Why New Jersey?
Access to the New York metro market from across the Hudson. Higher cost of business but valuable if you serve the tristate area. Non-residents can form a New Jersey 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). New Jersey makes the most sense when you have clients, employees, or operations in New Jersey or the New York metro area.
State Fees
These are government fees paid to the State of New Jersey — not Edeal's service fee. Edeal registers your LLC for $1 + state fees.
LLC Formation
- Filing fee: $125 — one-time, paid to the New Jersey Secretary of State
- Annual fee: $75/yr — annual report, paid to the State of New Jersey 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 New Jersey and publicly available from the New Jersey Secretary of State's office.
Who New Jersey Is Right For
New Jersey makes sense when your business serves the New York metro market and has a real presence here — an office, warehouse, or team. Only with nexus do the filing fee and annual report pay off through access to one of the world's largest metro areas.
- Pharmaceutical and medical companies with offices in NJ — the state concentrates pharma giants such as Johnson & Johnson and Merck along the I-287 pharma corridor.
- Financial and insurance companies in the NYC metro — proximity to New York makes NJ convenient for serving the tristate market.
- Companies with a warehouse or team in the state — nexus obligates you to do business here anyway, so registering at the place of operations is logical.
Who New Jersey Is Not the Best Fit For
- Freelancers and remote businesses without New Jersey 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, Edeal can help you compare before you register.
If your business has no ties to New Jersey, compare Wyoming (lower cost and stronger privacy) or Delaware (if you plan to raise venture capital). For a full breakdown, see how to choose a state.
For Non-Residents: What to Consider in New Jersey
Citizenship and residence do not stop you from owning a New Jersey LLC — a non-resident can be the sole member and manage it remotely. But a few points matter more than the filing fee itself:
- Nexus and foreign registration. If your actual activity happens in another state while the LLC is formed in New Jersey, you will likely have to register as a foreign LLC where you operate — double fees. For work in the NYC area, Delaware with foreign qualification in NJ or NY is often used.
- Registered agent is mandatory. You need an agent with a physical New Jersey address to receive official mail — Edeal provides one as part of its service.
- Bank account. A US bank account usually requires an EIN; an in-person visit is usually not needed.
- Reporting. Keep up with the state's ongoing report to stay in good standing; missing it leads to penalties and, eventually, administrative dissolution of the LLC.
FAQ
Do I need to visit New Jersey or have a US address to register an LLC?
No. Non-residents from any country can register a New Jersey LLC without visiting the state, without a US address, and without an SSN. The only requirement is a registered agent with a New Jersey address — Edeal provides this.
What is the annual fee for a New Jersey LLC?
The annual government fee for a New Jersey LLC is $75/yr (Annual Report). This fee is paid to the State of New Jersey to keep your LLC in good standing — it is a mandatory government fee, not an income tax rate.
Does a non-resident need to be a US resident to open a New Jersey LLC?
No. A non-resident can own a New Jersey LLC as the sole member and manage it remotely. US residency and an SSN are not required to register the company.
Can I open a US bank account with a New Jersey LLC?
Yes. A New Jersey 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.