Open a Delaware LLC from anywhere in the world
The state of choice for venture-backed startups. Trusted business law and the standard setup for US investors.
Delaware LLC overview
A Delaware LLC is the most internationally recognised US business entity. More than 60% of Fortune 500 companies and the vast majority of venture-backed startups are formed in Delaware, thanks to its specialised business court (the Court of Chancery) and decades of predictable case law. For founders planning to raise capital from US investors, list on a US exchange or operate at scale, Delaware is the safest default. Delaware also offers strong privacy, flexible LLC operating agreements and no state income tax on income earned outside the state.
Delaware LLC pricing
One flat package price. Everything below is included.
- Total package
- $349 + state fee
- State filing fee
- $110 (state)
What you get
- Company name availability search
- LLC registration in Delaware with Articles of Organization
- EIN (IRS tax ID) with official confirmation letter
- Delaware Registered Agent service for 1 year
- Business mailing address (Registered Agent's address) for 1 year
- Mail scanning service
- Initial Operating Agreement draft
- Free US business bank account opening assistance
- Stripe and PayPal setup guidance
- Lifetime support over WhatsApp and email
Timeline
Why form your LLC in Delaware?
Almost every US VC, angel and accelerator is used to investing in Delaware entities.
A specialised business court with no juries and decades of precise corporate case law.
Delaware allows highly flexible LLC operating agreements, including series LLCs.
A Delaware entity is recognised, trusted and accepted by banks and partners worldwide.
Delaware does not require members or managers to be listed in public filings.
Delaware does not tax LLC income earned outside Delaware.
Who is Delaware best for?
- Founders planning to raise venture capital from US investors
- Startups planning to convert the LLC to a C-corp later
- Holding companies and series LLC structures
- Founders who want the most globally recognised US entity
- Cross-border businesses with US partners or clients
Taxes and compliance
- Delaware charges a flat $300 annual franchise tax on LLCs.
- No Delaware state income tax on income earned outside Delaware.
- Federal IRS filings still apply (Form 5472 + 1120 for foreign-owned single-member LLCs).
- We can refer you to specialised US accountants for cross-border tax planning.
Ongoing Delaware LLC requirements
$300 flat annual franchise tax, due June 1 each year.
You must maintain a Delaware Registered Agent at all times.
BOI filing, IRS Form 5472 + 1120 (for foreign-owned SMLLCs) and other federal filings as applicable.
Delaware LLC and EIN timeline
In Delaware, the State authorities take up to 10 business days to approve the LLC filing. Once the company is approved, the EIN is the next step. And you can choose how fast you want it.
EIN processing options
The IRS usually assigns the EIN within 10 to 12 days. Timing can vary slightly with IRS workload. This is the most commonly used option and what we recommend for the vast majority of clients.
Need your EIN urgently? We can apply through the IRS international (foreign) line and obtain your EIN together with the 147C verification letter in less than 3 business days.
How it works
Pick the Delaware LLC plan that fits your goals.
Quick 5-minute form. We do the paperwork.
Receive formation docs, EIN and operating agreement.
Delaware LLC: frequently asked questions
Why do US startups choose Delaware?+
Delaware has the most developed business law in the United States. Investors, lawyers and banks are all comfortable with Delaware entities, which makes fundraising and partnerships smoother.
Is Delaware good for non-US residents?+
Yes, especially if you plan to raise from US investors or want the most globally recognised US entity. For pure online businesses with no fundraising plans, Wyoming is often cheaper.
How much does a Delaware LLC cost per year?+
Delaware charges a $300 annual franchise tax, plus your Registered Agent fee (from $79/year with us). That is the standard ongoing state cost.
Do I need a US address for a Delaware LLC?+
No. We provide the Delaware Registered Agent address. You can use your real foreign address as your personal contact.
Can I open a US bank account with a Delaware LLC?+
Yes. Delaware LLCs are accepted by Mercury, Relay, Wise, Brex and most US fintech banks. We assist with the application.
Will Stripe and PayPal accept a Delaware LLC?+
Yes. Delaware LLCs are a standard, well-recognised setup for Stripe, PayPal, Wise and other payment processors.
Can I convert my Delaware LLC to a C-corp later?+
Yes. Delaware makes LLC-to-C-corp conversions straightforward, which is one reason fundraising founders start with Delaware.
Wyoming vs Delaware: which should I pick?+
Pick Wyoming for the lowest cost, strongest privacy and simple online businesses. Pick Delaware if you plan to raise from US investors or need the most prestigious US entity.
Do I have to pay US federal taxes?+
It depends on your activity. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs with no US trade or business often pay no US federal income tax, but must file Form 5472 + 1120 annually.
How long does formation take?+
Standard Delaware LLC formation takes 1 to 5 business days. The EIN typically takes another 5 to 15 days.
A few things to know
- State filing fees are billed separately and set by each state.
- Processing times depend on the state and the IRS and can vary.
- We cannot guarantee approval of any third-party bank or payment processor.
- We are not a law firm or accounting firm. Information is for general guidance only.