The First State · Dover
Delaware
The gold standard for investors and business law.
Delaware is the home of corporate America. Its business law and specialized court make it the investors’ benchmark — but that prestige comes with a yearly price tag.
Prestige, at what price?
A $110 formation fee (included), then a flat $300 annual tax due every June 1, on top of the registered agent. Over five years, the gap with Wyoming tops $1,000.
Delaware: who is it for?
Founders preparing to raise money, signing deals with major US accounts, or wanting the most institutional image possible. For e-commerce or freelance work, Wyoming does just as well for less.
Pros
- The most respected corporate law in the US
- A specialized business court (Court of Chancery)
- Reassuring to investors
Watch out for
- $300 annual tax, higher than in Wyoming
- Venture capital funds often prefer a C-Corp
- Formation
- US$110
- Every year
- US$300
- Annual deadline
- June 1 every year
- Processing time
- A few days to a few weeks (expedited available)
- Cost
- Privacy
- Prestige
- Simplicity
Ideal for
- Startups planning to raise funds
- Partnerships with US companies
- High-profile projects
Other states
Wyoming
The non-resident favorite: simple, private, affordable.
- Formation
- US$100
- Every year
- US$60
From €399, state fee included
Explore Wyoming Most popularNew Mexico
The cheapest to maintain: no annual report.
- Formation
- US$50
- Every year
- US$0
From €349, state fee included
Explore New Mexico Most affordableFlorida
For a real presence in the US market.
- Formation
- US$125
- Every year
- US$139
From €424, state fee included
Explore Florida Local marketTexas
The second-largest economy in the US.
- Formation
- US$300
- Every year
- US$0
From €599, state fee included
Explore TexasTake off.
Ten minutes to configure. 24 hours to file. Your American company starts now.
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