Formation Services Comparison

Select up to 3 formation services to compare across key dimensions. Data is approximate and for informational purposes only.

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This month's picks

How we pick

Three formation services that handle non-resident EIN-without-SSN application and registered-agent service in the formation state. US-resident-focused services break on one or both.

OUR PICK

Doola

Best for: First US LLC, EIN without SSN, founder support for cross-border setup

Visit Doola
ALSO GREAT

Stripe Atlas

Best for: Delaware C-Corp path, Stripe acceptance friction, fundraising trajectory

Visit Stripe Atlas
BUDGET

Firstbase

Best for: Lower-cost formation, basic Delaware/Wyoming LLC, no high-touch support

Visit Firstbase

Stripe Atlas

Visit site →
Entity Types
LLCC-Corp
LLCC-Corp
C-CorpLLC
Setup Fee
$399–$599
$297–$597
$500
Annual Fee
$299/yr
$300–$500/yr
$100/yr
Timeline
1–3 business days
1–3 business days
1–5 business days
States Available
Delaware, Wyoming, Florida + others
All 50 states
Delaware only
EIN Filing
Included
Included
Included
Registered Agent
Included
Included
Included
Banking Integration
Mercury, Relay
Mercury, Relay
Stripe + Mercury + Silicon Valley Bank
Compliance Support
Full
Full
Full
Non-Resident Support
Full
Full
Full
Platform Type
Full-service
Full-service
Full-service
Notes

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

Full-service formation for non-US founders. Includes bookkeeping, tax filing, and compliance as add-on packages. Total Compliance package bundles everything.

Designed for tech startups and SaaS businesses. Includes Stripe payments integration, 409A valuation discount, and legal document templates. Delaware C-Corp is the default path.

All data is approximate and intended for informational comparison only. Pricing, features, and availability change frequently. Verify all figures directly with each provider before making formation decisions.

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How We Compared

We collected pricing, included services, non-resident support levels, and formation timelines from each provider's website. All costs are compared at year 1 and projected over 3 years to account for renewal pricing differences.

14 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.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Stripe Atlas vs FirstbaseStripe Atlas vs DoolaFirstbase vs DoolaStripe Atlas vs NorthwestStripe Atlas vs ZenbusinessFirstbase vs NorthwestFirstbase vs ZenbusinessDoola vs NorthwestDoola vs ZenbusinessDoola vs BizeeFirstbase vs BizeeStripe Atlas vs BizeeNorthwest vs ZenbusinessNorthwest vs BizeeZenbusiness vs BizeeStripe Atlas vs ClerkyFirstbase vs ClerkyDoola vs ClerkyNorthwest vs Harbor ComplianceNorthwest vs Registered Agents IncHarbor Compliance vs Registered Agents IncHarbor Compliance vs ZenbusinessHarbor Compliance vs BizeeRegistered Agents Inc vs ZenbusinessRegistered Agents Inc vs Bizee

Read the Full Comparisons

Stripe Atlas Cost 2026: $500 vs Firstbase $399 vs Doola $297

Read full comparison →

Stripe Atlas vs Firstbase vs DIY: What's Included & What's Not (2026)

Read full comparison →

Northwest $125/yr vs ZenBusiness $99 vs Bizee Free: Agent Costs 2026

Read full comparison →

Formation is one piece — map your whole structure

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Free META Diagnostic5-min chat · full structural mapFree Risk Check7 questions · 2 min · instant scorecard