Wyoming has been the favorite state for Spanish entrepreneurs looking to start a company in the United States for years. And for good reasons: total privacy of partners, no state income tax, and unmatched maintenance costs. In this guide, I'll tell you exactly how a Wyoming LLCworks, what its real advantages are, how much it costs, and what the tax implications are if you remain a resident in Spain.
If you want to skip the educational part and go straight to creating your LLC, you can do it online through Northwest Registered Agent, the registered agent that we ourselves use and recommend for Wyoming.
Why is Wyoming the best state for an LLC?
Wyoming was the first U.S. state to regulate LLCs in 1977. Since then, it has built legislation that is particularly favorable to non-residents. These are the reasons why most Spaniards choose Wyoming over other states:
Privacy and anonymity of partners
In Wyoming, it is not mandatory to declare the names of the members or the manager in public registration documents. Only the registered agent appears in state records. This is especially relevant for those who value the privacy of their assets, unlike states like California or New York where members are exposed in public records.
⚠️ Important: privacy in Wyoming does not mean total anonymity against the Spanish tax office. If you are a tax resident in Spain, you are obligated to declare the LLC on Form 720 (Modelo 720).
No state income tax
Wyoming is one of the few American states without a state income tax. For a fiscally transparent LLC (the most common for non-residents), this means that the profits generated by the company are only taxed at the federal level — and if there is no activity in the U.S., that federal tax can be zero.
Low maintenance costs
The Wyoming Annual Report costs $60 per year for LLCs with assets under $300,000 in the state. It is one of the cheapest in the country. There is no franchise tax (unlike Delaware, which charges a minimum of $300/year) or hidden fees.
No physical presence requirements
You don't need to travel to Wyoming, nor have an office there, nor open a bank account in that state. The entire process of creating and maintaining a Wyoming LLC from Spain can be managed 100% remotely. You only need a registered agent with a physical address in Wyoming — like Northwest Registered Agent.
How to create a Wyoming LLC from Spain: steps in 2026
1. Choose your LLC name
The name must include "LLC", "L.L.C." or "Limited Liability Company" and cannot match a company already registered in Wyoming. You can check availability on the Wyoming Secretary of State portal before starting.
2. Appoint a registered agent in Wyoming
The registered agent is a person or company with a physical address in Wyoming who receives legal notices on behalf of your LLC. It is the only mandatory requirement that you cannot manage yourself from Spain.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent for several reasons:
- Real privacy: they use their own address on public documents, not yours
- Fixed price from $39/year with no surprises
- Online system available
- They manage the initial registration + registered agent from a single place
3. File the Articles of Organization
It is the foundational document of your LLC. You can file it online through the Wyoming Secretary of State by paying $100 (one-time registration fee). If you manage it through Northwest, they take care of this part.
4. Draft the Operating Agreement
It is not mandatory to file it with the state, but it is essential to define the internal rules of the LLC: profit sharing, who can make decisions, and what happens if you want to close or sell. Northwest includes a basic template at no extra cost.
5. Request the EIN (Employer Identification Number)
The EIN is your LLC's tax identification number with the IRS. You need it to open bank accounts and file taxes. If you don't have a US SSN or ITIN, you can apply for it by faxing Form SS-4 directly to the IRS — the process takes between 4 and 8 weeks. You can also request your EIN with us in less time.
Estimated total cost in 2026
| Concept | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration (Articles of Organization) | $100 |
| Registered agent year 1 (Northwest) | $39 |
| Annual Report year 1 | $60 |
| EIN (if you manage it yourself) | Free |
| First year total | ~$199 |
| Subsequent years maintenance | ~$99/year |
Wyoming LLC and taxes in Spain: what you need to know
This is the part that generates the most doubts. The short answer is: it depends on your tax residency.
If you remain a tax resident in Spain
An LLC is a fiscally transparent entity in the US (unless you choose to be taxed as a C-Corp). This means the IRS treats it as if it didn't exist — profits "pass through" directly to you as a member. The Spanish tax agency applies the same criteria: your Wyoming LLC profits are added to your personal income tax (IRPF) as if you were a self-employed worker (autónomo). There is no double taxation thanks to the treaty between Spain and the US, but you do pay taxes in Spain.
Form 720 and Wyoming LLC
If you hold shares in a foreign LLC with a value greater than €50,000, you are required to declare it on Form 720 (declaration of assets abroad). Non-compliance carries very high penalties. If you have doubts about your specific situation, consult with our team.
When the Wyoming LLC does NOT work as a tax solution
- If you are a tax resident in Spain and work for Spanish clients: the LLC does not save you taxes.
- If you have employees or a physical office in Spain: the Spanish tax agency may consider it a permanent establishment.
- If you are looking for a structure to pay taxes nowhere: that does not legally exist.
The Wyoming LLC works perfectly if you are not a tax resident in Spain, or if your clients are mostly foreign and you have no presence in Spanish territory. To find out if your case fits, schedule a consultation with us.
Wyoming vs Delaware vs New Mexico: which one to choose?
| Wyoming | Delaware | New Mexico | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member privacy | ✅ Maximum | ⚠️ Average | ✅ High |
| Annual cost | $60 | $300+ | $0 (no annual report) |
| Banking popularity | ✅ High | ✅ High | ⚠️ Average |
| State income tax | ❌ None | ❌ Does not apply to non-residents | ❌ Does not apply to non-residents |
| Opening in Mercury Bank | ✅ Compatible | ✅ Compatible | ✅ Compatible |
For the majority of Spaniards who want to set up an LLC with no US activity, Wyoming is the most balanced option between privacy, cost, and banking reputation. New Mexico has the advantage of having no Annual Report, but some online banks view it with more suspicion. Delaware makes more sense if you are looking for US venture capital investment.
If you want more detail on this comparison, read our article on which state to choose for your LLC.
Ready to create your Wyoming LLC?
If you are already clear that Wyoming is your state, you can start the process right now with Northwest Registered Agent — the service we use and recommend. It includes a registered agent, LLC registration, and an Operating Agreement template starting at $139 for the first year.
If you have doubts about whether a Wyoming LLC fits your specific tax situation, schedule a consultation with our team of advisors. We analyze your case and tell you exactly which structure makes the most sense for you.
→ View our LLC creation service
Frequently asked questions about Wyoming LLCs
Disclaimer: this article is for informational purposes and does not constitute personalized tax advice. Every tax situation is different. Consult with a tax advisor before making decisions.
🎓 Do you want to do it yourself with a video guide? Watch the course to create your LLC.
Which State to choose · Real cost of an LLC · Steps to open an LLC
