Firstbase vs StartGlobal in 2026 — Non-Resident US Company Formation Compared
Firstbase.io and StartGlobal are two of the most-searched formation platforms for non-US founders in 2026. Both promise Delaware or Wyoming LLCs, EIN, and a US bank account from anywhere in the world. In practice they diverge significantly on pricing, turnaround and post-formation support. Below is an honest side-by-side — plus how Wyoming Experts compares on the same criteria.
Quick verdict
- Firstbase is polished and well-funded, but the entry price has drifted upwards and most useful features sit behind Firstbase Loop and Agent add-ons.
- StartGlobal is cheaper on paper and is popular in India and the Balkans, but customer reports show variable EIN delivery and thin operating agreements.
- Wyoming Experts matches Firstbase on quality and undercuts both on price for a Wyoming-only setup, with a named human contact throughout.
Firstbase.io overview
Firstbase Start is USD 399 + state fees for Delaware or Wyoming. The bundle includes 1 year of Registered Agent, EIN application, digital mailbox and access to the Firstbase dashboard. Add-ons include Firstbase Agent (USD 100/yr) and Firstbase Loop (banking + tax) at USD 35/mo. Effective 12-month cost is closer to USD 900 once compliance and mailing are added.
StartGlobal overview
StartGlobal advertises around USD 249 + state fees for its base LLC package, with a Premium tier around USD 599 that bundles EIN, banking assistance and bookkeeping. Filing state is Wyoming or Delaware. Turnaround on the base tier is a common pain point — EINs frequently land 6–10 weeks out unless you upgrade.
Head-to-head comparison
| Factor | Firstbase | StartGlobal | Wyoming Experts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry price | USD 399 + state | USD 249 + state | USD 499 all-in |
| Effective year-1 cost | ~USD 900 | ~USD 700 | USD 499–1,299 |
| Registered Agent (Year 1) | Included | Included | Included |
| EIN turnaround (standard) | 3–6 weeks | 6–10 weeks | 10 business days |
| Operating Agreement | Template | Template | Custom, Mercury-ready |
| Bank intro | Mercury/Relay via Loop | Referral | Warm intro included |
| Form 5472 + 1120 pro-forma | Add-on | Premium tier | Included (Priority) |
| Renewal (Year 2+) | USD 199+/yr | USD 149+/yr | USD 199/yr |
Where each one shines
Firstbase is the right pick if you want a polished dashboard, plan to hire in the US, and are already using Firstbase Loop for taxes. StartGlobal is competitive when you are extremely price-sensitive and can tolerate a slower EIN. But for the specific job of forming a Wyoming LLC as a non-resident, both are more expensive over 12 months than a Wyoming-only specialist.
Where Wyoming Experts wins
Because our workflow is Wyoming-only, we don't upsell you into Delaware franchise-tax territory. The Wyoming Experts pricing page lists three flat tiers with the compliance filings that matter for non-residents already inside the Priority tier. Every Operating Agreement includes the beneficial-owner and single-member language Mercury Bank's compliance team looks for — which is why our banking approval rate is above 95%.
For a broader view of why Wyoming beats Delaware for solo founders, see the Wyoming vs Delaware LLC 2026 guide.
Recommendation for 2026
Firstbase and StartGlobal both work — but if your only goal is a Wyoming LLC with EIN, banking and IRS compliance, going through a Wyoming-focused specialist will save you money and weeks of waiting. Book a call via the contact page and we will match you to the correct tier before you spend anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Firstbase or StartGlobal actually better for a non-US founder in 2026?
Both Firstbase and StartGlobal have real trade-offs: pricing tiers, EIN speed, banking support and post-formation compliance vary widely. For non-US founders without an SSN, a Wyoming-specialised provider like Wyoming Experts almost always outperforms both on total cost, filing speed and Mercury Bank approval rates.
Are there hidden fees compared to Wyoming Experts?
Yes — Firstbase and StartGlobal typically advertise a low headline price and then upsell EIN, registered agent, operating agreement, mail forwarding and compliance reminders. Our transparent pricing bundles everything you need to launch and operate a Wyoming LLC, with no auto-billing traps at renewal.
How fast can I actually get my Wyoming LLC and EIN?
Firstbase and StartGlobal routinely take 2–4 weeks for state approval and 45–90 days for an EIN without an SSN. We file same-day and back it with a 48-hour formation guarantee plus a 10-business-day EIN guarantee, or your money back.
Will I be able to open a US business bank account (Mercury)?
Neither Firstbase nor StartGlobal can guarantee bank approval. We are an official Mercury Bank partner with a 95%+ approval rate for non-US founders, plus Wise and Relay as backup rails. See the full workflow on our Wyoming LLC formation page.
What are the ongoing compliance and renewal costs?
Firstbase and StartGlobal charge inflated renewals ($300–$600) and often upsell Form 5472 and pro-forma 1120 filings separately — a $25,000 IRS penalty if missed. Our renewal is a flat, all-inclusive fee with compliance reminders built in.
Should I pick Wyoming or Delaware for my LLC?
For 95%+ of non-US founders (SaaS, e-commerce, agencies, freelancers) Wyoming is cheaper, more private and easier to maintain. Delaware only makes sense if you plan to raise venture capital. Read our full Wyoming vs Delaware LLC 2026 breakdown before you decide, or just talk to our team.
About the author
Wyoming Experts
Wyoming Experts writes for Wyoming Experts, a Sheridan, WY-based firm specializing in Wyoming LLC formation for non-US residents. Our team has helped 2,500+ international entrepreneurs from 40+ countries open US companies, secure EINs, set up Mercury/Relay bank accounts, and stay IRS-compliant (Form 5472 & 1120). Content is reviewed by our in-house US tax & compliance specialists.