Set Up a US Company from Abroad
What it actually costs to form a US LLC or C-Corp when you are not a US resident, what each provider includes, and the one step that is always free.
The one thing that is always free
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is issued by the IRS for free.
The IRS warns: “Beware of websites that charge for an EIN. You never have to pay a fee for an EIN.” If a provider bundles an EIN into a paid plan, you are paying for convenience, not the number itself.
Non-US founders: the IRS online tool only works if your principal place of business is in the US and the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN. Otherwise the application goes by phone, fax, or mail.
What providers charge
Both plans compared here exclude state filing fees. They are added on top and vary by state.
$297/yrdoola Starter
LLC or C-Corp formation filed in 1-2 business days, EIN, and a US business address. State fees extra.
$99Firstbase Start
Expedited EIN setup. Registered agent is a separate $299 add-on and is required for incorporation. Promotional price; $399 list. State fees extra.
Compare current plans directly
Prices change; the providers' own pages are the source of truth.
doola pricing
Firstbase pricing
Links go to the providers' own sites. This page handles no signups and earns nothing from these links.
Watch for
- State filing fees sit on top of the plan prices compared here.
- A registered agent is required for incorporation. Some plans include one, others charge it as an add-on.
- The EIN itself is free from the IRS. Paid plans bundle it as convenience.
- Formation is the start, not the finish: a foreign-owned single-member LLC files a pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472 attached for any year in which reportable transactions with a related party occur (the IRS instructions define what counts).