Why Maryland?
The $300 annual report makes Maryland expensive to maintain. Worth it primarily if you serve federal agencies or have Maryland-based operations. Non-residents can form a Maryland 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). Maryland makes the most sense when you have federal contracts, government clients, or operations in the DC/Maryland corridor.
State Fees
These are government fees paid to the State of Maryland — not Edeal's service fee. Edeal registers your LLC for $1 + state fees.
LLC Formation
- Filing fee: $100 — one-time, paid to the Maryland Secretary of State
- Annual fee: $300/yr — annual personal property report, paid to the State of Maryland 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 Maryland and publicly available from the Maryland Secretary of State's office.
Who Maryland Is Right For
- Companies working on federal contracts (DoD, NIH, FDA) — proximity to the capital and major federal buyers
- Biotech and pharma companies near the NIH/FDA cluster — one of the world's largest biotech corridors and access to specialized talent
- Consulting and IT firms with federal clients — local nexus in the DC/Maryland corridor justifies registering here
Who Maryland Is Not the Best Fit For
- Freelancers and remote businesses without Maryland ties — Wyoming or Delaware are usually more cost-effective
- Non-residents minimizing annual costs — the $300 Annual Personal Property Report is one of the highest mandatory yearly fees in the country
- Founders unsure where to register — read how to choose a state before deciding
If you are unsure which state fits your situation, Edeal can help you compare before you register.
For Non-Residents: What to Consider in Maryland
- Nexus and foreign LLC registration. If your actual operations are in another state but your LLC is in Maryland, you will likely have to register as a foreign LLC where you operate — meaning duplicate fees. Register where you actually do business.
- Registered agent is mandatory. You need an agent with a physical Maryland address to receive official correspondence — Edeal provides one as part of its service.
- Bank account. A US bank account requires an EIN; an in-person visit is usually not needed, but banks look at the company's connection to the state.
- Annual reporting. The Personal Property Return is filed yearly ($300/yr); missing it leads to penalties and eventually administrative dissolution of the LLC.
FAQ
Do I need to visit Maryland or have a US address to register an LLC?
No. Non-residents from any country can register a Maryland LLC without visiting the state, without a US address, and without an SSN. The only requirement is a registered agent with a Maryland address — Edeal provides this.
Should a non-resident without US operations choose Maryland?
Usually not. Without federal contracts, clients, or assets in the state, the high $300 annual report is hard to justify — for a remote business, Wyoming is cheaper and simpler.
What if I operate in another state with a Maryland LLC?
Then nexus arises in the state where you actually operate, and the LLC will likely need to register as a foreign company there — extra fees and reporting. Choose your state of registration based on where you really work.
What is the annual fee for a Maryland LLC?
The annual government fee for a Maryland LLC is $300/yr (Annual Personal Property Report). This fee is paid to the State of Maryland 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 Maryland LLC?
Yes. A Maryland 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.