structure should align with your geographic footprint and future plans.

Do You Need a Business License in Wyoming?

At the state level—no, Wyoming doesn’t require a general business license.

But:

Some cities or counties do (e.g., Cheyenne, Jackson)
If you’re selling products, you’ll probably need a Wyoming sales tax license.
If you’re a non-resident, and it’s a single-member LLC, you may also need to file IRS Form 5472 and 1120 every year

Knowing these Wyoming LLC non resident requirements will help you stay compliant year-round.

These are subtle things many founders miss, but they matter for staying in good standing.

Wyoming vs. Other “Low-Burden” States

You’ve probably heard of New Mexico or Texas as alternatives. Here’s a quick sense of how they compare.

Feature	Wyoming	New Mexico	Texas
Filing Fee	$100	$50	$300
Annual Fee	$60	$0	$0 (but franchise tax applies)
Public Disclosure	Private	Private	Public
Series LLC Option	Yes	No	Yes
Complexity	Low	Low	Medium

If privacy is your top concern, New Mexico is close.

If you need strong infrastructure or plan to hire in the U.S., Texas has better support—but more tax baggage.

Wyoming vs. Delaware LLC

If you are confused between these two states—as people often become—take a glance at this quick comparison table:

Feature	Wyoming	Delaware
Filing Fee	$100	$90
Annual Cost	$60	$300 (franchise tax)
Public Disclosures	Minimal	Basic owner info required
Foreign-Friendly	Very	Yes
VC-Friendly	Not ideal	Preferred by VCs
Series LLC Available	Yes	Yes

If you’re weighing both, here’s how to decide:

Delaware is for visibility. Wyoming is for simplicity.

Final Thought: Wyoming Works. If You Know What You’re Building

Some founders want speed. Others want structure. Some just want to get started without a pile of paperwork waiting every month.

Wyoming lets you do that—quietly, cleanly, and with fewer strings attached.

But it’s not about picking the easiest route. It’s about picking the one that doesn’t get in your way.

If that’s what you need right now? Then you’re not just choosing a state.

You’re choosing breathing room, so you can focus on what actually matters.

FAQs of Wyoming LLC non resident requirements, pros and cons

Can I open a Wyoming LLC if I don’t live in the U.S.?

Yes. Wyoming is one of the most non-resident-friendly states. Here, you can form an LLC from anywhere in the world; you’ll just need a U.S.-based registered agent and an EIN from the IRS.

Do I have to pay income tax in Wyoming?

No. Wyoming doesn’t have a state income tax. But that doesn’t mean you won’t owe taxes elsewhere—if you’re operating in another state or earning U.S. income, federal and local taxes may still apply.

Is a Wyoming LLC completely private?

Pretty close. Your personal name doesn’t appear in the public record—only your registered agent’s info does. That’s what makes it one of the best states for LLCs when it comes to privacy in the U.S.

Can I use a Wyoming LLC to run multiple businesses?

Yes. You can run multiple ventures under one LLC, or you can set up a Series LLC if you want each project to be legally separate. Wyoming supports Series LLCs—but not every state recognizes them, so check your business locations.

How much does it cost each year to maintain a Wyoming LLC?

$60. That’s the annual report fee. No franchise tax. No income tax. Just that one fee, due on your anniversary month each year.

Will I need to register in other states if I operate outside of Wyoming?

Yes—you might. If you’re running your business, hiring, or have a real presence in another state, you’ll likely need to register there as a foreign LLC and follow that state’s tax rules, even if you’re already registered in Wyoming.

Is Wyoming better than Delaware?

It depends on your goal. Wyoming is better for privacy, low costs, and simple businesses. Delaware is better if you’re planning to raise VC money or build a venture-scale startup. See: Delaware vs Wyoming LLC for more.