Start an LLC in Guam
Starting an LLC in Guam offers entrepreneurs essential benefits like personal liability protection, flexible management structures, and pass-through taxation advantages.
Whether you’re a local business owner or expanding to this U.S. territory, forming a limited liability company in Guam requires following specific state requirements and filing procedures.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step to start an LLC in Guam from selecting and reserving your business name to filing your annual report. While we don’t currently provide business formation services in Guam, we’ve created this resource to help you navigate the entire process with confidence.
$39 + State Guam
1 free year of registered agent service
Business address & mail scanning
LLC operating agreement
Instant domain, website, email, & phone line
Privacy by default®
How to Start an LLC in Guam
You’ll also find a free Articles of Organization template and practical tips to establish your online presence from day one.
1. Name Your LLC
Choosing the right business name is your first critical step when forming an LLC in Guam. Under Guam Code Title 18, Ch 15 § 15106, your LLC name must meet specific legal requirements.
Your business name must:
- Include “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or the abbreviations “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” or “LLC”
- Be distinguishable from all other registered business entities in Guam
Guam doesn’t offer an online business name search database. To verify your preferred name is available, contact the Guam Department of Revenue & Taxation directly at (671) 635-1840.
Pro Tip: Consider filing a Name Reservation Application to secure your business name before submitting your Articles of Organization. While this costs $25, approval confirms the name is available and reserves it for your use. Keep in mind the application may be denied if another business already uses that name.
2. Appoint a Guam Registered Agent
Every LLC operating in Guam must designate a registered agent. This legal requirement under 18 Guam Code § 15111 ensures your business can properly receive official correspondence and legal documents.
Your Guam registered agent must be:
- A Guam resident individual, OR
- A domestic corporation registered in Guam, OR
- A foreign corporation authorized to conduct business in Guam
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Guam (not a P.O. box) and be available to accept service of process during standard business hours, typically 9 AM to 5 PM.
3. Get A Domain Name
Establishing your online presence starts with securing the right domain name. Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available in Guam, immediately check for matching or complementary domain options.
Your domain name serves as your business’s digital address and the foundation for your future website and online brand identity.
Why register your domain early:
- Ensures brand consistency between your LLC name and online presence
- Protects your business identity before competitors claim similar domains
- Creates opportunities for professional email addresses (like contact@yourguamcompany.com)
- Establishes your digital footprint even before building a full website
Get started with Northwest: For just $9 per month, secure your domain name, create branded email accounts, and even add a local Guam phone number. No long-term contracts or hidden fees cancel anytime. While we can’t file your Guam LLC formation documents, we’ll help your business project professionalism as you grow.
Form Your LLC
4. File Guam Articles of Organization
Filing your Articles of Organization with the Department of Revenue and Taxation officially creates your Guam LLC. This legal document establishes your business entity and costs $250 to file.
Unlike many states, Guam doesn’t provide a standard form. You’ll need to prepare your own Articles of Organization document. Use our free attorney-drafted template to ensure you include all required information.
Required elements in your Articles of Organization:
- Company name: Must comply with Guam naming requirements and include “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” “L.L.C.,” or “L.C.”
- Duration: Specify perpetual or a specific term (optional)
- Business purpose: Description of your LLC’s activities
- Registered agent: Name and address of your designated agent
- Registered office: Physical address in Guam
- Principal office: Your main business location
- Member or manager information: Details about ownership structure
- Members’ rights: Outline of ownership rights and responsibilities
- Assets: Initial contributions and property
- Additional contributions: Future capital requirements (if applicable)
- Additional provisions: Any other relevant terms (optional)
- Organizer: Person filing the formation documents
Filing options: Submit your completed Articles of Organization by mail or in-person delivery to the Department of Revenue and Taxation.
5. Adopt an Operating Agreement
An LLC operating agreement functions as your business’s internal rulebook, defining how your company will operate and make decisions.
While Guam doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, the Department of Revenue and Taxation strongly recommends creating one. This document prevents future disputes and provides clear procedures for critical situations like ownership transfers, profit distribution, and member responsibilities.
Your operating agreement can include any provisions you choose, provided they comply with Guam’s LLC statutes.
Tip: Download our free Guam operating agreement template, prepared by licensed attorneys, to get started quickly.
6. Get an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) serves as your business’s tax identification number, similar to a Social Security number for individuals.
As a U.S. territory, Guam follows federal tax requirements. You’ll need an EIN if your LLC has employees or multiple members. Additionally, banks require an EIN to open business accounts.
How to obtain your EIN:
- Apply directly through the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) online portal
- Hire a professional service to handle the application process
The application is free when filing directly with the IRS.
7. Open a Business Bank Account
A dedicated business bank account maintains the legal separation between your personal and business finances, a critical component of your LLC’s liability protection.
This separation protects your personal assets from business debts and obligations. It also simplifies bookkeeping, tax preparation, and vendor relationships.
Documents needed to open your business account:
- Your EIN confirmation from the IRS
- LLC operating agreement
- Articles of Organization
- Resolution authorizing the bank account opening
8. Get Guam Business License
Before launching operations, you must obtain a Guam business license. This license authorizes you to conduct business legally within the territory.
Filing details:
- Submit your Business License Application to either the License Division of the Department of Revenue and Taxation or the One Stop Licensing Center
- Annual renewal required by June 30th each year
- License fees range from $100 to $1,000, based on your projected annual gross income
9. File Sworn Annual Report
Guam requires all LLCs to file a Sworn Annual Report each year. This report keeps the Department of Revenue and Taxation informed about current contact information, ownership structure, and business status.
Annual filing requirements:
- Deadline: September 1st annually
- Filing fee: $100
- Late payment penalty: $50 (assessed if filed more than 60 days past due)
Maintain compliance by marking this deadline on your calendar and filing promptly each year.
Ready to Start an LLC in Guam?
Limited Liability Company (LLC) Guam FAQs
The total cost to start an LLC in Guam includes a $250 filing fee for your Articles of Organization, plus $100 for your annual business license. Optional costs include a $25 name reservation fee and approximately $9/month for domain registration and professional email services.
Processing times for Guam LLC formation vary depending on filing method and current workload at the Department of Revenue and Taxation. Contact their office at (671) 635-1840 for current processing estimates.
No, you don’t need an attorney to form a Guam LLC. Using our free Articles of Organization template and operating agreement, you can complete the process yourself. However, consulting a lawyer may be beneficial for complex business structures or unique situations.
Yes, non-residents can form and own an LLC in Guam. However, you must appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Guam who can accept legal documents on behalf of your business.
An LLC offers flexible management, pass-through taxation, and simpler compliance requirements. Corporations have more rigid structures, potential double taxation (unless electing S-Corp status), and may be better suited for businesses seeking outside investment or planning to go public.
Yes, if you’re a Guam resident with a physical street address in the territory and can be available during business hours to receive legal documents. Many business owners prefer hiring a professional registered agent service for privacy and reliability.