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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We review your funding plans, customer geography, and team location to recommend the right entity.
UK Ltd: 24-48 hours. Delaware: 24 hours. Both fully remote.
Incorporation pack in your dashboard, ready for banking and contracts.
We offer banking assistance add-ons for both UK business accounts and US business banking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fixed price, real-time tracking, and expert handling, from first document to final approval.
Form UK Ltd Company