1. The Delaware vs. Wyoming Choice
Deciding where to incorporate is the single most important legal decision when expanding into the United States. Over 68% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware, while Wyoming pioneered the world’s very first Limited Liability Company statute in 1977.
For international founders establishing a remote US business without physical offices or employees in the US, comparing Delaware and Wyoming comes down to three main factors: funding strategy, privacy protection, and annual ongoing compliance costs.
2. 5-Year Maintenance Cost Breakdown
Let’s examine the exact state statutory costs over a 5-year period:
| Expense Item | Wyoming State Cost | Delaware State Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Filing Fee (Year 1) | $100 | $90 (LLC) / $109 (Corp) |
| Annual State Franchise Tax / Report | $62 / year | $300 / year (LLC); $175+ / year (Corp) |
| Estimated 5-Year Total State Cost | $348 Total | $1,590+ Total |