Why Kentucky?
One of the lowest filing fees in the US combined with a low annual fee — Kentucky is among the most affordable states to maintain. Non-residents can form a Kentucky LLC without any US address, SSN, or physical presence. Edeal handles the registered agent requirement and the entire filing process.
Most non-residents registering a US LLC choose Wyoming ($100 filing fee, $60/year) or Delaware (investor-friendly). Kentucky makes the most sense when you have business activity in Kentucky and want to minimize both setup and ongoing costs.
State Fees
These are government fees paid to the State of Kentucky — not Edeal's service fee. Edeal registers your LLC for $1 + state fees.
LLC Formation
- Filing fee: $40 — one-time, paid to the Kentucky Secretary of State
- Annual fee: $15/yr — annual report, paid to the State of Kentucky to keep your LLC in good standing
- Registered Agent: required by law — Edeal provides a registered agent as part of its service
All fees are set by the State of Kentucky and publicly available from the Kentucky Secretary of State's office.
Who Kentucky Is Right For
- Businesses with physical presence in Kentucky — employees, office space, or warehouse
- Companies serving Kentucky-based customers — local nexus justifies registration here
- Non-residents when you have business activity in Kentucky and want to minimize both setup and ongoing costs
Who Kentucky Is Not the Best Fit For
- Freelancers and remote businesses without Kentucky ties — Wyoming or Delaware are usually more cost-effective
- Non-residents seeking maximum privacy — Wyoming and New Mexico offer stronger member privacy protections
- Businesses optimizing purely for cost — Wyoming at $100 + $60/year is typically the baseline for non-residents
If you are unsure which state fits your situation, Edeal can help you compare before you register.
FAQ
Do I need to visit Kentucky or have a US address to register an LLC?
No. Non-residents from any country can register a Kentucky LLC without visiting the state, without a US address, and without an SSN. The only requirement is a registered agent with a Kentucky address — Edeal provides this.
What is the annual fee for a Kentucky LLC?
The annual government fee for a Kentucky LLC is $15/yr (Annual Report). This fee is paid to the State of Kentucky to keep your LLC in good standing — it is a mandatory government fee, not an income tax rate.
Can I open a US bank account with a Kentucky LLC?
Yes. A Kentucky LLC formed through Edeal comes with the documentation typically required by US banks and fintechs (Mercury, Relay, Brex). Having an EIN is usually also required — Edeal can assist with that process.