Firstbase Alternative for Non-Residents (2026)
One-time payment, Wyoming or Delaware, EIN included, English-language support.
The verdict in three sentences
Firstbase forms your LLC in Wyoming or Delaware for a catalog price of $399 — with a $99 promotion displayed on 19 August 2026 — EIN included, then a registered agent at $299/year per state and a non-resident tax filing sold separately at $899/year. It is a genuine specialist for international founders, but the model stays self-serve and in English: you drive your file. Statecove offers the opposite at €2,000: a French-speaking contact who handles everything end to end, with state fees, an EIN without an SSN and the first year of registered agent included.
Firstbase vs Statecove
The same criteria for both, with no box ticked lightly. Firstbase amounts are in dollars, ours in euros.
| Criterion | Firstbase | Statecove |
|---|---|---|
| Formation price | $399 one-time$99 promotion observed on 19 August 2026 | €2,000 one-timeNew Mexico from €1,850 |
| State fees | Not included | Included in the Formation Pack |
| Recurring annual cost | $299 / yr | €450 / yr (Maintenance Pack, from year 2) |
| EIN (IRS tax number) | Included | Included, even without an SSN |
| Stated EIN timeline without an SSN | Firstbase states an EIN in 20–30 business days for a founder without an SSN or ITIN (1–3 business days with an SSN). | Application prepared and followed up by us. The timeline depends on the IRS and is not guaranteed. |
| Registered agent | $299 / yr | First year included, then covered by the Maintenance Pack |
| Annual compliance | Not included | Included through the Maintenance Pack: annual report filing and deadline reminders |
| States offered | Wyoming, Delaware | Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico (other states on request) |
| Banking support | Mercury | Optional account-opening support (from €250) |
| Support languages | English | French and English |
| Model | Self-serve platform (you drive) | Human support from end to end |
When Firstbase is the better choice
Firstbase is a solid pick for a self-sufficient international founder. Concretely, it suits you better than us if:
- You are comfortable in English and the entry price matters more than the time you will spend on the file.
- Wyoming or Delaware works for you: those are the two states offered at formation.
- You want a structured banking introduction: Firstbase works with Mercury.
- You plan to add a U.S. address, compliance, bookkeeping and tax filing on the same platform over time.
When Statecove suits you better
Our support takes over in these situations:
- You want someone to handle the file in French, not one more dashboard to learn.
- You want the first year of registered agent included in the price, with no recurring line to add right away.
- You want the annual report filed for you rather than tracked by you.
- You prefer one price stated upfront over a grid with successive promotions to check at checkout.
The real prices, verified on 19 August 2026
How to read these prices
Catalog price for Start: $399 one-time. On 19 August 2026 the site shows a $99 promotion with the banner "Formation is on us. Pay only your state fee." — confirm the exact amount and how state fees are handled at checkout. A Firstbase One bundle exists at $199/month ($2,388/year).
What it looks like over time
At catalog price: $399 at formation, then $299/year for the registered agent per state; the tax filing for a single-member LLC owned by a non-resident (Form 5472 and pro forma 1120) is sold at $899/year. A Firstbase One bundle exists at $199/month, i.e. $2,388/year. At Statecove, formation is €2,000 with state fees included, then €450/year of maintenance from year two, annual state fees on top — €2,900 over three years of service — and the annual filing goes to a partner U.S. CPA specialised in non-residents (Accounting Pack, from €800/year).
Sources
Every amount above comes from an official Firstbase page, consulted on 19 August 2026. Prices change regularly: the provider's current price prevails.
What people ask us before choosing
Dig deeper before deciding
Our in-depth guides on the points that weigh most in this choice.
- Best LLC Formation Services for Non-US Founders: doola vs Firstbase vs LegalZoom vs Stripe Atlas ComparedA factual comparison of the main LLC formation services for non-residents: doola, Firstbase, LegalZoom, Stripe Atlas, Northwest, ZenBusiness. Pricing verified 19 August 2026, what's included, and how to choose. No tax promises.
- How to Form a U.S. LLC as a Non-Resident: The Complete GuideHow an international entrepreneur forms a U.S. LLC without living in the States: choosing a state, getting an EIN without an SSN, opening a bank account, annual obligations and timelines. Factual, no tax promises.
- Opening a Bank Account for a U.S. LLC as a Non-ResidentHow a non-resident opens a bank account for their U.S. LLC remotely: why the EIN is essential, which neobanks accept foreign-owned LLCs (Mercury, Relay, Brex), the role of Wise and Payoneer, the documents to prepare, and how to maximize your chances against KYC.
Not sure this is for you?
Write to us and describe your project. If a self-serve platform is enough in your case, we will say so — that serves everyone better than a poorly matched client.
Statecove is an administrative support service for company formation. We facilitate your business formation and compliance steps. Statecove is not a law firm or an accounting firm, and does not provide personalized legal or tax advice. Accounting and tax services are handled by licensed partner professionals (CPAs). For any binding legal or tax decision, we recommend consulting a qualified professional.