For founders outside the US
Form a New Mexico LLC as a Non-Resident
New Mexico has one genuinely unusual feature: there is no annual report at all. You file once, keep a registered agent, and that is the whole ongoing obligation. Combined with members being kept off the articles, it is the lowest maintenance way to keep a US LLC alive.
Why non-residents choose New Mexico
- No annual report and no recurring state filing, unlike every other popular state
- Members and managers are not listed on the articles of organization
- The simplest ongoing compliance of any formation state
- Nothing recurring to miss, so no risk of falling out of good standing by oversight
- Useful for holding intellectual property or dormant entities
What a New Mexico LLC costs
One price in every state. All state and government fees are included, so choosing New Mexico over anywhere else does not change what you pay.
| What you get | Price | Billing |
|---|---|---|
| Formation New Mexico filing, registered agent, and operating agreement, with all state and government fees included | $399 | One-time |
| Managed LLC Ongoing compliance handled for you, including registered agent, annual filings, bookkeeping, and federal tax filing | $149 | Per month |
| A la carte compliance Pick individual services instead of the full plan | From $99 | Per year |
Processing takes about 5-7 business days once your filing reaches the state.
Tax and filing obligations
New Mexico state tax
New Mexico does have a personal income tax, but it applies to New Mexico source income. A non-resident owner operating entirely outside the state generally has no New Mexico filing obligation.
Federal filings you cannot skip
Owing no tax and having nothing to file are not the same thing. A foreign-owned single-member LLC generally must file Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 every year, even with no revenue. The penalty for missing it is $25,000 per form, per year.
Privacy
New Mexico does not require members or managers to be named in the articles of organization, and there is no annual report. The organizer and registered agent are public; with StartGlobal, you are named as organizer.
Ongoing upkeep
A registered agent, and nothing else. There is no recurring state filing to miss.
What to watch out for in New Mexico
New Mexico is less familiar to US banks and payment processors than Wyoming or Delaware, which can mean extra questions during account opening. If getting banked is your main hurdle rather than upkeep, Wyoming is the safer choice.
Is New Mexico right for you?
Best for: Founders who want minimum maintenance, holding companies, and long-lived entities that trade lightly.
Compare other states
Arizona LLC for non-residents
Founders who want low maintenance and do not need their ownership kept off the public record.
California LLC for non-residents
Founders whose business will genuinely operate in California.
Delaware LLC for non-residents
Founders planning to raise US venture capital, join a US accelerator, or issue equity to US investors.
Florida LLC for non-residents
E-commerce sellers, Amazon FBA, real estate holdings, and founders in Latin America who value local banking familiarity.
Nevada LLC for non-residents
Founders whose business will operate in Nevada, or who prefer it over Wyoming for familiarity.
Texas LLC for non-residents
E-commerce with US inventory, businesses with Texas staff or customers, and founders who plan to move to or spend time in Texas.
Wyoming LLC for non-residents
Online businesses, consultants, SaaS, freelancers, and holding companies with no US physical presence.
Guides for international founders
Frequently asked questions
Does a New Mexico LLC really have no annual report?
Correct. New Mexico is the only widely used formation state that requires no annual report and no recurring state filing for LLCs. Once the company is formed, a registered agent is the only thing to maintain.
Is a New Mexico LLC anonymous?
Close to it. Members and managers are not named in the articles of organization, and because there is no annual report, there is no later filing that would disclose them.
What is the downside of New Mexico?
Banks and payment processors see far fewer New Mexico LLCs than Wyoming or Delaware ones, so account opening can involve extra questions. If getting banked is your main concern rather than upkeep, that friction can outweigh the simpler compliance.
Can a non-US resident form a US LLC?
Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to own a US LLC. You do not need a green card, a visa, or to have ever visited the United States. Founders from more than 150 countries own US LLCs, and the formation process is identical to the one a US citizen follows.
Do I need a Social Security Number?
No. You do not need an SSN to form an LLC.
Do I need a US address?
You need a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation, which is a service rather than something you provide. Your own mailing address on the paperwork can be your home address in any country.
Will I owe US federal tax on my LLC?
It depends on whether your income is effectively connected to a US trade or business. Many non-resident owners of single-member LLCs with no US employees, offices, or dependent agents have no US federal income tax liability. That is a question for a tax adviser about your specific facts, and it is separate from your filing obligations, which exist either way.
What do I have to file even if I owe no tax?
A foreign-owned single-member LLC generally must file Form 5472 together with a pro forma Form 1120 each year, even with zero revenue and zero tax due. The penalty for missing it is $25,000 per form per year, which makes it the most expensive filing mistake in this category.
Can I open a US business bank account from abroad?
Yes. Several US banking providers open accounts for non-resident owned LLCs remotely, without requiring a US visit. You will need, among other things, the formation documents and identification. Approval is at the provider's discretion and depends on your country and business type.
Does forming a US LLC reduce the tax I pay at home?
Generally no, and this is the most common misunderstanding. A US LLC does not change your tax position in your country of residence. Most countries tax residents on worldwide income, so your local obligations continue regardless of where the company is registered. Treat any US tax outcome as separate from, not a replacement for, what you owe at home.
How long does formation take?
State approval typically takes three to seven business days depending on the state.
Start your New Mexico LLC today
All-inclusive formation with registered agent and operating agreement. No SSN or US address required.