COMPANY FORMATION
UK LTD vs US LLC: Which Is Better for Non-Resident Entrepreneurs?
Published October 2026 · 7 min read
This is the question we hear most often from non-resident entrepreneurs: should I form a US LLC or a UK LTD?
The answer depends on where your customers are, where your payment processors operate, and what your tax situation looks like. Here’s a practical comparison.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | US LLC (Wyoming) | UK LTD |
|---|---|---|
| Formation time | 5-7 business days | 24-48 hours |
| Formation cost (service) | $199 + ~$100 state fee | $149 + £12 Companies House |
| Annual maintenance | $60 WY annual report + registered agent (~$125/yr) | Confirmation statement (£13/yr) + registered office |
| Tax (non-resident, no US/UK presence) | Potentially $0 federal tax (pass-through, no ECI) | 19-25% Corporation Tax on UK profits |
| Banking | Mercury, Relay, Wise (EIN required) | Wise Business, Revolut Business, traditional banks |
| Privacy | Wyoming: no public ownership disclosure | Directors and shareholders on public register |
| Payment processors | Stripe, PayPal, Amazon US | Stripe, PayPal, Amazon UK/EU |
| Best for | US market, Amazon FBA US, privacy-conscious | UK/EU market, quick setup, Stripe UK |
When to Choose a US LLC
A Wyoming LLC is the better choice if:
- Your customers are in the US — US bank account, US payment processors, US shipping addresses
- You sell on Amazon US — you need an EIN and US entity for FBA
- You want privacy — Wyoming doesn’t require public ownership disclosure
- Tax efficiency — a single-member LLC with no effectively connected income may owe $0 in US federal tax (consult a tax professional for your specific situation)
When to Choose a UK LTD
A UK LTD company makes more sense if:
- Your customers are in the UK or EU — UK banking, GBP payments, UK trust signals
- Speed matters — Companies House processes formations in 24-48 hours vs. 5-7 days for Wyoming
- You need a Stripe UK account — some businesses find it easier to open with a UK LTD
- You plan to sell on Amazon UK/EU — a UK entity simplifies VAT registration
Can You Have Both?
Yes, and many of our clients do. If you sell on both Amazon US and Amazon UK, having a US LLC for the US market and a UK LTD for the UK/EU market gives you the right banking, tax structure, and compliance in each region. The cost of maintaining both is modest compared to the revenue potential of serving both markets properly.
What About Canada and Australia?
We also offer formation in Canada (Federal Corporation) and Australia (Pty Ltd) for clients targeting those markets. Each has its own regulatory requirements — book a free consultation and we’ll help you figure out which jurisdictions make sense for your business.
Need Help Deciding?
This is exactly the kind of question we answer in our free consultations. No sales pitch — just a clear recommendation based on your specific situation: where you live, where your customers are, what you sell, and what platforms you use.