Formation Services

Firstbase vs Clerky

Side-by-side comparison across 11 dimensions. Data is approximate and for informational purposes only.

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Entity Types
Firstbase
LLC, C-Corp
Clerky
C-Corp
Setup Fee
Firstbase
$399–$599
Clerky
$799
Annual Fee
Firstbase
$299/yr
Clerky
$0 (no ongoing fees)
Timeline
Firstbase
1–3 business days
Clerky
1–3 business days
States Available
Firstbase
Delaware, Wyoming, Florida + others
Clerky
Delaware only
EIN Filing
Firstbase
Included
Clerky
Included
Registered Agent
Firstbase
Included
Clerky
Included
Banking Integration
Firstbase
Mercury, Relay
Clerky
None
Compliance Support
Firstbase
Full
Clerky
Minimal
Non-Resident Support
Firstbase
Full
Clerky
Partial
Platform Type
Firstbase
Full-service
Clerky
Full-service

Key Notes

Firstbase

Built specifically for non-US founders. Includes US address, mail forwarding, annual report filing, and compliance reminders. Dashboard tracks all ongoing obligations.

Clerky

Specialized for VC-backed startups. One-time fee covers incorporation, bylaws, stock issuance, and founder agreements. No ongoing platform fees. Used by Y Combinator companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Firstbase pricing compare to Clerky?

Firstbase setup fee: $399–$599. Clerky setup fee: $799. Total costs vary depending on add-ons, state fees, and renewal rates.

Which is more accessible for non-US residents, Firstbase or Clerky?

Firstbase: Full. Clerky: Partial. Accessibility depends on entity type, country of residence, and specific documentation requirements.

Does Firstbase or Clerky include EIN filing?

Firstbase EIN filing: Included. Clerky EIN filing: Included. EIN is required for US bank account opening and tax filing.

Is Firstbase or Clerky a stronger fit for cross-border founders?

The answer depends on your specific situation — entity type, country of residence, budget, and operational needs. Both services address different trade-offs. Use our free risk check to map your structural exposure before choosing.

How We Compared

We collected pricing, included services, non-resident support levels, and formation timelines from each provider's public website. Costs are compared at initial setup and annual renewal rates.

11 data points per service·Last reviewed March 2026

Why Trust This

  • Built by Jett Fu — 20+ years running cross-border businesses
  • Affiliate links are marked. Most services listed have no affiliate relationship. Details
  • Data sourced from provider websites. We verify pricing and features periodically.

Disclaimer: All data on this page is approximate and for informational purposes only. Pricing, features, and availability change frequently. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify all figures directly with each provider before making decisions. Data reflects conditions as of early 2026.

Not sure which service fits your situation?

Choosing between services depends on where you live, where your clients are, and how your income flows. Our free risk check maps your structural exposure in 3 minutes.