Starting an LLC in the US as an Indian citizen involves many benefits like a large customer base, strong legal protection, and global trust. For Indian entrepreneurs and other non-residents, setting up a company as an LLC in the US is a popular choice. The process is quite simple, but total costs depend on which state you choose and any extra services you might need.
An LLC is a business structure that protects owners’ personal assets from business debts, like a corporation. Profits pass through to the owners, who pay taxes on them individually. It can have one or many owners, including individuals or other businesses. LLCs are called hybrid because they combine features of corporations and simple businesses.
Category |
Details |
Cost (USD) |
Notes |
State Filing Fees |
Delaware |
$90 (one-time) |
No annual report required, only franchise tax |
State Filing Fees |
Wyoming |
$100 (one-time) |
Simple filing process |
State Filing Fees |
Nevada |
$425 (Filing $75 + List $150 + License $200) |
Highest initial cost among the three |
Annual Maintenance |
Delaware Franchise Tax |
$300/year |
Flat fee regardless of income |
Annual Maintenance |
Wyoming Annual Report Fee |
$60/year |
Based on in-state assets |
Annual Maintenance |
Nevada Annual Renewal |
$350/year (List $150 + License $200) |
Mandatory for continued good standing |
Registered Agent |
Required legal representative in the US |
$50 – $300/year |
Often bundled in formation packages |
Virtual Business Address |
Mail forwarding / address for IRS & bank |
$10 – $50/month |
Mandatory for EIN and compliance |
EIN (Employer ID Number) |
Required for taxes, banking, and hiring |
Free (via IRS) or $50–$150 (via service) |
DIY from IRS.gov for free |
US Business Bank Account |
Needed to separate business & personal funds |
Varies |
Physical visit often required; some online options exist |
Professional Services |
Lawyer/CPA/LLC formation support |
$300 – $1,500+ |
Helpful for tax and legal compliance |
Publication Fees |
Required in NY, AZ, NE – Newspaper announcements + state filing |
$100 – $1,000+ + $50 (state fee) |
NY: publish in two newspapers for 6 weeks |
Business License Fees |
Required in regulated industries (finance, alcohol, health, etc.) |
$50 – $500+/year |
Based on state, city, and business type |
State Filing Fees and Annual Maintenance Costs: Each US state has its own fee to start and maintain an LLC. Popular states for Indian entrepreneurs are-
Delaware- (i)LLC filing fee = $90 (ii)Annual franchise tax = $300 (iii)No annual report required
Wyoming- (i)LLC filing fee = $100 (ii)Annual report fee = $60
Nevada- (i)Initial set up = $425( filing 75, initial list 150, business license 200) (ii)Annual renewal = $350
Note: If you don’t pay annual fees or file required reports, your LLC can be suspended or dissolved
Registered Agent and US Business Address: If you don’t live in the US, you must hire a registered agent to receive legal mail for your LLC
Registered Agent Fee- $50 to $300 per year
Virtual Business Address- $10 to $50 per month
Note: Many LLC companies provide both services as part of the package
Getting an EIN(Employer Identification Number): An EIN is like a business PAN number. It is required to-
Pay US taxes
Open a business bank account
Hire Employees
Free if you directly apply via IRS.gov
Paid services charge $50 to $150 if you are a non-resident without a US Social Security Number
Business Bank Account- (i)Most US banks require a personal visit (ii)Some online banks allow remote setup from India
Lawyers/CPAs/LLC setup services- (i)Creating an operating agreement (ii)Filing taxes (iii)Legal advice for compliance
Costs- $300 to $1500, depending on services
1. Publication Fees: Some US states like New York, Nebraska, and Arizona require new LLCs to publish a notice in a local newspaper to announce the business formation. For eg- In New York, you must publish in two newspapers for six weeks in the sector where your LLC is registered. The cost can range from $100 to over $1000, depending on the newspaper. There’s also a $50 state filing fee for submitting the Certificate of Publication.
2. Business License Fees: If your LLC operates in regulated industry like alcohol sales, beauty services, or financial advising, you will likely need a state license or permit. There may be renewal fees as well, which might be charged every year or periodically by state or local authorities to keep your license active.
3. Professional and Legal Fees: You may choose to hire an LLC formation service, lawyer, or accountant to help set up your business in the US. These professionals can assist with preparing and filing LLC documents, explaining tax and legal benefits, submitting tax forms, and meeting state filing requirements.
Starting an LLC in the US as an Indian entrepreneur involves various costs that vary by state and services needed. Key expenses include state filing fees, registered agent charges, and possible professional fees. Additional costs like publication and business licenses may apply depending on your business type and location. In short, careful planning helps manage these costs effectively for a smooth LLC setup.
What is LLC and how to register LLC company in USA?
LLC Benefits in the US for Indian Companies
Registered LLC Penalties Despite No Activity
Right State for US Company Incorporation
1.What is the minimum budget to start a US LLC from India?
At the bare minimum, you’ll need around $300 to $700. This includes:
2. Do US LLC setup costs differ for Indian citizens?
No. Filing and state fees are uniform for all applicants.
However, Indian founders often spend more on:
3. Which US state is the most budget-friendly for Indian entrepreneurs?
4. Are there annual costs to maintain a US LLC?
Yes. Ongoing compliance includes:
5. Can I get an EIN for free or do I need to pay?
You can apply for an EIN free at IRS.gov.
However, if you lack a US Social Security Number, the process is tricky.
Ebizfiling offers EIN filing support for Indian founders at nominal cost.
6. Is a virtual U.S. address mandatory?
Yes — it’s essential to:
7. What hidden costs should I plan for?
In addition to state fees:
Ebizfiling’s checklist helps avoid these surprises during LLC setup.
8. Do I need a lawyer or CPA to form a US LLC from India?
Not mandatory, but it’s advisable for:
9. Should I form the LLC myself or use a service provider?
Using service provider like Ebizfiling helps avoid errors and delays, especially with EIN, documents, and compliance.
10.Can I open a US business bank account without traveling?
Yes — several online banks allow remote account setup for non-residents.
Ebizfiling can guide you through the documentation needed to complete this step from India.
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