Starting a Wyoming LLC as a Non-U.S. Resident: Business Types and Costs Explained
As a non-U.S. resident, launching a business in the U.S. through a Wyoming LLC is a smart move due to its low costs, privacy protections, and no state income tax. Wyoming is ideal for various business models, each with unique setup, tax, and maintenance requirements. Every business goes through three phases: Formation and Set-Up, Tax Filing, and Yearly Maintenance. In this guide, we outline five common business types you can operate under a Wyoming LLC and break down the costs and compliance needs for each, with a special focus on Amazon FBA and dropshipping for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Types of Businesses You Can Run with a Wyoming LLC
Non-U.S. residents can leverage a Wyoming LLC for diverse business models, each with distinct operational and compliance needs:
Digital Business (No Physical Presence, Office, Inventory, or Employees): Online businesses like digital marketing, consulting, or e-commerce without U.S.-based offices, inventory, or staff. Operates remotely with minimal compliance.
Physical Business (With Inventory, Office, or Employees in Wyoming): Businesses with a Wyoming-based warehouse, office, or employees, requiring asset-based reporting but benefiting from no state income tax.
Amazon FBA (Physical Inventory in Amazon Warehouses): Selling products via Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program, with inventory stored in Amazon’s U.S. warehouses across multiple states, triggering multi-state compliance.
Wyoming LLC with Inventory in Another U.S. State (e.g., Texas): A Wyoming LLC with physical assets (e.g., a warehouse) in another state, requiring foreign registration and additional state taxes.
Dropshipping: Selling products online without holding inventory, relying on third-party suppliers to fulfill orders, typically with no U.S. physical presence.
we detail the costs and requirements for each scenario across the three phases.
Scenario 1: Digital Business (No Physical Presence, Office, Inventory, or Employees)
Ideal for digital marketing agencies, freelancers, or e-commerce stores engaging U.S. customers remotely.
Phase 1: Formation & Set-Up
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
State Filing Fee | $100 (one-time) | LLC registration with Wyoming Secretary of State. |
Registered Agent (1st Year) | $50–$100 | Required for non-residents. |
EIN (Employer ID Number) | Free (DIY) or $75 | Needed for banking and taxes; DIY via IRS. |
U.S. Mailing Address (Optional) | $50–$100/year | Virtual mailbox for IRS/bank mail. |
Bank Account Setup (Optional) | $0–$500 | Third-party services for remote setup. |
Total Estimated Cost | $150–$300+ | Excludes optional services. |
Phase 2: Tax Filing
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
IRS Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 | Free (DIY) or $250–$500 | Mandatory for foreign-owned single-member LLCs. |
Federal Income Tax Filing | Varies by income | Applies if earning U.S.-source income. |
Wyoming State Income Tax | $0 | No state income tax. |
Accountant/Tax Filing Help (Optional) | $300–$800/year | Useful for complex filings. |
Total Estimated Cost | $250–$800+ | Depends on income and professional help. |
Phase 3: Yearly Maintenance
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Annual Report Filing | $60+ | $60 minimum; $0.0002 per dollar of Wyoming assets. |
Registered Agent (Ongoing) | $50–$100/year | Required for compliance. |
Virtual Mailbox (Optional) | $50–$100/year | For official mail. |
Foreign Bank Reports (FBAR) | Free or accountant fee | If U.S. bank accounts exceed $10,000. |
Total Estimated Cost | $110–$250+ | Varies with optional services. |
Summary: Expect $150–$300+ for setup, $250–$800+ for taxes, and $110–$250+ for maintenance. Perfect for low-cost, remote operations.
Scenario 2: Physical Business (Inventory, Office, or Employees in Wyoming)
For businesses with a Wyoming-based warehouse, office, or employees, incurring asset-based fees.
Phase 1: Formation & Set-Up
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Wyoming LLC State Filing Fee | $100 (one-time) | Standard registration fee. |
Wyoming Registered Agent | $50–$100/year | Required for non-residents. |
EIN from IRS | Free (DIY) or $75 | For banking and taxes. |
U.S. Mailing Address (Optional) | $50–$100/year | For IRS/bank mail. |
Total Estimated Cost | $200–$375 | One-time setup cost. |
Phase 2: Tax Filing
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
IRS Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 | Free (DIY) or $250–$500 | Required for foreign-owned LLCs. |
Federal Income Tax Filing | Varies by income | If earning U.S.-source income. |
Wyoming State Income Tax | $0 | No state income tax. |
CPA or Tax Preparer (Optional) | $300–$800/year | Recommended for compliance. |
Total Estimated Cost | $250–$1,200+ | Depends on income and professional help. |
Phase 3: Yearly Maintenance
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Wyoming Annual Report | $60 minimum or 0.0002 × asset value | E.g., $500,000 assets = $100/year. |
Wyoming Registered Agent Renewal | $50–$100/year | Required for compliance. |
Virtual Mailbox (Optional) | $50–$100/year | For mail forwarding. |
Federal Reporting (Form 5472) | Free (DIY) or $250–$500 | Required annually. |
Total Estimated Cost | $160–$800+/year | Varies with asset value. |
Summary: Expect $200–$375 for setup, $250–$1,200+ for taxes, and $160–$800+/year for maintenance. Wyoming’s tax-free status is a major plus.
Scenario 3: Amazon FBA (Physical Inventory in Amazon Warehouses)
For non-U.S. residents selling via Amazon FBA, with inventory stored in Amazon’s warehouses across multiple U.S. states, creating a physical presence (nexus).
Phase 1: Formation & Set-Up
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Wyoming LLC State Filing Fee | $100 (one-time) | To form the LLC. |
Wyoming Registered Agent (Year 1) | $50–$100/year | Required for non-residents. |
EIN from IRS | Free (DIY) or $75 | Needed for Amazon Seller Central and taxes. |
U.S. Mailing Address (Optional) | $50–$100/year | For IRS, bank, and Amazon mail. |
Bank Account Setup (Optional) | $0–$500 | For Amazon payouts; services like Mercury help. |
Foreign Registration in States | $50–$500/state (one-time) | For states with Amazon warehouses (e.g., CA, TX). |
Registered Agent in Foreign States | $50–$150/year/state | Required in states with inventory. |
Total Estimated Cost | $250–$1,000+ | Higher due to multi-state registration. |
Phase 2: Tax Filing
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
IRS Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 | Free (DIY) or $250–$500 | Required for foreign-owned LLCs. |
Federal Income Tax Filing | Varies by income | Applies to U.S.-source income. |
Wyoming State Income Tax | $0 | No state income tax. |
Sales Tax Filing | $0–$500+/year | Required in states with inventory; varies by sales. |
State Income/Franchise Tax | $0–$800+/state | Some states impose taxes due to nexus. |
CPA or Tax Preparer (Optional) | $300–$1,000/year | Essential for multi-state compliance. |
Total Estimated Cost | $300–$2,000+ | Complex due to multi-state taxes. |
Phase 3: Yearly Maintenance
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Wyoming Annual Report | $60+ | $60 minimum or 0.0002 × Wyoming assets. |
Wyoming Registered Agent Renewal | $50–$100/year | Required for compliance. |
Foreign State Annual Filing | $50–$800+/state | For states with Amazon inventory. |
Registered Agent in Foreign States | $50–$150/year/state | Needed for each state with nexus. |
Virtual Mailbox (Optional) | $50–$100/year | For IRS and Amazon mail. |
Federal Reporting (Form 5472) | Free (DIY) or $250–$500 | Required annually. |
Foreign Bank Reports (FBAR) | Free or accountant fee | If U.S. accounts exceed $10,000. |
Total Estimated Cost | $250–$1,500+/year | Scales with number of states. |
Summary: Expect $250–$1,000+ for setup, $300–$2,000+ for taxes, and $250–$1,500+/year for maintenance. Multi-state compliance increases costs.
Scenario 4: Wyoming LLC with Inventory in Another U.S. State (e.g., Texas)
For a Wyoming LLC with physical assets (e.g., a warehouse) in another state, requiring foreign registration.
Phase 1: Formation & Set-Up
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Wyoming LLC State Filing Fee | $100 (one-time) | To form the LLC. |
Wyoming Registered Agent (Year 1) | $50–$100/year | Required for non-residents. |
EIN from IRS | Free (DIY) or $75 | For banking and taxes. |
Foreign Registration in Texas | $50–$500 (one-time) | Due to physical presence. |
Registered Agent in Texas | $50–$150/year | Required in Texas. |
Total Estimated Cost | $250–$700+ | Varies by state. |
Phase 2: Tax Filing
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
IRS Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 | Free (DIY) or $250–$500 | Required for foreign-owned LLCs. |
Federal Income Tax | Varies by income | If U.S.-sourced income exists. |
Wyoming State Income Tax | $0 | No state income tax. |
Texas Franchise Tax | $0–$800+ | Applies if revenue exceeds thresholds. |
CPA or Tax Preparer (Optional) | $300–$800/year | Advisable for multi-state compliance. |
Total Estimated Cost | $300–$1,200+ | Varies by state and income. |
Phase 3: Yearly Maintenance
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Wyoming Annual Report | $60+ | $60 minimum or 0.0002 × Wyoming assets. |
Wyoming Registered Agent Renewal | $50–$100/year | Required for compliance. |
Texas Annual Filing | $50–$800+ | Required due to warehouse presence. |
Registered Agent in Texas | $50–$150/year | Needed in Texas. |
Virtual Mailbox (Optional) | $50–$100/year | For IRS/bank mail. |
Total Estimated Cost | $250–$1,200+/year | Varies by state and services. |
Summary: Expect $250–$700+ for setup, $300–$1,200+ for taxes, and $250–$1,200+/year for maintenance. Additional state taxes apply.
Scenario 5: Dropshipping
For non-U.S. residents running a dropshipping business, selling products online without holding inventory, using third-party suppliers.
Phase 1: Formation & Set-Up
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Wyoming LLC State Filing Fee | $100 (one-time) | To form the LLC. |
Wyoming Registered Agent (Year 1) | $50–$100/year | Required for non-residents. |
EIN from IRS | Free (DIY) or $75 | Needed for banking and taxes. |
U.S. Mailing Address (Optional) | $50–$100/year | For IRS/bank mail. |
Bank Account Setup (Optional) | $0–$500 | For payouts; services like Wise help. |
Total Estimated Cost | $150–$300+ | Minimal due to no physical presence. |
Phase 2: Tax Filing
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
IRS Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 | Free (DIY) or $250–$500 | Required for foreign-owned LLCs. |
Federal Income Tax Filing | Varies by income | Applies to U.S.-source income. |
Wyoming State Income Tax | $0 | No state income tax. |
Sales Tax Filing (Rare) | $0–$100/year | Only if nexus via suppliers (uncommon). |
CPA or Tax Preparer (Optional) | $300–$800/year | Useful for compliance. |
Total Estimated Cost | $250–$800+ | Simple due to minimal tax obligations. |
Phase 3: Yearly Maintenance
Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Wyoming Annual Report | $60+ | $60 minimum or 0.0002 × Wyoming assets. |
Wyoming Registered Agent Renewal | $50–$100/year | Required for compliance. |
Virtual Mailbox (Optional) | $50–$100/year | For IRS/bank mail. |
Federal Reporting (Form 5472) | Free (DIY) or $250–$500 | Required annually. |
Foreign Bank Reports (FBAR) | Free or accountant fee | If U.S. accounts exceed $10,000. |
Total Estimated Cost | $110–$250+ | Low due to no physical presence. |
Summary: Expect $150–$300+ for setup, $250–$800+ for taxes, and $110–$250+ for maintenance. Dropshipping is cost-effective and simple.
Key Takeaways for Non-U.S. Residents
- Wyoming’s Advantages: No state income tax, low fees, and privacy make Wyoming perfect for all business types, especially digital and dropshipping.
- Compliance Matters: IRS Form 5472 and Pro Forma 1120 are mandatory for foreign-owned LLCs. Amazon FBA requires multi-state sales tax compliance.
- Business Type Impacts Costs: Digital and dropshipping businesses are cheapest due to no physical presence. Amazon FBA and multi-state operations (e.g., Texas warehouse) are costlier due to additional registrations and taxes.
- Plan for Professionals: A CPA is highly recommended for Amazon FBA and multi-state businesses to handle complex tax filings. DIY is viable for digital and dropshipping.
- Scalability: Start with dropshipping or digital for low risk, then scale to FBA or physical operations as revenue grows.
Final Thoughts
A Wyoming LLC offers non-U.S. residents a flexible, cost-effective way to enter the U.S. market, whether through a digital business, Amazon FBA, dropshipping, or physical operations. Dropshipping and digital businesses are ideal for beginners due to low costs and minimal compliance. Amazon FBA offers high potential but requires careful multi-state tax management. Physical operations in Wyoming or other states suit established businesses but involve higher costs. By understanding the three phases—Formation, Tax Filing, and Yearly Maintenance—you can budget smartly and stay compliant. Consult a CPA or legal expert, especially for FBA or multi-state setups, to navigate U.S. regulations.
Ready to start your U.S. business? Check out the Wyoming Secretary of State website or connect with a registered agent service. Whether you’re dropshipping, selling on Amazon, or building a physical presence, Wyoming is your launchpad to success!