Launch Your Virginia LLC in the Old Dominion
Virginia combines proximity to Washington DC, strong defense and technology sectors, and business-friendly policies. With Northern Virginia's tech corridor, Hampton Roads' military presence, and Richmond's finance sector, Virginia offers strategic advantages for diverse businesses. The state provides DC metro access with strong government contracting opportunities. Northern Virginia's tech corridor supports rapid business growth with 1-2 day formation available for quick setup.
Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation | Inc Authority Free Formation | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees |
| EIN Service | $99 | $70 | $70 | $159 | $99 |
| Operating Agreement | $99 | $99 | $50 | $99 | ✓ Free |
| Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat |
| Best For | Best Overall Value | Fastest Formation | Free Formation | Best for Legal Support | Legal Documents |
| Get Started | Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → |
Compare Virginia with Neighboring States
Virginia
💡 Pro Tip: While neighboring states may have different fees, consider other factors like business environment, tax policies, and where you'll actually operate when choosing your LLC formation state.
Virginia LLC Formation Costs
Virginia LLC formation costs:
- State filing fee: $100
- Registered agent fee: $50 (state-mandated annual fee)
- Annual registration fee: $50 (due by last day of anniversary month)
- Registered agent service: Required (typically $99-$299/year additional)
Virginia uniquely charges a mandatory $50 state fee for registered agents plus whatever your agent service charges. Total first-year costs are approximately $200 plus agent service fees.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Virginia charges a unique $50 annual registered agent fee paid to the state, separate from your registered agent service fees. This fee is due annually by the last day of your LLC’s anniversary month. Virginia also requires annual registration by the last day of your anniversary month with a $50 fee. The registration updates basic company information and confirms your registered agent. Late filing results in a $25 penalty.
Formation Timeline
Virginia processing times:
- Standard online filing: 7-10 business days
- Priority 2-day: $50 additional fee
- Priority 1-day: $100 additional fee
Virginia’s State Corporation Commission offers reliable expedited processing with clear timelines.
Key Industry Sectors
Northern Virginia (NoVA) offers unique advantages:
- Federal proximity: Access to government contracts and agencies
- Tech corridor: Major data centers and technology companies
- Educated workforce: Highest education levels nationally
- Defense contractors: Pentagon and military presence
- International business: Dulles Airport and global connections
- High income demographics: Affluent customer base
These factors make Virginia particularly attractive for technology, defense, and professional services firms.
Business Climate and Advantages
Virginia offers strategic advantages through its proximity to Washington DC and strong defense and technology sectors. Northern Virginia’s tech corridor provides access to federal contracts, educated workforce, and international business connections through Dulles Airport. The state combines business-friendly policies with diverse economic sectors from Hampton Roads military presence to Richmond’s finance sector.
Registered Agent Requirements
Virginia requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a Virginia street address. The agent must be available during business hours to receive legal documents and official correspondence. Virginia charges a unique $50 annual state fee for registered agents, separate from service provider fees. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Virginia address.
Virginia doesn’t authorize Series LLC formation, though it recognizes Series LLCs formed in other states when they register as foreign LLCs.
Top 3 Recommended Services for Virginia
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Best For
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
Pros
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons
- • Some features require upgraded plans
- • More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Best For
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Pros
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons
- • Operating agreement not included in basic package
- • Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Best For
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Pros
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons
- • No rush processing available
- • Monthly subscription required
- • Customer service via chat/email only