How to open an LLC in Delaware from abroad
Form your company in 3–10 days. No travel, no SSN. Sell-U handles everything.
Why Delaware?
Delaware is not just another US state. It is home to more than 1.8 million registered companies and the go-to choice for global startups, investment funds and international entrepreneurs. If your clients, suppliers or investors are in the US, a Delaware LLC gives your business instant credibility.
0% income tax for non-residents
Delaware does not tax income from activities outside the state. If your LLC does not physically operate in the US, you pay no state income tax, although you still have to file informational returns with the IRS (Form 5472).
World-class corporate law
More than 200 years of business case law. It is the preferred state for VCs, funds and companies planning to go public or raise institutional capital.
Maximum privacy for members
Member and manager names are not published in state records. Only your Registered Agent appears in public filings.
How to open your Delaware LLC: step by step
You can do the whole process on your own. Steps 2 and 4 are where foreign founders get stuck the most, and that is exactly where Sell-U takes over.
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01
Choose your LLC name
It must end in "LLC" or "L.L.C." and be unique in Delaware. Check availability on the Delaware Division of Corporations portal. Optional reservation for $75 if you are not ready yet.
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02
Appoint a Delaware Registered Agent
A person or company with a physical Delaware address that receives legal mail. It cannot be you if you live outside the US.
Sell-U handles it → -
03
File the Certificate of Formation
The document that creates your LLC, filed with the Delaware Division of Corporations. Fee: $110. Online or by mail.
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04
Get your EIN from the IRS
The Employer Identification Number is the US equivalent of the RFC in Mexico or the NIT in Colombia. Without an SSN you must file Form SS-4 by fax or mail. It takes 4–8 weeks if you do it yourself.
Sell-U handles it → -
05
Draft your Operating Agreement
It defines how your LLC runs: members, ownership percentages, decisions and distributions. It is not filed with the state, but banks and partners almost always ask for it.
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06
Open your bank account and start operating
With your active LLC and EIN you can apply to fintechs like Mercury, Relay or Wise Business. The process is 100% remote. Keep in mind that approval depends on each financial institution and is not guaranteed.
What your LLC will cost you next year.
No hidden fees. These are the official costs and the market ranges for complementary services.
| Item | Details | Amount (USD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Agent | Required annual service for LLCs without a physical office in Delaware. | $125 | Annual |
| Annual Franchise Tax | Mandatory annual tax for every Delaware LLC. A flat fee regardless of income or activity, due June 1. | $300 | Annual |
| Federal taxes | One foreign member: Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 (informational). Two or more members: Form 1065 + a K-1 for each member. | From $200 | Annual |
| Delaware Sales Tax | Delaware has no state sales tax (0%). If you sell in other states or through marketplaces like Amazon, you may have sales tax obligations in those states. Every case should be reviewed with a CPA. | N/A in Delaware | Not applicable |
Sell-U includes the EIN and Operating Agreement in your formation package. You only pay the mandatory annual renewals.
Why Delaware is tax-friendly.
Three numbers that matter when choosing a state. Delaware LLCs are pass-through by default.
Delaware charges no state income tax.
Your LLC only pays at the federal level. As a single-member non-resident with no US activity, there may be no federal payment, but you are still required to file Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 with the IRS every year.
Delaware is one of the five states with no sales tax.
Delaware has no state sales tax. However, if you sell in other states or through marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy, you may owe sales tax in those states depending on your nexus.
Delaware charges LLCs a flat $300 annual Franchise Tax.
It is due June 1 every year. In return you get the strongest corporate legal framework in the country and maximum credibility with investors.
This is not tax advice. Every case depends on your residency and income. We work with partner CPAs who know the Latin American founder playbook.
What comes due every year (and the penalties if you forget).
Forming the LLC is just the beginning. These are the dates to keep on your calendar.
| Obligation | Due date | Cost | Penalty for missing it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Franchise Tax | June 1, every year | $300 | $200 flat + 1.5% per month on tax and penalty |
| Registered Agent renewal | Your LLC’s anniversary | $125 | Penalty: loss of legal representation and risk of the LLC being canceled |
| Federal taxes | April 15 | Depends on structure | Base penalty of $25,000 USD for not filing Form 5472 (IRS) |
| Sales Tax | Due date: N/A in Delaware. | $0 | If you sell in other states, check your tax nexus. |
Forget the deadlines. Sell-U tracks them for you.
Franchise Tax, Registered Agent and tax reminders. We alert you 60 days before every deadline.
What matters, no fluff.
Don’t see your question? Write to us and a specialist will reply within 24 hours, in English or Spanish.
Do I need an SSN or to live in the US to open my Delaware LLC?
How soon will my LLC be up and running?
Will I have to pay taxes in the US and in my home country?
Can I open a bank account for my LLC without traveling to the US?
Why Delaware and not Florida or Wyoming?
Your Delaware LLC, ready in 3–10 days.
Tell us about your business. A specialist will reach out within 24 hours with a tailored plan and fixed pricing.
- LLC + EIN + Registered Agent, all included
- No SSN. No travel. 100% remote.
- Support in Spanish or English, on Latin American hours
- Secure payment in USD, no hidden fees
Start your Delaware LLC
Takes less than 2 minutes.