Setting up a US entity is more complex than most UK businesses expect. Choosing the right state, navigating IRS requirements, filing the right paperwork as a non-resident – there is a lot to get right. We have helped hundreds of UK companies do exactly this.
When you are making a significant business decision, you want to speak to a real person who understands both sides. Not a chatbot. Not a ticketing system. A human being who knows the US market inside out and understands the business environment you are coming from.
That person is Laurie Spicer. Foothold America’s Director of US Expansion, based in London. She works with British businesses every day, answering the questions that keep business owners up at night. Which state, what structure, what does it cost, how long does it take?
“Laurie has seen every mistake UK businesses make. So you do not have to.“
We handle the entire process from start to finish. You will not be chasing paperwork, waiting on hold with government agencies, or wondering what happens next. We take care of it.
01
Name reservation & registration
In your chosen state, with full availability checks.
03
Federal Tax ID (EIN)
Obtained from the IRS on your behalf.
05
Operating Agreement / Bylaws
Customized for your business and structure.
07
US business address
From 600+ locations nationwide.
09
Tax advisor referrals
Specialist cross-border guidance when you need it.
02
Articles of Organization / Incorporation
Filed correctly with the state, first time.
04
BOI filing with FinCEN
Beneficial Ownership Information handled end to end.
06
Registered Agent service
Year 1 included as standard.
08
Annual compliance reminders
So you never miss a state or federal deadline.
10
Ongoing support, year one
Real humans, not ticket queues.
— CHOOSE YOUR STATE
Incorporate where it makes sense for your business.
Every state offers different advantages – tax treatment, privacy protection, and industry positioning. We help you navigate the options and complete formation wherever it best serves your business.
— MOST POPULAR
Delaware.
The gold standard for US company formation. Business-friendly corporate law, strong legal precedent, privacy protections. Ideal for startups planning VC funding, IPOs, or flexible corporate structures.
— BEST FOR PRIVACY
Wyoming.
Maximum privacy and asset protection. No state corporate income tax, low annual fees, strong charging order protection. Perfect for holding companies and owner-anonymity priorities.
— TAX-FRIENDLY
Nevada.
Zero state corporate income tax, no franchise tax, robust corporate veil protection. Strong for businesses wanting tax advantages with minimal reporting overhead in the western US.
— LATIN AMERICA GATEWAY
Florida.
No state income tax, strong legal protections, strategic access to Latin American markets. Tech hubs in Miami and Tampa make it ideal for international Southeast US plays.
— TECH CAPITAL
California.
Direct access to the world’s fifth-largest economy, Silicon Valley, and major ports. Higher costs and regulation, but essential when physical presence in this market is non-negotiable.
— NO STATE INCOME TAX
Texas.
No state income tax, business-friendly regulation, and access to energy, tech, and healthcare. Booming markets in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Not sure which is right for you? Laurie will ask the right questions before you commit.
The right answer depends on what you are trying to build. Here is how we usually frame it for UK businesses entering the US for the first time.
— FOR GROWTH & INVESTMENT
C-Corporation
The right structure if you are planning to raise US investment, issue stock options, or build a significant US operation. More complex to set up but the preferred structure for growth-focused businesses.
Required for most US VC funding
Stock options for US employees
Clearer path to scale or exit
Standard for Delaware incorporation
— MOST COMMON STARTING POINT
LLC
The most common choice for German businesses registering in the US for the first time. Flexible, relatively straightforward to set up, and tax-efficient for non-residents. A solid starting point for market entry.
Flexible management structure
Tax-efficient for non-residents
Lower setup complexity
Pass-through taxation by default
— WHY FOOTHOLD AMERICA
We know the USA. We understand the UK.
Foothold America does one thing. We help international businesses set up and operate in the United States. Not globally. Not in multiple markets. The USA, and nothing else. That focus is what makes us good at it.
“No portals. No bots. No tickets. Just someone in your timezone who understands.”
01
We've done this hundreds of times
Since 2015, we have helped hundreds of international companies incorporate in the US. We know where things go wrong, how to avoid them, and how to get your entity set up correctly from day one.
02
You don't need to be in the US
Register a US company from UK without setting foot in America. We manage the entire process remotely, and Laurie is on hand in London to guide you every step of the way.
03
You'll never wonder what's happening
We keep you updated throughout. No radio silence, no chasing. Just clear communication and visible progress, week by week.
— SOCIAL PROOF
Hundreds of international businesses have trusted us since 2015.
500+
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES SERVED
10yrs
OF US EXPANSION EXPERTISE
Rated 5 out of 5
“Foothold America was able to get things done for us very quickly. They made life easier for us and worked with us to make sure staff were looked after.”
OPERATIONS MANAGER · NETWORK SECURITY
Rated 5 out of 5
“We needed to access the US market to maximize our growth potential. Foothold managed everything, so we could avoid the bureaucratic maze of US employment.”
CEO · MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Rated 5 out of 5
“They facilitated our US expansion at a much lower cost base than the usual route. We were up and running quickly with our own people on the ground.”
CEO · BIOTECH COMPANY
— BEYOND INCORPORATION
We can support you beyond entity setup.
Getting your entity registered is the first step. When you are ready for more, we are here. None of this is a requirement, but it is there when you need it.
01
Entity Management
Annual compliance, state filings, and registered agent service so your company stays in good standing year after year.
02
Virtual Office
A professional US business address from over 600 locations nationwide. Everything a US company needs to look established from day one.
03
Banking Support
When you are ready, we introduce you to our US banking partners who actively work with non-resident business owners.
04
Bookkeeping & Accounting
US bookkeeping and accounting support to keep your finances in order and your company compliant year-round.
“Every step. Every stage. Built around you.”
— READY TO START
Your US company could be registered sooner than you think.
Laurie is ready to talk you through your options, answer your questions, and take the process off your plate entirely. Schedule a call to discuss your options!