Incorporate · Americas

Company Formation in United States (Delaware)

Default choice for US startups with mature corporate law and investor familiarity. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: 21% federal
VAT / GST: None federally (state and local sales taxes apply where nexus exists)
Formation: 1-5 days
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted (non-residents can own C-Corps and LLCs)
Tax treaties: 66+
Setup cost: USD 500 - 2,500

At a glance

Common entity: C-Corporation
Formation time: 1-5 days
Setup cost: USD 500 - 2,500
Annual cost: USD 1,000 - 3,500
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted (non-residents can own C-Corps and LLCs)
Tax treaties: 66+

SaaS and technologyFintechHolding companyE-commerceTrading

Best for

Venture-backed startups raising from US investors
Access to the US market and payments
C-Corps preparing for institutional funding

Less ideal for

Founders wanting low corporate tax
Those seeking to avoid US filing complexity

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law
Common entity types	C-Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Formation timeline	1-5 days
Minimum capital	None
Foreign ownership	100% permitted (non-residents can own C-Corps and LLCs)
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1
Local presence	Delaware registered agent required
Public registry	Directors and shareholders not on a public state register (agent on file)
Audit	No general statutory audit requirement

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	21% federal (C-Corp); Delaware charges no state income tax on out-of-state activity but levies an annual franchise tax
VAT / GST	None federally (state and local sales taxes apply where nexus exists)
Withholding, dividends	30% to non-residents (treaty reduced)
Withholding, interest	30% (treaty reduced; portfolio interest often exempt)
Withholding, royalties	30% (treaty reduced)
Capital gains	Within federal corporate tax for C-Corps
Territorial system	No
CFC rules	Yes
Participation exemption	Dividends-received deduction for qualifying US corporate shareholders

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in US (Delaware)

1
Choose the entity type (C-Corp or LLC) and confirm the name
2
Appoint a Delaware registered agent
3
File the certificate of incorporation or formation with the Division of Corporations
4
Obtain a federal EIN from the IRS
5
Adopt bylaws or an operating agreement, issue equity and open a bank account

Banking reality

US banks almost always require an EIN and often an in-person visit or a US presence, so non-resident founders frequently rely on fintech business-banking platforms that support foreign-owned entities.