Why Arkansas?
One of the lowest filing fees in the US. Annual franchise tax applies, so total cost stays reasonable for businesses with Arkansas ties. Non-residents can form a Arkansas LLC without any US address, SSN, or physical presence. Edeal handles the registered agent requirement and the entire filing process.
Most non-residents registering a US LLC choose Wyoming ($100 filing fee, $60/year) or Delaware (investor-friendly). Arkansas makes the most sense when you operate in Arkansas or need a Southern state with a low initial setup cost.
State Fees
These are government fees paid to the State of Arkansas — not Edeal's service fee. Edeal registers your LLC for $1 + state fees.
LLC Formation
- Filing fee: $45 — one-time, paid to the Arkansas Secretary of State
- Annual fee: $150/yr — annual franchise tax, paid to the State of Arkansas to keep your LLC in good standing
- Registered Agent: required by law — Edeal provides a registered agent as part of its service
All fees are set by the State of Arkansas and publicly available from the Arkansas Secretary of State's office.
Who Arkansas Is Right For
- Logistics, retail, and distribution businesses with Arkansas ties — the state's strong retail and freight sector gives real local nexus to companies moving or selling goods here
- Agriculture and food-supply operators — businesses serving Arkansas's large farming and food-production base belong in the state where that activity sits
- Non-residents wanting a low entry cost in the South — at a $45 filing fee, one of the lowest in the US, Arkansas keeps initial setup affordable for companies that genuinely operate in the region
Who Arkansas Is Not the Best Fit For
- Freelancers and remote businesses without Arkansas ties — Wyoming or Delaware are usually more cost-effective
- Non-residents seeking maximum privacy — Wyoming and New Mexico offer stronger member privacy protections
- Businesses optimizing purely for cost — Wyoming at $100 + $60/year is typically the baseline for non-residents
If you are unsure which state fits your situation, you can start with our guide on how to choose a state before you register.
For Non-Residents: What to Consider in Arkansas
Your citizenship or country of residence does not prevent you from owning the LLC — a non-resident can be the sole member and run an Arkansas LLC entirely from abroad. Still, a few things matter more than the filing fee.
- Nexus and foreign registration. If your actual operations are in another state, you will likely have to register as a foreign LLC there — double fees. Register where you actually operate.
- A registered agent is mandatory. You need an agent with a physical address in Arkansas — Edeal provides one as part of its service.
- Bank account and EIN. A US bank account generally requires an EIN; an in-person visit is usually not required, but banks look at the company's connection to the state.
- Ongoing reporting. Arkansas requires an Annual Franchise Tax to keep the LLC in good standing. Missing it leads to penalties and eventually administrative dissolution.
FAQ
Do I need to visit Arkansas or have a US address to register an LLC?
No. Non-residents from any country can register a Arkansas LLC without visiting the state, without a US address, and without an SSN. The only requirement is a registered agent with a Arkansas address — Edeal provides this.
Do I need to be a US resident to form an Arkansas LLC?
No. A non-resident can be the sole owner and manage it remotely — no SSN or US residency is required.
Should a non-resident with no US business choose Arkansas?
Usually no. For a purely remote business, Wyoming is cheaper and simpler to maintain.
What happens if I operate in another state under this Arkansas LLC?
Nexus arises in that state, and the LLC will likely need to register as a foreign LLC there — extra fees and reporting. Choose your state of registration based on where you actually operate.
What is the annual fee for a Arkansas LLC?
The annual government fee for a Arkansas LLC is $150/yr (Annual Franchise Tax). This fee is paid to the State of Arkansas to keep your LLC in good standing — it is a mandatory government fee, not an income tax rate.
Can I open a US bank account with a Arkansas LLC?
Yes. A Arkansas LLC formed through Edeal comes with the documentation typically required by US banks and fintechs (Mercury, Relay, Brex). Having an EIN is usually also required — Edeal can assist with that process.