UK Ltd or Delaware C-Corp? The International Founder's Guide
Both are globally recognised. Both unlock Stripe and major payment processors. But they serve different founder journeys: UK Ltd for European and bootstrapped founders, Delaware C-Corp for founders on a US VC funding path.
Who this is for
- Non-US founders deciding between a UK and US corporate structure
- Founders planning to raise from US investors who need to choose the right entity
- Remote company founders comparing cost and ongoing compliance
- Entrepreneurs who have outgrown their freelance structure and need a company
Two corporate structures dominate the international founder conversation: the UK Private Limited Company and the Delaware C-Corporation. They serve different purposes, attract different investors, and have very different ongoing costs. This page helps you decide.
Available services
UK Limited Company
Companies House registration in 24-48 hours. No minimum share capital. 19-25% corporation tax. Globally recognised by Stripe, EU clients, and international banks. Best for: European founders, bootstrapped businesses, and non-US remote companies.
Delaware C-Corp
The standard for US venture capital, SAFE rounds, and Y Combinator. Preferred stock and convertible notes are built for the C-Corp structure. Best for: founders raising from US VC, planning a US IPO, or targeting US enterprise clients who require a US entity.
Delaware or Wyoming LLC
Pass-through taxation, Stripe access, and US banking without C-Corp governance requirements. Not suitable for VC fundraising (VCs cannot use SAFEs with LLCs). Best for: bootstrapped founders, freelancers, and non-US founders who need US payment processing.
What's included
- Formation in your chosen jurisdiction (UK Ltd or Delaware entity)
- Registered office or registered agent for year one
- Certificate of incorporation and company documents
- Dashboard tracking from filing to registration
How it works
Structure decision
We review your funding plans, customer geography, and team location to recommend the right entity.
Company formed
UK Ltd: 24-48 hours. Delaware: 24 hours. Both fully remote.
Documents delivered
Incorporation pack in your dashboard, ready for banking and contracts.
Banking support
We offer banking assistance add-ons for both UK business accounts and US business banking.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to maintain: UK Ltd or Delaware C-Corp?
UK Ltd has lower ongoing costs: annual Confirmation Statement with Companies House (GBP 13 online), an accountant for annual accounts, and corporation tax filing. Delaware C-Corp has higher governance requirements: board resolutions, stock ledger maintenance, Delaware franchise tax ($400 minimum), and annual statutory requirements. For a bootstrapped international company, UK Ltd is typically significantly cheaper to run.
Can I switch from a UK Ltd to a Delaware C-Corp later?
Yes, but the process is complex and expensive - it typically involves forming a new Delaware C-Corp and doing a share-for-share exchange to move ownership from the UK entity to the Delaware entity. This process (called a re-domiciliation or flip) is common for startups raising US VC, but it adds legal costs and complexity. If US VC fundraising is likely, form a Delaware C-Corp from the start.
Does a UK Ltd get Stripe access?
Yes. Stripe fully supports UK Ltd companies and accepts non-resident directors. A UK Ltd is accepted by Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments, Wise Business, and all major payment processors and platforms.
Can a UK Ltd issue SAFEs or convertible notes to US investors?
US-style SAFEs (Simple Agreements for Future Equity) convert to preferred stock, which requires a C-Corp structure under US company law. A UK Ltd uses a share-based structure that is not compatible with standard SAFEs. UK equivalents (ASAs - Advanced Subscription Agreements) exist but are not familiar to most US investors. If your investors expect SAFEs, you need a Delaware C-Corp.
Review before you continue
Check the listed scope, requirements, price note, and FAQs. Final decisions remain with the relevant bank, government authority, or institution.
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