The following article provides a precise overview of the average costs involved in creating and maintaining a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the US Virgin Islands (VI) as of 2025. All figures are based on the most relevant and up-to-date official and industry sources, giving you clear insight into the regulatory expenses associated with operating a standard business structure in this jurisdiction.
Overview of Company Creation Costs (2025)
Forming an LLC in the US Virgin Islands involves several key government fees and basic service charges. Below is a breakdown of the average formation costs businesses can expect when establishing a standard LLC:
| Cost Item | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $150 |
| Business License Application fee | $75 |
| Trade Name Registration (DBA) fee | $25 |
| Registered Agent service (average for first year) | $100 |
| Legal/Preparation fees (average for basic LLC setup) | $100 |
| Total Estimated Average Cost | $450 |
On average, a new LLC can be established with a typical total outlay of $450 (USD). These costs cover the essential filings, regulatory requirements, and a baseline for commonly used professional services.
Annual Maintenance Costs for LLCs in the US Virgin Islands
After the initial formation, maintaining an active and compliant LLC involves recurring annual fees. The table below summarizes the expected yearly expenses for 2025:
| Recurring Cost Item | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Annual LLC Franchise Tax | $150 |
| Business License Renewal | $75 |
| Registered Agent service (annual average) | $100 |
| Basic annual legal/accounting compliance (optional but common) | $100 |
| Total Annual Cost (range) | $225–$425 |
Annual compliance fees are relatively moderate in the US Virgin Islands compared to many other jurisdictions. The minimum yearly outlay for an LLC is $225 (USD), increasing up to $425 (USD) when legal and accounting compliance expenses are included—a prudent estimate for any standard LLC planning to remain in good standing.
Key Insights from Recent Data
- Formation fees are predictable and largely fixed, allowing for straightforward planning and budgeting.
- Registered Agent services are required for USVI LLCs, both at set-up and on an ongoing annual basis.
- Annual franchise tax and business license renewals make up the core of recurring costs, creating a manageable ongoing compliance burden.
- Optional but common expenditures on legal/accounting fees increase the total cost range but are advisable for most businesses seeking operational peace of mind.
Applicable Official Resources
Pro Tips for Managing LLC Costs in the US Virgin Islands
- Review government fee schedules annually to stay informed about any changes to official filing or renewal costs.
- Use a registered agent with a transparent annual billing structure; consider local providers that specialize in USVI LLC compliance.
- Plan for basic legal or accounting compliance, even if not strictly required; this is a common best practice for smooth operations and audit-readiness.
- Complete renewals and tax filings promptly; late submission can incur penalties and impact your company’s standing.
Establishing and maintaining a standard LLC in the US Virgin Islands remains a cost-effective process by international standards, with clearly defined government fees and predictable ongoing expenses. The separation between mandatory requirements and common best practices offers flexibility, while the overall regulatory environment makes the USVI an attractive and stable base for business operations. As always, careful annual budgeting for both fixed and optional items ensures full compliance and long-term cost efficiency.