Legal Structures for Solopreneurs: Which Jurisdiction Fits a One-Person Business
The four jurisdictions solopreneurs actually use in 2026: Wyoming, Delaware, BVI, and Singapore. What each one gets you, what it costs, and how to pick without over-structuring for a future you don't have yet.
There are 29.8 million solopreneurs in the US alone, contributing an estimated $1.7 trillion to the economy. Most of them are running on the default legal structure: none at all, or a sole proprietorship that offers zero separation between business debts and personal ones.
Being a solopreneur describes your team size. It says nothing about your liability. This guide covers the four jurisdictions solopreneurs use most, what each actually gets you, and how to pick.
Why "no structure" is the most expensive option
A sole proprietorship costs nothing to set up because there's nothing to set up. There's also no separation between you and the business: a client dispute, a missed payment, or a contract gone wrong exposes your personal assets directly.
A single-member LLC (or its non-US equivalent) fixes this with one filing. The real decision isn't whether to structure the business. It's which jurisdiction to structure it in.
The four jurisdictions solopreneurs actually use
Wyoming LLC. The default recommendation for most US-facing or US-based solopreneurs. No state income tax, minimal annual upkeep, and the LLC form was built for exactly one owner rather than a cap table with multiple stakeholders. The cheapest credible option on this list.
Delaware LLC. The right call if you expect to raise money, sell the business, or need the deepest body of US case law behind you. Costs and maintenance run higher than Wyoming, and most solopreneurs are paying for credibility they don't yet need.
BVI Limited Company. The classic offshore option for solopreneurs operating internationally, invoicing clients outside the US, or simply not wanting a US entity at all. Lower institutional recognition than Delaware, but a straightforward structure with a single director and single shareholder allowed.
Explore the BVI Limited Company
Singapore Private Limited Company. The credible, regulated option if you're building toward Asia-facing clients, investors, or banking. Single-shareholder ownership is allowed, but Singapore requires at least one director who is a local resident, which Otonomos can provide as a nominee. Worth knowing: Singapore is one of the more transparent jurisdictions on this list. Beneficial ownership isn't shielded from public view the way it is in BVI, so this is a credibility pick, not a privacy pick.
Explore the Singapore Private Limited Company
How to choose
If you're US-based or US-facing and want the cheapest structure that still protects you: Wyoming.
If you're planning to raise money, sell the business, or need institutional credibility: Delaware.
If you're operating internationally and don't need a US entity: BVI.
If you're building toward Asia-facing clients, banking, or investors, and don't mind more public disclosure: Singapore.
Many solopreneurs start with Wyoming and only move to Delaware or Singapore later, once there's an actual investor, acquirer, or bank relationship asking for it. Structuring for a future you don't have yet just adds cost today.
FAQs
Can a single person own an LLC in any of these jurisdictions?
Yes. All four support single-member or single-shareholder ownership, though Singapore requires a locally resident director alongside the sole shareholder.
Do I need to be a US resident for a Wyoming or Delaware LLC?
No. Non-US residents can own and operate either structure.
Will my name be public if I choose one of these?
It depends on the jurisdiction. The US generally doesn't require public disclosure of LLC members, and BVI keeps beneficial ownership off the public registry. Singapore is the exception on this list: it's a transparent regime, and beneficial ownership details are accessible on request. If privacy matters more than credibility, a Nominee Director or Shareholder can help, or a different jurisdiction may fit better.
How much does it cost to set one up?
Wyoming is the cheapest of the four. Exact current pricing for each entity is available on its order page, linked above.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. Otonomos handles filing, registered agent, and ongoing compliance for all four jurisdictions without a law firm retainer.
Set up your structure
Ready to pick one? Start here:
Wyoming LLC · Delaware LLC · BVI Limited Company · Singapore Pte Ltd
Not sure which one fits your situation? Book a free call and we'll walk through it before you commit to anything: https://calendly.com/d/dmf-tys-ssx
Sources: Solopreneur Statistics 2026 (29.8M solopreneurs, $1.7T GDP contribution), Otonomos internal product documentation.
Updated 3 days ago