Why North Dakota?
Favorable tax environment and modest fees. Suitable for businesses with North Dakota-based activity, particularly in energy and agriculture. Non-residents can form a North Dakota 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). North Dakota makes the most sense when you have operations in North Dakota, particularly in energy, agriculture, or manufacturing.
State Fees
These are government fees paid to the State of North Dakota — not Edeal's service fee. Edeal registers your LLC for $1 + state fees.
LLC Formation
- Filing fee: $135 — one-time, paid to the North Dakota Secretary of State
- Annual fee: $50/yr — annual report, paid to the State of North Dakota 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 North Dakota and publicly available from the North Dakota Secretary of State's office.
Who North Dakota Is Right For
- Oilfield services companies in the Williston Basin — the state produces roughly 12% of US oil from the Bakken formation, and the supporting infrastructure is concentrated here
- Agribusiness with operations in the region — North Dakota leads the country in sunflowers and flax, with American Crystal Sugar and MDU Resources anchoring local processing
- Companies that hire employees or lease space in the state — local nexus already requires you to operate in North Dakota, so registering here is the logical choice
Who North Dakota Is Not the Best Fit For
- Freelancers and remote businesses without North Dakota ties — Wyoming or Delaware are usually more cost-effective
- Non-residents seeking maximum privacy — Wyoming and New Mexico offer stronger member privacy protections
- Businesses with no in-state income — the state's low tax rate only applies to income earned here, so a remote business gains nothing from it
If you are unsure which state fits your situation, see our guide on how to choose a state — Edeal can also help you compare before you register.
For Non-Residents: What to Consider in North Dakota
Your citizenship and country of residence do not prevent you from owning a North Dakota LLC — a non-resident can be the sole member. But a few points matter more than the filing fee itself:
- Nexus and foreign LLC registration. If your actual activity takes place in another state while your LLC is formed in North Dakota, you will likely need to register as a foreign LLC where you operate — meaning double fees. Register where you actually do business.
- Registered agent is mandatory. You need an agent with a physical North Dakota address to receive official correspondence — Edeal provides this as part of its service.
- Bank account. A US bank account requires an EIN; an in-person visit is usually not required, but banks look at the company's connection to the state.
- Annual reporting. The Annual Report is filed every year ($50/yr) — one of the cheapest in the country — but missing it still leads to penalties and, eventually, administrative dissolution of the LLC.
FAQ
Do I need to visit North Dakota or have a US address to register an LLC?
No. Non-residents from any country can register a North Dakota LLC without visiting the state, without a US address, and without an SSN. The only requirement is a registered agent with a North Dakota address — Edeal provides this.
Do I need to be a US resident to form a North Dakota LLC?
No. A non-resident can own a North Dakota LLC as the sole member and manage it remotely. US residency and an SSN are not required to form the company.
Should a non-resident with no US business pick North Dakota?
Usually not. Without rigs, fields, or clients in the state, the low tax rate provides no benefit — for a remote business, Wyoming is cheaper and simpler.
What happens if I operate in another state on a North Dakota LLC?
Then nexus arises in the state where you actually operate, and the LLC will likely need to register as a foreign company there — meaning extra fees and reporting. Choose your state of registration based on where you really do business.
What is the annual fee for a North Dakota LLC?
The annual government fee for a North Dakota LLC is $50/yr (Annual Report). This fee is paid to the State of North Dakota 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 North Dakota LLC?
Yes. A North Dakota 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.