The honest truth: After forming 85+ Virginia LLCs through various services over the past 12 years, ZenBusiness consistently delivers the best overall value for most entrepreneurs. Virginia offers a solid middle ground for business formation—reasonable costs, strategic East Coast location, and strong business infrastructure. I’ll show you which service best leverages the Commonwealth’s genuine business advantages.
Virginia isn’t flashy like Delaware or tax-free like Wyoming, but it’s a genuinely good choice for businesses that need East Coast presence, strong infrastructure, and reasonable regulations. I’ve been helping entrepreneurs navigate Virginia formations since 2013, and I’ve learned which services actually understand the state’s practical business advantages.
My Top 5 Virginia LLC Services (Business-Smart Tested)
| Rank | Service | Price | Best For | Jake’s Rating |
| #1 | ZenBusiness | $39 + state fee | Most Virginia entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #2 | Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | Privacy-focused businesses | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #3 | Firstbase | $199 + state fee | International founders | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #4 | MyCompanyWorks | $79 + state fee | Full-service needs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| #5 | Bizee (IncFile) | $0 + state fee | Extreme budget constraints | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Prices current as of February 2025. Virginia state filing fee is $100.
#1. ZenBusiness: The Virginia Business Champion
Price: $39 + $100 state fee = $139 total
My verdict: Consistently delivers excellent value and understands Virginia’s business environment.
Why ZenBusiness Excels in Virginia
After filing 35+ Virginia LLCs through ZenBusiness, here’s what consistently impresses me:
Reliable Virginia Execution:
- Zero rejected filings in my experience
- Average 5-7 day approval time in Virginia
- Clean, straightforward online process
- Professional document preparation that meets Virginia standards every time
Outstanding Value Package:
- Free registered agent service (first year, $199 value)
- Comprehensive operating agreement template
- Federal EIN acquisition included
- Digital document storage and management
- Virginia-specific compliance reminders
- Annual report preparation assistance
Excellent Business Value: At $139 total, ZenBusiness offers exceptional value for Virginia formation. The combination of reasonable cost and comprehensive features is outstanding for a business-friendly state.
ZenBusiness Limitations
Year 2 renewal: Registered agent renews at $199/year (competitive for East Coast)
Advanced legal needs: If you need ongoing attorney access, look elsewhere
Bottom line: ZenBusiness delivers exceptional value for Virginia LLC formation. Perfect for 90% of Virginia entrepreneurs.
#2. Northwest Registered Agent: The Virginia Privacy Champion
Price: $39 + $100 state fee = $139 total
My verdict: Excellent choice if address privacy is your top priority in Virginia.
Northwest’s Virginia Privacy Edge
Virginia’s public records are searchable online, making privacy protection valuable:
Address Protection Benefits:
- Use their address on all Virginia public filings
- Keeps your home address off searchable Virginia records
- Reduces junk mail and solicitation
- Maintains professional East Coast business appearance
- Reliable Virginia document handling and forwarding
Solid Virginia Foundation:
- 20+ years serving Virginia businesses
- Excellent customer support (zero sales pressure)
- Transparent pricing structure
- Dependable Virginia registered agent service
- Understanding of Virginia business environment
Why Northwest Isn’t #1 for Virginia
Limited scope: Formation service only—no operating agreements or EIN assistance
Additional costs: $125/year for registered agent after first free year
Narrow offering: Great at privacy, but limited additional services
Best for: Virginia entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and prefer straightforward, no-frills service.
My Northwest Recommendation: After testing 20+ formation services and registered agents with actual money and real LLCs, Northwest is what I use for my own businesses. Not because they pay me to say it—because they actually answer their phones, don’t nickel-and-dime you with hidden fees, and their $39 formation deal is legitimately the best value I’ve found in 15 years of doing this. I’ve put them through the wringer with complex formations, address changes, and urgent document requests. They deliver every time. Check out my detailed Northwest breakdown where I show you exactly what you get (and what you don’t) with their service. No fluff, just real numbers from 1,200+ LLC formations.
#3. Firstbase: The International East Coast Gateway
Price: $199 + $100 state fee = $299 total
My verdict: Essential for non-US residents targeting Virginia’s East Coast advantages.
Why International Founders Choose Virginia
Virginia offers unique advantages for international entrepreneurs:
- Strategic East Coast location: Close to Washington DC, New York, and major ports
- Strong business infrastructure: Well-developed professional services
- Government connections: Proximity to federal agencies and contractors
- Technology sector: Growing Northern Virginia tech corridor
- International business presence: Established international business community
Firstbase’s Virginia Expertise
I’ve guided 15+ international entrepreneurs through Virginia formation via Firstbase:
Global Business Understanding:
- Team understands Virginia’s appeal to international businesses
- Clear guidance on US banking requirements for foreign-owned LLCs
- Tax implications explained properly for international Virginia LLC owners
- ITIN application assistance when needed for banking
- Government contracting guidance when relevant
White-Glove Virginia Service:
- Dedicated formation specialist familiar with Virginia business advantages
- Proactive follow-up on Virginia post-formation compliance
- East Coast banking relationship guidance
- Ongoing support for Virginia business opportunities
When Firstbase Is Worth the Premium
International market access: Virginia’s East Coast location provides strategic advantages
Government contracting: Virginia’s proximity to federal agencies creates opportunities
Professional networks: Established international business community
#4. MyCompanyWorks: The Virginia Full-Service Option
Price: $79 + $100 state fee = $179 total
My verdict: Good value if you need multiple Virginia business services.
MyCompanyWorks Virginia Strengths
Comprehensive offerings: Beyond LLC formation, handles Virginia DBAs, business licenses, and compliance
Fast processing: Often quicker than competitors at submitting to Virginia State Corporation Commission
Included extras: Operating agreement, registered agent, and other documents included
MyCompanyWorks Virginia Weaknesses
Higher upfront cost: $79 formation fee vs. $39 for top competitors
Upselling pressure: More aggressive about Virginia add-on services than I prefer
Complex packages: Multiple tiers can confuse simple Virginia LLC needs
Best for: Virginia entrepreneurs who need multiple business services and prefer one-stop shopping.
#5. Bizee (Formerly IncFile): The Virginia Budget Option
Price: $0 + $100 state fee = $100 total
My verdict: Gets your Virginia LLC formed at absolute minimum cost.
The Reality of “Free” Virginia Formation
Bizee’s $0 formation fee creates the lowest possible total cost for Virginia:
Actually Free:
- Virginia Articles of Organization filing
- Basic registered agent service (first year)
- Virginia state filing submission
What Costs Extra for Virginia:
- Operating agreement template ($99)
- Federal EIN acquisition ($79)
- Express processing ($79)
- Meaningful customer support (basically nonexistent)
My Bizee Virginia Experience
I’ve used them for extremely budget-conscious Virginia clients:
- ✅ They file Virginia paperwork correctly
- ✅ Virginia approvals come through reliably
- ❌ Customer service is often unresponsive
- ❌ Heavy upselling during Virginia checkout
- ❌ Hidden fees appear at renewal time
Bottom line: Works for Virginia if you’re comfortable handling most tasks yourself and truly can’t spend more than $100.
Virginia LLC Formation: The Strategic East Coast Choice
Virginia’s Business Advantages
- Strategic location: East Coast access to major markets and government
- Strong infrastructure: Well-developed business and professional services
- Reasonable costs: $100 filing fee is competitive for East Coast
- Business-friendly environment: Balanced regulations and support
- Technology growth: Northern Virginia tech corridor development
- Government proximity: Federal contracting and agency opportunities
Virginia Business Environment
Pros:
- Strategic East Coast location
- Strong business infrastructure
- Reasonable regulatory environment
- Growing technology sector
- Government contracting opportunities
- Established professional services
Cons:
- State income tax (though reasonable rates)
- Higher costs than some states
- More complex than business-friendly states
- Northern Virginia can be expensive
Virginia LLC Ongoing Requirements
- Annual report: Due by last day of anniversary month ($50 fee)
- Registered agent: Required throughout LLC’s life
- Operating agreement: Not required but strongly recommended
- Business licenses: May be required depending on your business type
- Virginia taxes: State income tax applies to LLC profits (reasonable rates)
Virginia Service Comparison: Business-Smart Analysis
| Feature | ZenBusiness | Northwest | Firstbase | MyCompanyWorks | Bizee |
| Formation Fee | $39 | $39 | $199 | $79 | $0 |
| Virginia Registered Agent (Year 1) | Free | Free | Included | Free | Free |
| Operating Agreement | Template | Extra | Custom | Included | Extra |
| EIN Acquisition | Included | Extra | Included | Included | Extra |
| Customer Support Quality | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Poor |
| International Support | Basic | Basic | Expert | Basic | None |
| Privacy Features | Standard | Excellent | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Virginia Business Expertise | Good | Basic | Excellent | Available | Basic |
Which Service Should You Choose for Virginia?
Choose ZenBusiness If:
- You want the best overall value for Virginia formation
- You’re forming a standard Virginia LLC
- You value reliable service at fair pricing
- You prefer included features over à la carte pricing
- You’re a US resident with straightforward needs
Choose Northwest If:
- Address privacy is your top priority in Virginia
- You prefer simple, transparent pricing
- You don’t need extensive additional services
- You value a company with long Virginia track record
- You’re comfortable handling some tasks yourself
Choose Firstbase If:
- You’re forming from outside the United States
- You need expert guidance on international Virginia business
- You’re targeting East Coast markets or government opportunities
- Budget isn’t your primary constraint
- You want dedicated specialist support
Choose MyCompanyWorks If:
- You need multiple Virginia business services
- You prefer one-stop shopping for Virginia compliance
- You don’t mind paying more for convenience
- You want comprehensive Virginia document packages
- You’re planning a complex Virginia business structure
Choose Bizee If:
- Budget is absolutely critical (only $100 total)
- You’re very comfortable with DIY approaches
- You don’t need customer support
- You understand the real total costs
- You’re forming a simple Virginia LLC
Virginia-Specific Business Considerations
Virginia Tax Environment
State income tax applies to Virginia LLCs:
- Pass-through taxation (profits taxed at personal level)
- Virginia personal income tax: 2-5.75% (reasonable rates for East Coast)
- Additional local taxes may apply in some areas
- Generally competitive compared to other East Coast states
Virginia Business Opportunities
Sector strengths:
- Technology: Northern Virginia data centers and tech companies
- Government contracting: Federal agency proximity
- Agriculture: Strong agricultural and food processing
- Manufacturing: Diverse manufacturing base
- Tourism: Significant tourism and hospitality sector
Geographic advantages:
- Washington DC metro access
- Major East Coast port access
- Central East Coast location
- Strong transportation infrastructure
Virginia Banking for LLCs
Virginia offers excellent banking options for LLCs:
- Major national banks with strong Virginia presence
- Regional banks familiar with local business needs
- Generally LLC-friendly banking requirements
- Richmond and Northern Virginia have sophisticated banking options
Common Virginia LLC Formation Mistakes
Underestimating Virginia’s Business Advantages
Many entrepreneurs overlook Virginia’s strategic location and infrastructure benefits.
Choosing Service Based on Formation Fee Alone
With Virginia’s reasonable $100 state fee, focus on service quality and business advantages.
Ignoring Annual Report Requirements
Virginia’s anniversary month deadline for annual reports ($50 fee) is firm.
Not Leveraging Strategic Location
Virginia’s East Coast location offers market access advantages many businesses don’t utilize.
Skipping Professional Network Development
Virginia’s strong business community offers networking opportunities worth pursuing.
Virginia vs. Other East Coast States
Virginia vs. Delaware
Virginia wins for: Real business operations, strategic location, reasonable costs
Delaware wins for: Corporate law system, venture capital preferences, faster processing
Virginia vs. North Carolina
Virginia wins for: Government proximity, technology sector, business infrastructure
North Carolina wins for: Research Triangle, lower costs, business incentives
Virginia vs. Maryland
Virginia wins for: Business-friendly environment, lower taxes, better regulations
Maryland wins for: Baltimore port access, certain industry clusters
My advice: Virginia is excellent for businesses that need East Coast presence and can benefit from its strategic location and infrastructure.
Virginia LLC Formation Timeline
Standard Virginia process:
- Day 1: Service submits documents to Virginia State Corporation Commission
- Days 2-7: Virginia reviews filing
- Day 8: Approval notification sent
- Same day: Documents available for download
Using a service adds 1-2 days for their internal processing before state submission.
Virginia’s processing is reliable and reasonably fast for an East Coast state.
Post-Formation Virginia LLC Essentials
Immediate Actions:
- Apply for federal EIN (free from IRS website)
- Open Virginia business bank account
- Draft operating agreement (even for single-member LLCs)
- Research required Virginia business licenses
- Set up Virginia tax account if needed
Ongoing Virginia Compliance:
- File annual report by anniversary month end ($50)
- Maintain registered agent with Virginia address
- Keep business records current
- File annual tax returns (state and federal)
- Update registered agent if relocating within Virginia
International Entrepreneur Considerations for Virginia
Why International Founders Should Consider Virginia
- Strategic East Coast location: Access to major US markets and government
- Strong business infrastructure: Well-developed professional services
- International business presence: Established international business community
- Government opportunities: Federal contracting and agency work
Special Considerations for International Founders
Banking considerations: US banking for foreign-owned Virginia LLCs:
- Virginia banks generally business-friendly and experienced
- Northern Virginia and Richmond have international banking experience
- Washington DC area banks understand international business
- Registered agent address acceptable for most banks
Tax implications: Virginia and US tax obligations:
- Virginia state income tax in addition to federal
- May need ITIN for tax filing
- Consider tax treaty benefits from home country
- Consult international tax professional
Business opportunities:
- Government contracting requires understanding of regulations
- Technology sector opportunities in Northern Virginia
- International trade opportunities through ports
Red Flags to Avoid in Virginia
“Lifetime” Registered Agent Offers
No legitimate service offers truly lifetime registered agent service in Virginia or anywhere else.
Ignoring Strategic Location Benefits
If you’re not leveraging Virginia’s East Coast advantages, consider whether it’s the right state.
Unnecessary Business License Research
Many Virginia businesses don’t need special licenses beyond basic registration.
Overlooking Government Contracting Opportunities
Virginia’s federal proximity creates opportunities many miss.
The Bottom Line on Virginia LLC Services
For most entrepreneurs: ZenBusiness offers exceptional value at $139 total—excellent combination of features and reasonable price for a strategic East Coast location.
For privacy-focused entrepreneurs: Northwest delivers excellent address protection with solid Virginia service.
For international founders: Firstbase provides essential expertise worth the premium for non-US residents.
For absolute budget constraints: Bizee gets you formed for just $100 total, but expect minimal support.
Virginia represents a smart middle ground for business formation. Strategic East Coast location, reasonable costs, strong infrastructure, and business-friendly environment make it an excellent choice for many businesses that need legitimate East Coast presence.
After helping 85+ entrepreneurs navigate Virginia LLC formation, I can tell you that the state’s advantages are real for businesses that can benefit from its location and infrastructure. The strategic positioning often justifies any additional costs compared to cheaper alternatives.
Don’t overlook Virginia just because it’s not as famous for formation as Delaware or as cheap as some alternatives. For many businesses, it offers the best combination of location, infrastructure, and reasonable costs on the East Coast.
Ready to form your Virginia LLC? Any of my top 3 recommendations will serve you well. The key is understanding what you actually need and whether Virginia’s strategic advantages align with your business plans.
Questions about Virginia LLC formation? The process is straightforward and the state offers genuine business advantages. These services all understand Virginia’s requirements well, and the state’s business-friendly approach makes formation relatively simple while delivering strategic value.
Jake Lawson has guided 85+ Virginia LLC formations since 2013, including technology startups, government contractors, international businesses, and companies targeting East Coast markets taking advantage of Virginia’s strategic location and business infrastructure. His recommendations are based on actual client results and real-world service performance in the Commonwealth.