LegalZoom for LLCs: Why Their Non-Resident Process Is Slow

LegalZoom is one of the oldest brands in US LLC formation. They have served millions of US-resident customers. Their non-resident process exists but is significantly slower than specialized providers. Here is what you actually get and why most non-resident founders we serve do not pick them.

Answer

LegalZoom forms US LLCs for non-residents but the process takes 3-6 weeks (vs 24 hours through WyomingLLC) due to their bundled paralegal review. Their pricing for non-residents lands at $500-$1,200 with common add-ons. They do not have specialized non-resident banking guidance (Mercury, Relay, Wise). LegalZoom is best for founders who value the brand recognition and 24/7 phone support. WyomingLLC is faster, cheaper, and more focused on non-resident specifics.

By Zawwad, Founder & CEO, WyomingLLC by Topslice LLC.

Last updated May 20, 2026

How LegalZoom forms non-resident LLCs

LegalZoom's process for non-residents:

Order LLC formation through their website
Submit ID documents (passport scan)
Their paralegal team reviews and prepares Articles of Organization
Articles filed with the state (Wyoming, Delaware, etc.)
EIN application begins (their team prepares Form SS-4)
EIN issued 8-10 business days later
Documents delivered to you electronically

The bottleneck is their paralegal queue. Volume is high. Non-resident reviews go in a separate queue that often runs 2-3 weeks behind US-resident applications.

Pricing breakdown

LegalZoom LLC formation base: $99-$299 (varies by state, time, promotions)
Registered agent (required for non-residents): $159-$299/year
EIN service: $79 (or $0 if you DIY)
Operating agreement: $50-$149
Compliance package: $199-$399/year
Realistic year 1 total: $500-$1,200

What LegalZoom does well

Brand recognition: most US customers know LegalZoom
24/7 phone support with licensed paralegals
Multi-state formations (all 50 states)
Bundled legal services (will writing, IP, contracts)
Long track record (founded 2001)

Where LegalZoom falls short for non-residents

Speed: 3-6 weeks vs 24 hours specialized providers
No Mercury/Relay/Wise banking guidance
No country-specific tax treaty knowledge
No Form 5472 filing (you have to find another provider)
Bundled US-side legal services most non-residents do not need

When LegalZoom makes sense

For US-resident customers needing bundled legal services (incorporation + will + IP + contracts) under one brand, LegalZoom is a reasonable choice. For non-resident founders specifically forming an LLC and going through Mercury/Stripe, specialized providers like WyomingLLC are faster and cheaper.

Frequently asked questions

Does LegalZoom file Form 5472?

Not as part of their standard packages. You would need to find another provider or do it yourself.

Will LegalZoom help me open Mercury?

Not specifically. They do not have non-resident banking expertise. You handle Mercury application yourself.

Is LegalZoom safer than smaller providers like {BRAND}?

Both file with the same state offices. Underlying legal protection is identical. LegalZoom's larger brand may matter for some founders.

Can I get my money back if LegalZoom is too slow?

Their refund policy varies. Some customers report long disputes for refunds. Check current terms before ordering.