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Delaware Incorporation

Set up the entity US investors already know. A Delaware C-Corp gives you SAFE and priced-round precedent, stock-option plans, and access to founder-friendly banking. CorpSec handles formation, registered agent, and EIN through licensed local partners.

VC-backed SaaSUS-market operationsStock-option plansSAFE / priced roundsC-Corp fundraising
Bundle fromFrom $2,038 year 1
Corporate tax21% federal corporate income tax, plus applicable state taxesHeadline rate · re-verify annually
Setup time~5 days, often fasterGov. filing via licensed partner
Is it right for you?

Delaware fits if…

The clearest signal you’re in the right jurisdiction - or that another one deserves a look.

01

You're raising from US VCs

US investors expect a Delaware C-Corp. The SAFE, the priced round, and the standard term sheet all assume Delaware corporate law, so you skip the conversion friction later.

02

You're building for the US market

If your customers, hires, or go-to-market are US-first, a Delaware entity gives you a clean home base for contracts, payroll, and banking with Mercury or Brex.

03

You need to grant equity

Stock-option plans and clean cap tables are routine in Delaware. Issuing founder stock, an option pool, and later employee grants follows well-worn precedent your lawyers and investors already know.

Compare

How Delaware stacks up.

The jurisdictions founders weigh against Delaware, side by side - tax, speed and all-in cost at a glance.

You’re viewing
DelawareNorth America
Corporate tax
21% federal corporate income tax, plus applicable state taxes
Setup time
~5 days, often faster
From
From $2,038 year 1
Current jurisdiction
SingaporeAsia
Corporate tax
  • 17% headline
  • ~8.25% effective on first S$200k via partial exemption
Setup time
About 10 days
From
From S$5,234

Better fit if your team and customers are APAC-first and you want a regional HQ with strong treaties.

View Singapore
United KingdomEurope
Corporate tax
  • 25% main rate
  • 19% small-profits rate (subject to conditions)
Setup time
~48 hours via Companies House
From
From £936

A cleaner European base if you're selling into the UK and EU and want London credibility.

View United Kingdom
EstoniaEurope
Corporate tax
  • 0% on retained/reinvested profits
  • 22% on distribution (2025)
Setup time
~2 days, fully online via e-Residency
From
From €1,678

Choose this for a fully digital, EU-resident company run remotely with low admin overhead.

View Estonia
The operating reality

Tax, structure & compliance - the facts you’ll be asked about.

Federal corporate income tax21% headline rate on corporate profits
State corporate income taxNo Delaware state corporate income tax on out-of-state activity; nexus rules apply as you scale
Delaware franchise taxAnnual; amount scales with authorized shares or assets, subject to method chosen
Federal employer IDEIN required for banking, payroll, and tax filing
Pass-through option (LLC)An LLC can be taxed as a pass-through; a C-Corp is taxed at the entity level
Tax treatment noteFigures are headline rates and subject to conditions; confirm with a US tax adviser for your facts
Build your package

Take the full bundle - or just what you need.

Select the complete formation bundle, or mix and match individual services in Delaware. One checkout, one invoice.

Essentials Bundle
$0Year 1
15% off for taking all 0 services together

Saving $0. The discount is on the bundle only, so à-la-carte add-ons stay at full price.

Bundle added

What’s included

0/0 kept
    Or add individual services à la carte

    Banking & finance

    Equity & governance

    Ongoing compliance

    How it works

    From signed engagement to operating company.

    A licensed local partner runs each step. You sign once and watch it progress.

    01
    Day 1

    Setup & details

    • Confirm C-Corp vs LLC
    • Collect founder and shareholder details
    • Choose company name and share structure
    02
    Days 1-5

    Formation

    • File certificate of incorporation in Delaware
    • Appoint registered agent
    • Issue founder stock and adopt bylaws
    03
    After formation

    EIN & banking

    • Apply for federal EIN
    • Open account with Mercury or Brex via introduction
    • Set up initial cap table
    04
    Annual

    Ongoing

    • File Delaware franchise tax and annual report
    • Renew registered agent
    • Monitor nexus as you scale into other states
    FAQ

    What founders ask before incorporating in Delaware.

    Why do US investors prefer a Delaware C-Corp?

    More than 80% of US VC-backed startups incorporate in Delaware. Investors know the corporate law, the SAFE and priced-round documents assume it, and standard term sheets are written for it. Choosing Delaware removes friction from your raise.

    Should I form a C-Corp or an LLC?

    If you plan to raise from VCs or grant stock options, choose a C-Corp — it's the fundraising standard. If you're bootstrapping, running a small business, or setting up a holding vehicle, an LLC is usually simpler and more flexible.

    Do I have to live in the US to incorporate in Delaware?

    No. Non-US founders can form a Delaware company. You'll need a registered agent (included in CorpSec setup) and an EIN. Banking is handled through introductions to founder-friendly providers like Mercury and Brex, which often onboard remotely.

    What will I actually pay each year?

    Year 1 starts from around $2,038 with CorpSec. Formation itself can be low, but registered agent, the Delaware franchise tax, and getting an EIN add up. The franchise tax scales with your authorized shares or assets, so the structure you choose matters.

    Is there really no tax in Delaware?

    No — that's a common misconception. You still pay the 21% federal corporate income tax. Delaware has no state corporate income tax on out-of-state activity, but as you grow and create nexus in other states, those state taxes can apply. Confirm specifics with a US tax adviser.

    Can you help me open a US bank account?

    We make introductions to founder-friendly providers such as Mercury and Brex, which often onboard founders remotely. These are introductions, not guaranteed accounts — final approval rests with the bank and depends on your documentation and profile.

    Let’s get your Delaware company Build your package filed, banked and fully compliant.

    A licensed local team handles every step.

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