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Company formation, eight entity types
Where you register a company and where you pay tax are two decisions. Pick the entity for your clients, your investors and your bank. Then make sure it fits where you live.
Eight entities compared
Company level tax, time to incorporate and who each one fits. Select one for the details.
- UAE FZCODubai free zones 0% qualifying, else 9% above AED 375k 2 to 3 weeks International clients, consulting, e-commerce, holding
- UAE MainlandDubai, Abu Dhabi 9% above AED 375k 3 to 6 weeks UAE customers, retail, government work
- US LLCWyoming or Delaware 0% US federal without US activity 7 or 10 working days US clients, Stripe, Amazon, non-residents
- US C CorpDelaware 21% federal plus state 1 to 2 weeks Raising capital, US team, stock options
- HK LtdHong Kong 8.25% first HKD 2m, 16.5% above 1 to 2 weeks Asia trade, sourcing, holding
- SG Pte LtdSingapore 17%, partial exemption on the first S$200k 1 to 3 days Asia-Pacific HQ, banking, investors
- UK LtdEngland and Wales 19% to 25% 1 to 3 days UK and EU clients, credibility, raising in the UK
- UK LLPEngland and Wales Transparent: taxed at member level 1 to 3 days Partnerships, consultancies, members abroad
Our default, by situation
Where we start the conversation. Your plan may differ once we know your numbers.
- You live abroad and sell to the USUS LLC
- You raise venture capitalDelaware C Corp
- You trade with ChinaHong Kong Ltd
- You want an Asia-Pacific baseSingapore Pte Ltd
- Your clients are in the UKUK Ltd
- You have partners in different countriesUK LLP
- You move to the UAE, clients abroadUAE FZCO
- You move to the UAE, clients localUAE Mainland
Explore each company type
Formation, banking, annual filings and how each one is treated at home.
Questions about company formation
Not listed? Ask it on your strategy call.
Can I form a company abroad without moving?
Yes. None of these entities require you to live in the country. Whether it lowers your tax depends on where you live and where the company is managed, not on where it is registered.
Will a foreign company lower my tax if I keep living at home?
Usually not. A foreign company managed from your home country is normally taxed there, and transparent entities such as an LLC or LLP put the profit straight into your own return. The benefit comes when your residency changes, or for non-tax reasons such as clients, investors and banking.
Which entity is fastest?
A UK Ltd or LLP can be incorporated in one to three days. A US LLC or C Corp in about a week, plus the EIN. Bank accounts usually take longer than the company itself.
Can I combine several entities?
Most of our clients do. A typical example: a UAE free zone company as the main business, a US LLC for American sales and a holding above both. Each layer has a reason and a filing.
Know in one call which structure fits you
You speak directly with an advisor. You get an honest answer, including when that answer is to stay where you are.
- Free, with no obligation
- Pick a time that suits you, straight in the calendar
- A written structure plan with a fixed fee
Opens Quint's calendar. Pick a time that suits you.