Two of the world's most popular business structures for internationally mobile founders — but they suit different situations. Here's how to choose.
Many internationally mobile founders form either a UK Ltd or a US LLC without a systematic comparison. The right choice depends on your client geography, banking needs, desired tax treatment, payment processor requirements, and long-term plans. A UK Ltd is a corporate entity (subject to UK Corporation Tax for UK-resident directors) with excellent European client credibility. A US LLC is a tax-transparent pass-through with unmatched US payment processor compatibility. They suit different use cases, and in some scenarios, both may be warranted.
Subject to UK Corporation Tax (25% on profits above £250,000, 19% small profits rate for profits under £50,000). Excellent European and global credibility. Good banking options through Wise, Revolut, and high-street banks. Required for EU/UK client contracts that prefer a European entity.
Tax-transparent (pass-through) for non-resident owners with no US ECI. No US corporate tax on foreign-source income when structured correctly. Unmatched US payment processor access (Stripe, PayPal, Mercury). Best for US client base and US-dollar revenue.
Some founders maintain both a UK Ltd (for EU/UK clients and EUR/GBP revenue) and a US LLC (for US clients and USD revenue). This doubles administrative overhead but maximises operational flexibility.
Nomadic Go can form both UK Ltd companies and US LLCs. Our team will discuss your specific situation — client geography, revenue currencies, long-term plans — and recommend the appropriate structure before proceeding. All formation services include registered agent/registered office for 12 months.
Generally yes. European and UK clients are more familiar with UK Ltd structures, find it easier to process payments, and some larger companies require a European-registered entity in their procurement process.
For non-residents providing services entirely outside the US to non-US clients, a properly structured US LLC can have no US tax liability. However, tax treatment depends heavily on facts and your home country's tax rules. This is not tax advice; consult a tax professional.
Both accept UK Ltds and US LLCs. For USD payouts without currency conversion, a US LLC with a US bank account is preferable. For GBP and EUR, a UK Ltd with Wise or Revolut is generally better.
Yes. Many internationally mobile founders maintain both. A UK Ltd handles EU and UK clients (GBP/EUR revenue), while the US LLC handles US clients (USD revenue). The trade-off is double the administrative overhead: two registered addresses, two annual filings, two bank accounts.
UK Ltd: approximately GBP 200-400/yr (registered office, confirmation statement, accounting). US LLC Wyoming: approximately USD 160-300/yr (state fee $60 + registered agent $100-200). Delaware LLC: approximately USD 460-600/yr. These figures exclude accountant or tax advisor costs.
Fixed price, real-time tracking, and expert handling.
Compare Formation Options