Compare the top LLC formation services for non-US residents. Find the fastest, most affordable, and compliant way to start your US business from abroad.
Why Non-Residents Need a US LLC
Forming a US LLC as a non-resident opens access to the world's largest economy, US banking, Stripe/PayPal, and credibility with American customers. However, navigating EIN acquisition, registered agents, and IRS requirements from abroad is complex. These four services simplify the process—but they are not identical.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Stripe Atlas | Doola | Firstbase | Clerky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $500 one-time | $197/year + state fees | $399 + state fees | $799 + state fees |
| Entity Types | Delaware C-Corp, LLC | LLC (all states), C-Corp | LLC, C-Corp, Nonprofit | Delaware C-Corp, LLC |
| EIN for Non-Residents | Included (fast) | Included | Included | Included |
| US Bank Account | Mercury + Stripe | Mercury, Wise, Relay | Mercury, Brex, Wise | Mercury |
| Registered Agent | 1 year included | 1 year included | 1 year included | 1 year included |
| Annual Compliance | Not included | Included (taxes, filings) | Not included | Not included |
| Tax Support | Basic guides | Full CPA support | Basic guides | Attorney-reviewed |
| Processing Time | 7-14 days | 3-7 days | 7-10 days | 5-10 days |
| Best For | Tech startups, SaaS | E-commerce, agencies | Founders wanting perks | VC-backed startups |
Stripe Atlas: The Developer Favorite
Stripe Atlas is built by Stripe for Stripe users. It excels at integrating formation with payment processing.
- Pros: Seamless Stripe account setup, Mercury banking, $5,000 AWS credits, access to Stripe's partner network
- Cons: No ongoing compliance support, higher upfront cost, limited to Delaware primarily
- Best for: SaaS founders, developers, and anyone planning to process payments through Stripe immediately
Stripe Atlas Perks
Every Atlas founder receives $5,000 in AWS credits, free Stripe processing for early transactions, and invitations to exclusive founder events.
Doola: The All-in-One Non-Resident Solution
Doola (formerly StartPack) is the only service built specifically for non-US residents, with a focus on keeping your company compliant year after year.
- Pros: Annual tax filing included, CPA access, multi-state LLC support, bookkeeping tools, no US visit required
- Cons: Subscription model (ongoing cost), less brand recognition than Stripe
- Best for: E-commerce sellers, digital agencies, and non-residents who want hands-off compliance
Doola Tax Bundle
Doola's "Total Compliance" package includes federal tax filing, state franchise tax, registered agent renewal, and annual report filing—critical for non-residents who cannot easily visit the US.
Firstbase: The Perks Powerhouse
Firstbase differentiates itself through a massive network of partner rewards worth over $200,000.
- Pros: Lifetime deal access, $200K+ in software credits, free legal templates, community access
- Cons: No built-in tax service, higher base price, less hand-holding for non-residents
- Best for: Cost-conscious founders who want maximum software perks and plan to handle taxes separately
Clerky: The Legal Precision Tool
Clerky is an attorney-built platform focused on Delaware C-Corps with strict legal compliance.
- Pros: Attorney-reviewed documents, automated board consents, stock plan templates, fundraising-ready
- Cons: Most expensive, complex interface, overkill for simple LLCs
- Best for: Startups planning to raise venture capital or issue equity to investors
Important for Non-Residents
Clerky requires more legal knowledge than the other platforms. If you are a first-time founder without a US attorney, Stripe Atlas or Doola will provide a smoother experience.
How to Choose: Decision Framework
Choose Stripe Atlas If...
You are building a tech product, need Stripe payments immediately, and want AWS credits. You are comfortable handling your own taxes and compliance.
Choose Doola If...
You are a non-resident who wants a "set it and forget it" solution with taxes, compliance, and banking handled for you.
Choose Firstbase If...
You want the maximum value in software credits and plan to use tools like HubSpot, Notion, and AWS extensively.
Choose Clerky If...
You are raising VC funding, need legally precise documents, and have the budget for premium legal infrastructure.
Hidden Costs to Watch
- Registered Agent Renewal: $100–$300/year after the first free year
- State Franchise Tax: Delaware ($300+), California ($800), Wyoming ($60)
- Annual Report Filing: $50–$500 depending on state
- Tax Preparation: $500–$2,000/year for non-resident returns
- Foreign Qualification: If you operate outside your formation state
Avoid This Mistake
Many non-residents choose the cheapest formation option, then panic when they receive a Delaware franchise tax notice or IRS penalty for missed filings. Factor in 5-year total cost of ownership, not just day-one price.
Step-by-Step: Forming Your US LLC as a Non-Resident
Step 1: Select Your State
Wyoming for privacy, Delaware for credibility, New Mexico for no annual report. Match the state to your business goals.
Step 2: Choose Your Formation Service
Use the comparison above. For most non-residents, Doola or Stripe Atlas provides the best balance of speed and support.
Step 3: Obtain Your EIN
All four services handle this. The IRS issues EINs to non-residents with a foreign address; processing takes 4-8 weeks.
Step 4: Open a US Bank Account
Mercury and Relay allow remote opening for non-residents. Some founders visit the US to open accounts at Chase or Bank of America.
Step 5: Set Up Tax Compliance
File Form 5472 if you are a foreign-owned single-member LLC. Doola handles this automatically; others require you to hire a CPA.
Start Your US Business Today
Non-residents can legally own and operate US LLCs. Pick the right formation service, get your EIN, open a US bank account, and start selling to American customers.