LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) are one of the most popular business structures in the United States, both for residents and for entrepreneurs operating from Latin America or Spain. Their affordable formation costs, the limited liability they offer their members and their tax advantages make them the preferred option for freelancers, digital businesses and startups that want to operate legally in the U.S. market.
When it comes to registering an LLC, you can do it yourself directly with the Secretary of State of the state you choose, or hire a formation service to handle all the paperwork for you. A good service saves you costly mistakes, makes sure the documents are correct and, in many cases, also helps you with the registered agent, getting the EIN, the bank account and even the tax return.
But not all services are the same. Some are designed for the U.S. market and operate entirely in English; others are designed for non-residents and offer support in Spanish. In this guide we compare the 8 best LLC formation services in the United States, evaluated by price, speed, included services, customer support and suitability for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.
Service | Price from | Language | Non-residents | Includes | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start Companies | $599 | Native Spanish | Specialized | LLC + EIN + registered agent + bank account | ~10 business days |
Doola | $297 + state fees | Partial | Yes | LLC + EIN + Doola Banking | 2–4 weeks |
Firmaway | $599 – $1299 | Native Spanish | Yes | LLC + EIN + operating agreement + Mercury/Relay account | 2–3 weeks |
Globalfy | $588/month | Partial | Yes | LLC + EIN + registered agent + ongoing support | 2–4 weeks |
LegalZoom | $0 + state fees | English only | Limited | Articles of organization only (basic plan) | 30 business days |
ZenBusiness | $0 + state fees | English only | Not geared to them | LLC + 30-min tax consultation | 2–3 weeks |
Bizee (formerly Incfile) | $0 + state fees | English only | Not geared to them | LLC + registered agent for 1 year | 1–2 weeks |
Rocket Lawyer | $34.99/month | English only | Not geared to them | First LLC free (subscribers) | Varies |
What is an LLC formation service?
An LLC formation service is an online platform that handles the legal and administrative procedures required to register a Limited Liability Company with the Secretary of State of the U.S. state you choose. These services act as intermediaries: you fill out a form with your details, choose your company's state and name, and they prepare and file the articles of organization, handle the registered agent and, depending on the plan, also process the EIN, the operating agreement and the opening of a business bank account.
The main advantage over doing it yourself is that these services know each state's specific requirements, avoid filing errors and speed up the timeline. Compared with hiring an attorney, which can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, an online formation service offers prices from $0 (paying only state fees) up to $600 for complete packages with support in Spanish.
Note: Prices do not include state filing fees, which vary by state. For example, Wyoming charges $100, New Mexico $50 and Florida $125.
1. Start Companies
Personalized service: each case is handled according to the client's needs, rather than just following a standard flow.
Dedicated professional: you have a point person throughout the process and for later tasks.
24/7 human support: ongoing assistance to answer your questions and follow up on your LLC.
Includes LLC formation + EIN + help opening a bank account from $599.
Specialized in non-residents from LATAM: you can complete the process without traveling to the U.S.
Start Companies is an LLC formation and management service specialized in entrepreneurs, freelancers and digital businesses from Latin America that need to operate in the United States without being residents. Its main differentiator compared with automated platforms is personalized support throughout the entire process: each client has a dedicated professional and receives human attention to handle their case according to their needs.
The service is available in Spanish and is designed specifically for non-residents from Latin America, so clients can complete the process without having to travel to the United States. LLC formation takes approximately 10 business days and includes preparing and filing the articles of organization, the operating agreement, applying for the EIN with the IRS and help opening a business bank account in dollars.
Unlike a system based exclusively on forms and automated processes, Start Companies tailors its service to each client's circumstances. In addition, the support doesn't end once the company is formed: clients can keep relying on their point person and human support for any needs that arise while operating.
The service also includes options to delegate ongoing administrative tasks, such as the registered agent, the annual renewal report and tax filing with the IRS.
Pros
24/7 human support.
A dedicated professional for each client.
Service tailored to the particular needs of each case.
Assistance and support entirely in Spanish.
Specialized in entrepreneurs and non-residents from Latin America.
End-to-end service, from formation to ongoing management of the LLC.
Cons
The starting price is higher than some platforms that offer only LLC formation.
It is especially geared to clients looking for personalized support, so it may be less attractive to those who prefer to do the process themselves.
2. DoolaHQ
Backed by YCombinator, with more than 1,270 reviews and 4.7/5 on TrustPilot
From $297 + state fees, with the option of its own bank account (Doola Banking)
Includes automatic reminders and quarterly compliance reports
DoolaHQ is a great option to consider as an LLC formation service, especially for non-residents. What sets it apart from many alternatives is its integrated ecosystem: in addition to company formation, it offers Doola Banking (its own business bank account), a virtual mailbox with a U.S. address and an automatic reminder system with quarterly reports to keep you up to date with compliance.
We chose this company first because of its attractive prices, a very good TrustPilot score (a 4.7 rating from more than 1,270 reviews) and because it offers excellent customer support compared with its competitors.
Pros:
Integrated ecosystem: formation + banking + mailbox + taxes.
Excellent customer support with 4.7/5 on TrustPilot.
Automatic reminders and quarterly compliance reports.
Backed by YCombinator.
Cons
The final cost depends on the fees of the chosen state.
The bank account and virtual mailbox add-ons make the package more expensive if you need them all.
Limited support in Spanish: the platform operates mainly in English.
3. Firmaway
Service in Spanish with an established reputation in the Hispanic market.
From $399 to $545, including articles of organization, operating agreement and EIN.
Makes it easy to open a bank account with Mercury or Relay without traveling to the U.S.
Firmaway is one of the LLC formation services with the longest track record and best reputation among Spanish speakers and non-residents. Its offering focuses on removing the obstacles in the process: it handles drafting the articles of organization and the operating agreement and obtaining the EIN, all with communication in Spanish.
A strong point is its help opening a business bank account with Mercury or Relay, two neobanks that let you operate in dollars online without needing a physical presence in the United States. It also offers tax payment reminders, although this service is not as automated as Doola's.
According to its clients' reviews, the quality of service is Firmaway's standout feature. Its main weakness is that some users report occasional delays compared with the promised timelines, and notifications are handled exclusively by email.
According to clients, the service they receive and the services provided are of great quality.
Pros
Personalized, well-rated customer service in Spanish.
Wide range of services: formation + EIN + bank account + compliance.
Tax payment reminders.
Cons
It can be expensive compared with freemium options in English.
Notifications are only sent by email.
Some users report delays compared with the promised timelines.
4. Globalfy
All-in-one service: company formation, EIN, business address, Registered Agent and support.
Plans tailored to the business profile.
Compliance, tax and accounting services: the higher plans add tax filings, bookkeeping, a dedicated accountant and tax management.
Globalfy stands out by offering an end-to-end service to create and maintain a company in the United States, rather than being limited to forming the LLC. Its offering is aimed especially at international entrepreneurs who also need support after opening the company.
The Starter plan ($588/year) includes company formation, EIN, a U.S. business address, Registered Agent, post-formation documents, a compliance calendar, help opening a bank account and an account executive.
Pros
End-to-end service to create and maintain the company.
Includes Registered Agent, EIN, business address and support.
The higher plans add tax and accounting services.
Offers different options depending on the type and level of operations.
Lets you change plans as the company's needs evolve.
Cons
State and government fees are not included in the plan prices.
Plans with tax and accounting services have a considerably higher annual cost.
Some services, such as Sales Tax or ITIN, are add-ons or have specific conditions.
5. LegalZoom
More than 20 years of experience in legal services for businesses in the U.S.
Free basic formation plan ($0 + state fees); premium plans from $249/year.
Ideal if you need ongoing legal advice (contracts, compliance, trademarks).
LegalZoom was founded in 2001 and has since built a strong reputation. In fact, it is known for having helped hundreds of small businesses incorporate in the various states.
Its strength lies not in the formation itself, which is comparable to other services, but in its ecosystem of ongoing legal assistance.
The basic plan is free (you only pay state fees) and includes filing the articles of organization. The premium plans ($249 and $299 per year) add the operating agreement, compliance reminders, tax management and, most valuable of all, access to consultations with real business attorneys to resolve your company's legal issues.
It's a good option if you already live in the U.S., speak English fluently and need a provider with solid legal backing. For non-residents operating from LATAM, there are more suitable alternatives.
Pros
Established reputation: more than 20 years and hundreds of thousands of LLCs formed.
Access to real legal advice from specialized attorneys.
Free basic plan for simple formation.
24/7 customer service.
Cons
Operates only in English, with no support tailored to non-residents.
Slow processing times (30 business days on the standard plan).
Registered agent and EIN are charged as costly extras ($249/year and $99).
The final cost with add-ons can exceed $500/year.
6. ZenBusiness
Free Starter plan ($0 + state fees) with a tax consultation included
Includes ZenBusiness Money for tracking expenses, income and invoices
Mobile app available for iOS and Android
ZenBusiness is a platform dedicated to LLC formation and registration. We recommend this site for those looking for a platform that offers business operations services, such as building a website.
The platform has an intuitive dashboard and offers an Android and iOS app that lets you manage your account from your phone. Its clients' reviews are consistently positive, especially regarding the quality of service.
In principle, preparing the documents for registering an LLC is free, and other additional services are available for a very low price. All you have to do is fill out the files on the state website yourself and pay the fees.
For just $5 a month, you get help setting up a business bank account and tax advice. However, if you need other formation services, it can get somewhat expensive.
Pros
Free plan with a tax consultation included.
ZenBusiness Money for integrated financial management.
Mobile app for iOS and Android.
Consistently positive reviews and good customer service.
Cons
Operates only in English, with no adaptation for non-residents.
The registered agent is charged separately.
Renewal prices are significantly higher than first-year prices.
7. Bizee
Free Silver plan with next-day processing and a registered agent for 1 year.
Formerly known as Incfile; rebranded as Bizee.
Scholarship program for students and entrepreneurs on a tight budget.
Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, is the most attractive option for those looking for the lowest possible price. Its Silver plan is free and includes something few competitors offer at no cost: preparing and filing the articles of organization, phone and email support, and one year of registered agent service. In addition, all plans include next-day processing, an advantage other services charge extra for.
The Gold and Platinum plans add the operating agreement, EIN processing, a free 30-minute consultation with a tax expert and, in the case of Platinum, a package to take your business online with business contract templates.
A distinguishing feature is that Bizee offers scholarships: one for high school, trade school and college students in the U.S., and another for adults. The adult scholarship includes the Platinum plan free for one year.
Pros
Free plan with a registered agent included for 1 year.
Next-day processing on all plans.
Scholarship program for entrepreneurs on a tight budget.
Good value for money with the Platinum package.
Cons
Slow and unhelpful customer support according to multiple reviews.
Operates only in English, with no focus on non-residents.
The Gold and Platinum plans are expensive compared with the free plan.
There is no live support chat.
8. Rocket Lawyer
Three subscription plans: Standard ($34.99/month), Plus ($49.99/month) and Pro ($64.99/month).
7-day free trial on all three plans.
Access to attorney consultations and premium legal services depending on the plan.
Rocket Lawyer's offering combines creating and managing legal documents with legal assistance services. You can purchase certain services individually or access them through a monthly membership.
The Standard plan ($34.99/month) includes unlimited customized documents and e-signatures, unlimited legal reminders, one consultation through Ask an Attorney and access to three premium legal services.
The Plus plan ($49.99/month) expands these benefits with three consultations through Ask an Attorney, one live consultation with an attorney and access to six premium legal services.
The Pro plan ($64.99/month) offers unlimited consultations through Ask an Attorney and unlimited live consultations with attorneys, plus access to nine premium legal services.
Another notable feature is that Rocket Lawyer lets you consult with real attorneys, although the level of access depends on your membership.
Pros
Access to legal assistance depending on the plan.
Unlimited customized legal documents and e-signatures.
Three membership tiers to choose from according to your needs.
7-day free trial.
Wide variety of legal services and documents.
Cons
The membership involves a recurring monthly payment.
The benefits and legal consultations available depend on the plan.
If you only need to form an LLC and won't use other legal services, a membership may not be the most convenient option.
It's important to check which company formation services are available to non-residents and what additional costs may apply.
How do you choose the ideal LLC formation service for your situation?
Not all LLC formation services are created equal. Choosing the right one will depend on a series of factors that we'll analyze below.
Are you a U.S. resident?
The first factor to consider is whether the members are residents of the USA or will form an LLC as non-residents.
If you're not a resident, the services of Business en USA, Firmaway, Doola or Globalfy are without a doubt the best suited to your business.
However, if you are a resident, services such as Doola, LegalZoom, Northwest RA or Zenbusiness are the most popular. We also recommend choosing an LLC formation service that is available in the state where you decide to form your business.
State where you'll form your LLC
The most popular states among LATAM entrepreneurs are Wyoming (no state income tax, high privacy), New Mexico (zero annual renewal costs) and Florida (ideal if you plan to live there or have a physical presence). You can directly compare Wyoming vs New Mexico to see which one best fits your case.
Prices
As we've mentioned, one of the key factors in choosing the best LLC formation service is its price.
The cost of opening an LLC varies a lot from provider to provider, mainly because most offer business packages that include several additional services.
Services
In general, all platforms that offer LLC formation services offer packages that cover the basic matters to resolve in order to register the company.
These packages usually include options such as registered agent services, opening a bank account, bookkeeping, etc. These packages may or may not make sense for your particular situation, so be sure to research exactly what you are buying.
Customer service
Another important consideration when choosing the best LLC formation service is the customer service each company offers.
This is especially important when you want to open your company and you're not in the USA. When the time comes, if any problem or question arises, you'll want easy access to a representative who can answer your questions. Don't hesitate to ask questions in the chat and see whether you get personalized attention or whether a bot is answering you.
Our recommendation is straightforward: if your priority is price and you're already comfortable in English, ZenBusiness or Bizee will handle your formation for the cost of the state fees. If you need an end-to-end service in Spanish that covers formation, EIN and a bank account, and supports you afterwards with taxes and renewals, that's exactly what we do at Start Companies.
Written by
Ignacio Navarro
Ignacio Navarro is a Certified Public Accountant, founder of Start Companies and a specialist in U.S. companies for entrepreneurs, freelancers and digital businesses in Latin America. With training in international taxation and studies at UCEMA, he advises non-resident clients on forming and maintaining LLCs, opening bank accounts, invoicing, accounting and taxes. His experience combines tax strategy, compliance and practical vision for operating in the U.S. in a simple, organized and professional way.
