Should a non-resident choose Delaware or Wyoming?

Most solo founders, freelancers and e-commerce sellers pick Wyoming for lower cost and privacy. Startups planning to raise venture capital pick Delaware for its investor-familiar legal system.

Wyoming has lower ongoing state costs and strong privacy, which is why most non-resident founders choose it.

State comparison

Delaware vs Wyoming.

Both are excellent for non-residents. Here's how to choose in 60 seconds.

Category	Wyoming	Delaware
State filing fee	$102.40	$110
Privacy	No public member records	Members can stay private
Ongoing cost	Low annual report	Annual franchise tax
Best for	Freelancers, e-commerce, privacy, asset protection	VC-backed startups raising capital
Legal system	Standard, business-friendly	Court of Chancery — investor familiar
Setup speed	1–2 business days	2–3 business days
Stripe / PayPal / bank	Fully supported	Fully supported

Choose Wyoming if…

You're a freelancer, agency, or e-commerce seller
You want maximum privacy and low ongoing cost
You mainly need Stripe/PayPal and US banking

Start a Wyoming LLC

Choose Delaware if…

You plan to raise venture capital
Investors expect a Delaware C-Corp/LLC
You want the most investor-familiar legal system

Start a Delaware LLC

Not sure? Most non-resident founders start with Wyoming — you can always add a Delaware entity later.

Either way — $200 flat.

Start for $200 →