Wyoming LLC or Dutch BV: which fits your business?
Dutch entrepreneurs operating internationally often face a choice: incorporate a Dutch BV or opt for a Wyoming LLC. Both offer limited liability, but the tax, operational and banking differences are significant. This 2026 guide compares them side by side.
Quick comparison
| Criterion | Wyoming LLC | Dutch BV |
|---|---|---|
| Formation cost | $529 – $849 | €500 – €1,500 + notary |
| Minimum capital | None | €0.01 (practically €1) |
| Annual cost | $329 | €1,500 – €3,000 |
| Corporate tax | 0% federal (pass-through) | 19% up to €200k, then 25.8% |
| Owner anonymity | Yes (not public) | No (UBO register) |
| Turnaround | 4 business days | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Non-resident bank account | Mercury, Wise (100% remote) | Dutch bank required |
Tax treatment
Wyoming LLC (single-member)
A single-member Wyoming LLC defaults to a disregarded entity: no federal corporate income tax. If you have no US-source income and no US trade or business (ETBUS), the LLC pays no US tax. Annual Form 5472 filing is still required.
In the Netherlands the result must be reported in Box 1 (profit from enterprise) or, when held through a holding with substantial interest, potentially Box 2. A Dutch tax advisor should confirm correct CFC treatment.
Dutch BV
The BV pays Dutch corporate tax: 19% up to €200,000 profit and 25.8% above that. Dividends are taxed in Box 2 (24.5% – 31% in 2026). For high profits a BV can be attractive thanks to the participation exemption.
When to pick a Wyoming LLC
- You work with international clients outside the EU/US and invoice in USD.
- You want Stripe, PayPal or Mercury Bank tied to a US entity.
- You have no physical US presence (no ETBUS).
- You value anonymity and lower annual compliance costs.
- You are a freelancer, SaaS founder or e-commerce operator. See our guide for Dutch freelancers.
When to pick a Dutch BV
- You have Dutch clients and employees.
- You want to use the innovation box (effective 9%).
- You are building a holding using the participation exemption.
- You want investors familiar with Dutch structures.
Combination: BV as holding over a Wyoming LLC
More Dutch entrepreneurs are choosing a hybrid structure: a Dutch BV (holding) owning 100% of a Wyoming LLC (operating entity for international clients). This combines the participation exemption with the operational flexibility of a US LLC. Always confirm transfer pricing and CFC rules with a tax advisor first.
Real-world example
A Dutch SaaS founder with $250,000 ARR, 90% non-EU clients:
- Wyoming LLC: $329/year compliance, no federal US tax, Box 1 filing in NL. Net saving vs. BV: ~€8,000/year in early years.
- Dutch BV: €2,500/year admin, 19% corporate tax on profit, more attractive above €500k with the innovation box.
Conclusion
For most Dutch solo founders, freelancers and early-stage SaaS entrepreneurs a Wyoming LLC offers lower costs, faster setup and better access to US banking. A BV holding can be added later as you scale.
Ready to start?
👉 Start your Wyoming LLC for Dutch residents — 4-day turnaround, EIN included, Mercury Bank support.
About the author
Wyoming Experts
Wyoming Experts writes for Wyoming Experts, a Sheridan, WY-based firm specializing in Wyoming LLC formation for non-US residents. Our team has helped 2,500+ international entrepreneurs from 40+ countries open US companies, secure EINs, set up Mercury/Relay bank accounts, and stay IRS-compliant (Form 5472 & 1120). Content is reviewed by our in-house US tax & compliance specialists.
Sources & further reading
Non-US Residents Wyoming LLC Checklist
The 24-step playbook we use to form LLCs, get EINs in 24–72h and open Mercury Bank accounts for founders in 60+ countries.
- ✓ Formation, EIN, Mercury & Stripe
- ✓ Form 5472 & compliance essentials
- ✓ Zero fluff — printable one-pager