United States (LLC) vs Cyprus
United States (LLC) has the lower headline tax (0%), and United States (LLC) is cheaper to set up (from $300). Only Cyprus can give you a residence visa through your company.Which is better depends on where you live and where your customers are.
| USUnited States (LLC) | CYCyprus | |
|---|---|---|
| Entity | Single-member LLC (foreign-owned, disregarded entity) | Private company limited by shares (Ltd) |
| Corporate tax | 0% federal on non-US-source income (pass-through) | 15% (from 2026), non-doms 0% tax on dividends |
| Setup cost from | $300 | $1,500 |
| Setup time | 1–5 business days | 1–3 weeks |
| Minimum capital | None | None (€1,000 typical) |
| Local director | Not required | Not required |
| Remote formation | Yes | Yes |
| Residency visa | No | Possible |
| Banking | Easy | Moderate |
| Best for | Online businesses, SaaS, e-commerce and freelancers selling worldwide who want USD banking and Stripe. | Entrepreneurs relocating within the EU who want an EU company, non-dom dividend benefits and access to tax treaties. |
Choose United States (LLC) if
Online businesses, SaaS, e-commerce and freelancers selling worldwide who want USD banking and Stripe.
- Formed 100% online in a few days — no US visit required
- Easy fintech banking (Mercury, Relay, Wise) and Stripe/PayPal access
- No BOI report needed for US-formed LLCs since 2025/26
Choose Cyprus if
Entrepreneurs relocating within the EU who want an EU company, non-dom dividend benefits and access to tax treaties.
- EU company with a wide double-tax treaty network
- Non-dom residents pay 0% Special Defence Contribution on dividends for up to 17 years
- IP box regime with a low effective rate on qualifying IP profits