Can a U.S. LLC Do Business in Another Country? Your Guide to Global Expansion
Discover if your LLC can operate internationally. Learn about the requirements and considerations for an LLC doing business in another country.
Choosing where to form your LLC can shape how your business grows, what kind of protection you have, and even how much money stays in your pocket. More often than not, Wyoming vs. Florida for LLCs ends up at the top of the list. Both states have carved out reputations for being business-friendly, but in very different ways.3,4
The “right” choice depends on what matters most to you as a business owner. So let’s take a look at the key differences between a Wyoming LLC and a Florida LLC so you can decide which aligns better with your goals.
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Starting a Wyoming LLC has become a go-to move for many entrepreneurs across the country, and it’s easy to see why. The state has built a reputation for being incredibly business-friendly, with some of the strongest privacy protections in the U.S.1,2 Add in the fact that there’s no state income tax, and you’ve got a setup that feels tailor-made for small business owners who want to keep more of what they earn.³
That said, it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of operating an LLC in Wyoming:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No state income tax on business or personal income¹ | May lack credibility with local clients if you’re not based in Wyoming² |
| Strong privacy protections (members’ names aren’t public)⁴ | Out-of-state owners may need to pay taxes in their home state anyway¹ |
| Affordable filing fees and low annual fees¹ | Requires a registered agent in Wyoming if you don’t live there⁴ |
| Strong asset protection laws shield members from personal liability² | Limited access to Wyoming-based banking if you don’t operate locally¹ |
| Business-friendly legal system with a reputation for pro-LLC laws¹ | Annual compliance still required (reports, fees)² |
There’s a reason so many entrepreneurs set their sights on Florida when launching an LLC. Florida is known for the beaches and sunshine, but the state has built a reputation for being a place where business and lifestyle actually work hand in hand. You don’t have to worry about state income tax, among other things, but it’s not all smooth sailing. Here’s what you need to consider:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No state income tax on personal income¹ | Florida LLCs are subject to annual report fees² |
| Strong tourism-driven and diverse economy creates business opportunities² | Corporate income tax applies if the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation¹ |
| Local credibility for business owners operating in Florida¹ | Less privacy than Wyoming; owners’ names are part of the public record² |
| Easy access to local banks and financial institutions² | Higher startup and compliance costs compared to some states¹ |
| Large consumer market and supportive infrastructure for small businesses³ | Requires more paperwork and ongoing maintenance than Wyoming LLCs² |
When you’re deciding between Wyoming and Florida, the real difference often comes down to state fees and ongoing costs. Wyoming keeps things simple with low filing fees and predictable annual requirements. Florida, however, charges slightly more upfront and has higher recurring fees that can add up over time. The table below highlights the key cost differences:
| State | Wyoming | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Formation Fee | $100¹ | $125³,⁵ |
| Annual Report/License Tax | $60 annual report/license tax¹ | $138.75 annual report³ |
| Franchise Tax | None¹ | None³ |
| State Income Tax | None¹ | 5.5% corporate income tax if LLC elects corporate taxation¹ |
| Notes | Predictable and low-cost ongoing compliance | Costs can add up, especially with state tax obligations |
When you look at the business environment in Wyoming vs. Florida, you’re really comparing two very different kinds of opportunity. Wyoming is small in population but big on efficiency; it keeps regulations light, paperwork simple, and privacy protections strong. That’s why it’s often a magnet for entrepreneurs who are running online businesses or companies that don’t need to be tied to a physical location.1,2
Florida is all about scale and momentum. It has a massive consumer base, thriving tourism industry, and strong ties to global trade. It’s a place where growth can happen fast if your business needs visibility and foot traffic. Not to mention, there is no state income tax, a diverse workforce and a steady flow of new residents.3,5
Think of it this way: Wyoming is more about simplicity and protection, while Florida is about expansion and opportunity.
Once you have established your business with an LLC, you’ll need a business account to manage your US finances. A Wise Business account is easy to open online and comes with no monthly fees. You can convert funds from your home currency to USD with low, transparent fees.
Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies. You can get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local. You can also send money to countries.
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Choosing between a Wyoming LLC and a Florida LLC can be tough, but it comes down to what matters most for your business. Wyoming is great for entrepreneurs who value low fees, strong privacy protections and minimal red tape, so it’s especially appealing for online businesses, holding companies or startups that want to keep costs lean and simple.¹ Florida, though, offers a thriving business environment, larger markets, and more growth opportunities, particularly for businesses that rely on in-person customers, networking, or local visibility.²
So with that being said, there really isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” answer here. For some, Wyoming is the clear winner. For others, Florida’s access to millions of consumers and a dynamic economy outweigh the slightly higher costs.³ What you need to do is align your LLC’s location with your long-term strategy so you can operate successfully.
Yes, you can form a Wyoming LLC even if you live outside the state, or even outside the U.S.¹ Wyoming does not require you to be a resident, and you don’t need a physical office to establish your company. Instead, you’ll need a registered agent with a Wyoming address to receive official correspondence on your behalf.²
Wyoming is often regarded as the stronger option compared to Florida.¹ Wyoming law provides excellent protection from creditors by preventing them from seizing ownership interests in the LLC.² Instead, creditors are limited to what’s called a charging order, which means they can only claim distributions if and when they’re made, but cannot force the sale of company assets.³ Florida LLCs also provide liability protection, but Wyoming’s legal framework is more favorable to owners who are looking for maximum privacy and protection of personal wealth.⁴
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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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