Overview

When forming an LLC in the United States, two services consistently dominate independent reviews: Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness. Both are legitimate, established companies with strong track records. But they serve different types of founders and have meaningfully different approaches to pricing, privacy, and the overall user experience.

In this guide, we compare them across every dimension that matters — price, features, support, privacy, and long-term value — so you can make a fully informed decision.

Company Backgrounds

Northwest Registered Agent was founded in 1998 and is one of the oldest and most respected names in LLC formation. Their core identity is built around privacy: they use their own address on your public filings so your personal information stays off state databases. With over 25 years of experience and 3 million+ filings processed, they are a dependable, proven choice.

ZenBusiness launched in 2015 with a different mission: make LLC formation as affordable and accessible as possible. They built a modern, clean platform and have grown rapidly to become one of the most popular formation services on the market. Their $0 starter plan (plus state fees) makes them the default choice for cost-sensitive founders.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is often the first factor founders consider. Here's how both services stack up:

What this means in practice: ZenBusiness looks cheaper upfront because of its $0 starter plan. But after Year 1, Northwest's $125/year registered agent fee is significantly less expensive than ZenBusiness's $199/year. For founders who plan to maintain their LLC for multiple years, Northwest often costs less in total.

Privacy & Data Protection

This is where Northwest truly differentiates itself. When you form an LLC, the state requires a registered agent address to be listed on public documents. Northwest uses their own address on your filings — not yours. This means your home or business address is kept off public state databases, protecting you from spam, solicitation, and unwanted exposure.

ZenBusiness does not offer the same level of privacy protection. Your information may appear in public records depending on the state and the plan you choose. For founders who work from home or prioritize privacy, this is a significant difference.

Platform & User Experience

ZenBusiness wins on modern design. Their dashboard is clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate. The formation process is streamlined and they've clearly invested heavily in their user interface. If you value a polished digital experience, ZenBusiness delivers it.

Northwest's platform is functional and reliable, but it feels older. The dashboard is straightforward and does everything it needs to do — it's just not as visually refined. Northwest also does not offer a mobile app, while ZenBusiness has made mobile access a priority.

Customer Support

Northwest's support team is frequently praised for their knowledge. Their staff are trained specifically on registered agent and LLC formation matters, not outsourced generalists. Phone and email support are both available and responsive.

ZenBusiness also offers solid customer support and scores well in customer satisfaction surveys. Their support is responsive and generally helpful, though some users have noted variability in quality depending on the complexity of the question.

Upsells & Checkout Experience

ZenBusiness is known for presenting multiple upsell offers during checkout. While each add-on has value individually, the checkout process can feel overwhelming for first-time founders who aren't sure what they need. If you choose ZenBusiness, know going in that you can start with the basic plan and add features later.

Northwest's checkout is comparatively clean. They offer optional add-ons, but the process is notably more straightforward and less aggressive with upselling.

Who Should Choose Northwest?

• Founders who work from home and want personal address privacy
• Those who want a transparent, no-pressure formation process
• LLC owners planning to stay registered long-term (lower annual fees)
• Entrepreneurs who prefer phone support with knowledgeable agents

Who Should Choose ZenBusiness?

• First-time founders on a tight budget who want to minimize upfront costs
• Tech-savvy entrepreneurs who value a modern, app-friendly platform
• Those who want compliance reminders and automated alerts built in
• Founders comfortable navigating upsell offers to find the right plan

Our Verdict

Both services are legitimate, well-reviewed, and capable of forming your LLC correctly. Northwest is our Editor's Choice due to its privacy protections, transparent pricing, lower long-term costs, and experienced team. ZenBusiness is our Best Value pick for those who want to minimize upfront spend and don't mind the checkout upsells.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Forming a US LLC as a non-resident is entirely legal and increasingly common. International entrepreneurs choose US LLCs for access to US payment processors, banking, and the credibility of a US business entity. But the process has unique challenges that domestic founders don't face — which is why choosing the right formation service matters even more.

Can Non-US Residents Form an LLC?

Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to form an LLC in the United States. Non-US residents and non-US citizens can own and operate a US LLC. The most important considerations for international founders are:

• State selection: Most international founders choose Delaware or Wyoming for their favorable laws and privacy protections
• EIN (Employer Identification Number): Required for banking and taxes — the process differs slightly for non-residents
• US bank account: More complex for non-residents but possible with the right service or through fintech alternatives
• Registered agent: Required in the state of formation — all major formation services include this
• Tax obligations: US LLCs owned by non-residents may have US tax filing obligations — always consult a tax professional

Our Top Picks for International Founders

#1 Firstbase — Best Overall for Non-US Founders

Rating: 8.5/10 · Starting at $399 + state fees

Firstbase was purpose-built for international entrepreneurs. Their entire platform is designed around the challenges non-residents face: they provide not just LLC formation, but also EIN acquisition assistance, US mailing address, and — critically — help opening a US business bank account. The banking assistance alone is worth the premium for many founders.

Pros: Specialized international support, banking assistance, all-in-one platform, clear guidance for non-residents
Cons: Significantly higher price than competitors, limited state options (primarily Delaware and Wyoming)

#2 Northwest Registered Agent — Best for Privacy-Conscious International Founders

Rating: 9.2/10 · Starting at $39 + state fees

Northwest does not specialize in international founders, but they handle non-resident formations with no issues and at a much lower price than Firstbase. Their privacy-first approach is especially valuable for international founders who don't want personal information in US public records. EIN assistance is available as an add-on, and their support team is knowledgeable about non-resident requirements.

Pros: Privacy protection, lower cost, experienced team, transparent pricing
Cons: No banking assistance, less guidance on non-resident-specific requirements

#3 ZenBusiness — Best Budget Option for Non-US Residents

Rating: 8.8/10 · Starting at $0 + state fees

ZenBusiness is not designed specifically for international founders, but they do accommodate non-resident formations. The platform is modern and easy to use, and their pricing is the most competitive. The main gap is the absence of banking assistance — international founders will need to arrange US banking independently (through services like Mercury, Relay, or Wise).

Pros: Lowest upfront cost, modern platform, fast processing
Cons: No international-specific support, no banking assistance

Which State Should Non-Residents Choose?

Delaware is the most internationally recognized US state for business. Delaware LLCs are respected by international investors, banks, and payment processors. Delaware has no state income tax for LLCs not doing business within the state, and its legal framework is highly developed.

Wyoming is an increasingly popular alternative. Wyoming LLCs offer strong privacy protections, low annual fees, and no state income tax. Wyoming is particularly popular among founders who want minimal ongoing compliance costs.

For most non-resident entrepreneurs without operations in a specific US state, Delaware or Wyoming are the recommended choices. You do not need to live in or have a physical presence in the state where you form your LLC.

Getting a US Bank Account as a Non-Resident

This is one of the most challenging aspects of forming a US LLC as a non-resident. Traditional US banks typically require an in-person visit. However, several alternatives exist:

• Mercury — Online business banking, no in-person requirement, popular with international founders
• Relay — Business banking with no minimum balance, international-friendly
• Wise Business — Multi-currency account that works with US LLCs
• Firstbase Banking — Integrated banking assistance included in Firstbase's service

Tax Considerations for Non-Resident LLC Owners

⚠ Important: This is not tax advice. Tax obligations for non-resident US LLC owners are complex and depend on your country of residence, the nature of your business, and applicable tax treaties. Always consult a qualified international tax professional.

Generally, a single-member LLC owned by a non-resident is treated as a "disregarded entity" for US tax purposes. Non-residents may have US filing obligations (Form 5472 and Form 1120) even if no US tax is owed. Failure to file can result in significant penalties.

Our Recommendation

If you're a non-US resident forming your first US LLC and want maximum support for the unique challenges involved — particularly banking — Firstbase is worth the premium. If you're experienced with US business formation or comfortable handling banking separately, Northwest Registered Agent offers better long-term value with superior privacy protections.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Why Form a US LLC as a Non-Resident?

Entrepreneurs around the world form US LLCs for a variety of strategic reasons. A US business entity gives you access to US payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Square), US business banking, greater credibility with international clients, and in some cases, more favorable tax treatment depending on your country of residence.

The good news: the process is straightforward, fully legal, and can be completed entirely online without ever visiting the United States.

Step 1: Choose Your State

Your first decision is which US state to form your LLC in. You don't need to live in or have a business presence in that state. The two most popular choices for non-residents are:

• Delaware: The gold standard for US business formation. Delaware has no state income tax for out-of-state businesses, a highly developed legal system (the Court of Chancery), and is the preferred state for investor-backed companies. Annual franchise tax starts at approximately $300.
• Wyoming: A strong alternative to Delaware for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. Wyoming has no state income tax, very low annual fees ($60), strong privacy protections, and does not require disclosure of member names in public records.

For most non-resident founders building online businesses, Wyoming is an excellent, cost-effective choice. Delaware is better if you plan to raise venture capital or require Delaware's specific legal protections.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

Every US LLC is required by law to have a registered agent — a person or company with a physical address in the state of formation who can receive legal documents on your behalf. As a non-resident, you cannot serve as your own registered agent.

All major LLC formation services include registered agent service, at least for the first year. After Year 1, annual registered agent fees typically range from $119 to $299 per year. Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) and Incfile ($119/year) offer the most competitive ongoing rates.

Step 3: Choose and Register Your LLC Name

Your LLC name must be unique within the state and must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" (or an abbreviation). Before choosing a name:

• Search the state's business name database to confirm availability (formation services do this for you)
• Check trademark databases at the USPTO (upsto.gov) to avoid trademark conflicts
• Consider whether the .com domain is available for your business name

Step 4: File Your Articles of Organization

The core formation document for an LLC is called the Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation in some states). This document officially creates your LLC with the state. LLC formation services handle this filing for you.

State filing fees vary: Wyoming charges $100, Delaware charges $90. Some states charge more. Processing times range from same-day (with expedited processing) to 2–4 weeks for standard processing.

Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is your LLC's tax identification number, issued by the IRS. You need an EIN to:

• Open a US business bank account
• File US tax returns
• Hire employees (if applicable)
• Apply for business licenses

US residents can apply online at irs.gov and receive their EIN immediately. Non-residents cannot apply online and must apply by fax (Form SS-4) or phone, which typically takes 4–6 weeks. Many formation services offer EIN assistance as an add-on that handles this process for you — Firstbase includes this in their base package.

Step 6: Create an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is an internal document that outlines how your LLC is managed, ownership percentages, and how decisions are made. While not required in all states, it is strongly recommended as it:

• Establishes your LLC as a separate legal entity from yourself
• Helps maintain limited liability protection
• Is required by most US banks to open a business account
• Prevents disputes in multi-member LLCs

Most formation services provide a basic Operating Agreement template. Northwest, ZenBusiness, and Firstbase all include this.

Step 7: Open a US Business Bank Account

This is the most challenging step for non-residents. Traditional US banks (Chase, Bank of America) typically require an in-person visit. However, several options exist for remote opening:

• Mercury Bank: Online-first business banking, widely used by international founders, no minimum balance
• Relay Finance: No-fee business banking with multi-user access
• Wise Business: Multi-currency accounts with US account details
• Firstbase Banking: Dedicated banking assistance included with Firstbase's formation service

Step 8: Understand Your Ongoing Compliance Requirements

Forming the LLC is just the beginning. Maintaining it requires:

• Annual report / franchise tax: Most states require an annual filing and fee (Wyoming: ~$60/year, Delaware: $300+ franchise tax)
• Registered agent renewal: Annual fee to maintain your registered agent service
• US tax filing: Non-resident LLC owners may have Form 5472 and Form 1120 filing requirements with the IRS — consult a tax professional
• FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report: New requirement as of 2024 — most LLCs must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN

Estimated Total Cost

For a Wyoming LLC using Northwest Registered Agent: approximately $39 (formation) + $100 (Wyoming state fee) + $125 (registered agent Year 2+) = ~$264 in Year 2 and beyond. Year 1 is cheaper since registered agent is included free.

Which Formation Service Should You Use?

For non-residents who want the most support and don't mind paying a premium: Firstbase. For those who want the best long-term value with privacy protections: Northwest Registered Agent. For the lowest possible upfront cost: ZenBusiness.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.