What setting up involves
- Choosing a legal structure, for example a limited company, LLC, corporation or partnership.
- Registering with the official registry and getting tax and employer IDs.
- A registered office or registered agent address.
- Opening a business bank account.
- Registering for VAT, GST or sales tax where needed.
- Licences or permits for regulated activities.
Official starting points
- United States: companies are formed at state level, usually with the Secretary of State. An EIN comes free from the IRS. The SBA has a step-by-step guide.
- United Kingdom: companies are registered with Companies House. GOV.UK explains the steps and the director identity checks.
- European Union: each country has its own registry. The EU’s Your Europe portal explains how to start or move a business in another member state.
You can usually form a company yourself through the official registry. Agents add convenience, registered addresses and help with the paperwork.
Expanding into a new country
- Test first: sell remotely or through a distributor before committing to an entity.
- Hire without an entity: an employer of record can employ your first staff.
- Branch or subsidiary: a lawyer and an accountant can compare tax, liability and admin.
- Plan the running costs: local accounts, filings, directors and registered agents all need ongoing work.
What affects the cost
Official registry fees are set by each government and are often modest. Professional costs depend on the structure, the country, translations, bank account support and ongoing services such as a registered office, accounting and annual filings.
Last updated: 16 October 2026
