Why West Virginia?
One of the lowest overall tax burdens in the US. Suitable for businesses with West Virginia-based operations. Non-residents can form a West Virginia 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). West Virginia makes the most sense when you have operations in West Virginia or want a low-cost Appalachian state with a straightforward business environment.
State Fees
These are government fees paid to the State of West Virginia — not Edeal's service fee. Edeal registers your LLC for $1 + state fees.
LLC Formation
- Filing fee: $100 — one-time, paid to the West Virginia Secretary of State
- Annual fee: $25/yr — annual report, paid to the State of West Virginia 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 West Virginia and publicly available from the West Virginia Secretary of State's office.
Who West Virginia Is Right For
- Businesses with physical presence in West Virginia — employees, office space, or warehouse
- Companies serving West Virginia-based customers — local nexus justifies registration here
- Non-residents when you have operations in West Virginia or want a low-cost Appalachian state with a straightforward business environment
Who West Virginia Is Not the Best Fit For
- Freelancers and remote businesses without West Virginia 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 West Virginia or have a US address to register an LLC?
No. Non-residents from any country can register a West Virginia LLC without visiting the state, without a US address, and without an SSN. The only requirement is a registered agent with a West Virginia address — Edeal provides this.
What is the annual fee for a West Virginia LLC?
The annual government fee for a West Virginia LLC is $25/yr (Annual Report). This fee is paid to the State of West Virginia 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 West Virginia LLC?
Yes. A West Virginia 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.