LegalZoom Alternative for Non-Residents (2026)
Established U.S. generalist, $0 entry plan plus state fees, broad legal ecosystem.
The verdict in three sentences
LegalZoom is an established U.S. generalist: a $0 entry plan plus state fees, a Pro tier at $249 that adds the EIN and operating agreement, attorney access, trademarks and licences. Its process targets entrepreneurs residing in the United States first: its official page states that applying for an EIN online requires the business to be located in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, and that otherwise Form SS-4 is sent to you to file yourself. For a non-resident without an SSN who wants to delegate, that is exactly the point Statecove takes on, in French, within an all-in price of €2,000.
LegalZoom vs Statecove
The same criteria for both, with no box ticked lightly. LegalZoom amounts are in dollars, ours in euros.
| Criterion | LegalZoom | Statecove |
|---|---|---|
| Formation price | from $0 + state fees | €2,000 one-timeNew Mexico from €1,850 |
| State fees | Not included | Included in the Formation Pack |
| Recurring annual cost | $249 / yr | €450 / yr (Maintenance Pack, from year 2) |
| EIN (IRS tax number) | $79 extra | Included, even without an SSN |
| Stated EIN timeline without an SSN | LegalZoom states no timeline. Its official page notes that applying for an EIN online requires the business to be located in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, and that otherwise Form SS-4 is prepared and sent to you to file yourself. | Application prepared and followed up by us. The timeline depends on the IRS and is not guaranteed. |
| Registered agent | $249 / yr | First year included, then covered by the Maintenance Pack |
| Annual compliance | Not included | Included through the Maintenance Pack: annual report filing and deadline reminders |
| States offered | All 50 states | Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico (other states on request) |
| Banking support | No partner named publicly | Optional account-opening support (from €250) |
| Support languages | English | French and English |
| Model | Self-serve platform (you drive) | Human support from end to end |
When LegalZoom is the better choice
LegalZoom covers its market very well. It will suit you better than us if:
- You reside in the United States: the process, phone support and side services are designed for that case.
- You need a broad legal ecosystem: trademarks, wills, licences, attorney consultations in one place.
- You want the lowest entry price and do not need the EIN right away.
- You prefer a deeply established brand, with four million companies formed and phone support on U.S. hours.
When Statecove suits you better
Our support fits better if:
- You have neither an SSN nor a U.S. address and want the EIN obtained for you, with no SS-4 filing to handle alone.
- You want an all-in price rather than a $0 base to which the EIN, the registered agent at $249/year and compliance at $199/year are added.
- You would rather avoid subscriptions that auto-renew after a trial period.
- You want to be supported in French, from choosing the state through to the annual obligations.
The real prices, verified on 19 August 2026
How to read these prices
The Basic plan is $0 + state fees and includes no EIN, operating agreement or registered agent. Pro ($249) adds the EIN and operating agreement; Premium ($299) adds bookkeeping tools. Two subscriptions start after a trial: legal advice at $49/month and bookkeeping at $9.99/month. Annual report filing is a separate $199/year service.
What it looks like over time
The $0 headline price covers neither the EIN, nor the operating agreement, nor the registered agent: it covers filing the articles, with state fees on you. The Pro tier at $249 adds the EIN and operating agreement; the EIN alone sells for $79. After that, the registered agent runs $249/year and annual report filing $199/year. Two subscriptions kick in after a trial on the higher tiers: legal advice at $49/month and bookkeeping at $9.99/month. At Statecove: €2,000 at formation with state fees, EIN and the first year of registered agent included, then €450/year with annual state fees on top — €2,900 over three years of service, with no option to untick.
Sources
Every amount above comes from an official LegalZoom page, consulted on 19 August 2026. Prices change regularly: the provider's current price prevails.
What people ask us before choosing
Dig deeper before deciding
Our in-depth guides on the points that weigh most in this choice.
- Best LLC Formation Services for Non-US Founders: doola vs Firstbase vs LegalZoom vs Stripe Atlas ComparedA factual comparison of the main LLC formation services for non-residents: doola, Firstbase, LegalZoom, Stripe Atlas, Northwest, ZenBusiness. Pricing verified 19 August 2026, what's included, and how to choose. No tax promises.
- How to Get an EIN Without an SSN: The Non-Resident GuideHow a non-resident gets an EIN for a U.S. LLC without a Social Security Number: what the EIN is for, Form SS-4, fax vs mail, real timelines, and the mistakes that get an application rejected. Factual, no tax promises.
- How to Form a U.S. LLC as a Non-Resident: The Complete GuideHow an international entrepreneur forms a U.S. LLC without living in the States: choosing a state, getting an EIN without an SSN, opening a bank account, annual obligations and timelines. Factual, no tax promises.
Not sure this is for you?
Write to us and describe your project. If a self-serve platform is enough in your case, we will say so — that serves everyone better than a poorly matched client.
Statecove is an administrative support service for company formation. We facilitate your business formation and compliance steps. Statecove is not a law firm or an accounting firm, and does not provide personalized legal or tax advice. Accounting and tax services are handled by licensed partner professionals (CPAs). For any binding legal or tax decision, we recommend consulting a qualified professional.