Last verified: June 16, 2026. Prices checked against each provider. General information, not legal advice — see our terms.
Short answer: doola ($297/yr) is the best all-in-one for a typical non-resident — formation, EIN, registered agent, and US address bundled, built specifically for foreign founders. Firstbase ($399 one-time) is the close alternative, startup-leaning, with add-ons billed separately. Stripe Atlas ($500) is worth it if you'll use Stripe and possibly raise VC — but it's Delaware-only and bans crypto. If you're happy to handle the EIN yourself, Northwest ($39 + state fee) is the cheapest entry. The headline price is misleading, though — compare the true non-resident cost (below). Full ranked scores: best LLC formation services for non-residents →.
Formation pricing is built to look cheap. What matters for a non-resident is the all-in first-year cost including the EIN (the step foreigners can't do via the IRS's instant online tool). Watch how the ranking flips:
| Service | Base price | EIN for non-residents | Realistic year-1 cost* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| doola | $297/yr | Included | ~$297 + state fee | All-in-one for non-residents |
| Firstbase | $399 one-time | Included | ~$399 + state fee | One-time fee, startup-leaning |
| Stripe Atlas | $500 one-time | Included | ~$500 (state fee included) | Stripe users / future VC |
| Northwest | $39 one-time | +$200 (no-SSN EIN) | ~$239 + state fee | Cheapest if privacy-focused |
| ZenBusiness | $0 | $99 add-on | ~$99 + state fee | Rock-bottom, US-market generalist |
| Bizee | $0 | $70 add-on | ~$70 + state fee | Rock-bottom, US-market generalist |
*Excludes the state filing fee ($50 New Mexico / $100 Wyoming / $110 Delaware — see the state guide). "Realistic year-1" adds the non-resident EIN where it isn't bundled.
Notice Northwest's famous $39 becomes ~$239 once you add the $200 non-SSN EIN — still cheap, but not the gap the headline implies. And the $0 services (ZenBusiness, Bizee) are cheapest of all if you're comfortable with a more manual, generalist process.
doola is purpose-built for foreign founders. The $297/year Starter bundles formation, EIN (no SSN), registered agent, a US business address, and an operating agreement — the whole stack in one place. It's the lowest-friction "done-for-you" path, and it's crypto-friendly (it even forms DAO LLCs). The trade-off is that it's a recurring $297/year, and deeper tax/bookkeeping (Form 5472 filing) sits in pricier tiers. For most non-residents who want one provider to handle everything, doola is the default. Visit doola →
Firstbase forms an LLC or C-Corp in any state for a $399 one-time fee with EIN included (no SSN/ITIN), and explicitly serves international founders. The difference vs doola: the base is a one-time charge, but the registered agent (~$299/yr) and US address (~$420/yr) are separate add-ons — so model your multi-year cost. Good pick if you prefer a one-off formation fee and a startup posture. Visit Firstbase →
Atlas is the slickest option if it fits your reason: it's ideal when you'll use Stripe payments and may raise venture capital. The $500 one-time fee uniquely includes the Delaware state filing fee plus first-year registered agent, EIN, founder equity issuance, 83(b) filing, and partner perks. Two hard constraints: it's Delaware-only, and it prohibits cryptocurrency businesses. It also doesn't handle the Form 5472 a foreign-owned LLC needs. Choose Atlas deliberately (Stripe/VC), not by reflex. Visit Stripe Atlas →
Northwest's $39 + state fee formation (with a free first year of registered agent and strong privacy) is the cheapest entry — if you handle the EIN. For a non-resident without an SSN, Northwest's EIN add-on is $200 (vs $50 with an SSN), so the realistic first-year cost is ~$239 + state fee. If you'd rather file the EIN yourself for free, follow our EIN without an SSN guide and Northwest becomes genuinely the cheapest. Crypto-friendly. Visit Northwest →
Both offer a $0 base (you pay only the state fee, registered agent free year one), with EIN as an add-on (ZenBusiness ~$99, Bizee ~$70). Both do serve non-residents and provide non-SSN EIN guidance — but they're US-market-first generalists: the no-SSN EIN path is more manual, support isn't specialized for foreign founders, and they don't handle Form 5472. Best if you're cost-driven and comfortable owning the non-resident-specific steps yourself. ZenBusiness → · Bizee →
One more decision before the service: your state. Most non-residents want Wyoming or New Mexico, not Delaware — see Wyoming vs Delaware vs New Mexico. Then use the full ranked formation comparison for the current scores.
These formation services handle filing, registered agent, and EIN for non-US founders.
We may earn a commission if you sign up through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Want the whole path mapped out? Grab the free US LLC Stack Guide, or start with the step-by-step setup guide.
Prices and inclusions above reflect each provider's published pricing as of June 16, 2026. We track the underlying figures — with a per-claim source and date for each — on our formation rankings and the individual vendor pages. Providers change pricing and add-on bundling frequently, so always confirm the current figure on the provider's own site at signup.
Note: Prices and what's bundled change frequently — always confirm at signup. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. If you spot an error, let us know.