We had an excellent experience working with this company for our ADGM company setup in Abu Dhabi.
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International Company Formation: Find the Right Country for Your Business
Wherever you are based, we help you choose where to set up and handle the formation for you.
Whether you are in India, the UK, the US or anywhere else, starting a new business or expanding an existing one abroad raises the same question: which country and structure fit best? Share your business activity, customers and plans with Avyanco. Our advisors compare the UAE, the wider GCC, Europe, the US, Asia and offshore options, recommend the right jurisdiction, and manage incorporation from start to finish.
- For founders in any country
- UAE · GCC · Europe · US · Asia · Offshore
- Advice before incorporation
Published Updated
In brief: International company formation means registering a company in a country other than where you live, or adding a new entity to an existing business abroad. The right country depends on your activity, customers, ownership, banking needs and tax position at home. Avyanco reviews your requirements, compares suitable jurisdictions, and handles incorporation, banking support and compliance as one engagement.
Reviewed by Chandy Joseph, Head of Company Formation at Avyanco (20+ years) · Updated September 2026
Proven Impact
Helping Founders Worldwide Start and Grow Their Businesses
11,500+
Businesses supported
Founders from many countries
11
Jurisdictions
UAE · GCC · UK · USA · Asia · Offshore
2
Regional desks
London · Ahmedabad
4.8★
Client rating
745 verified Google reviews
Overview
Planning a Company Abroad? We Help You Choose the Right Country
Many founders know they want to start or expand a business internationally but are unsure where. An entrepreneur in India may be weighing Dubai against Singapore, a UK business may be looking at a US or GCC entity, and a family may want a holding structure for assets in several countries. No jurisdiction is right for everyone, and a low headline tax rate alone is never a good reason to choose one. We start with your business, not a package, and match it to the country and legal form that genuinely support it.
Before recommending a jurisdiction, our advisors review:
- Your business activity and industry
- Whether you are starting new or expanding an existing company
- Where your customers and suppliers are located
- Where you and other shareholders live today
- Shareholder nationality and residency
- Individual or corporate ownership
- Where the business will be managed from
- Whether you plan to relocate or need residency
- Office, staff and visa needs
- Banking, payment and currency requirements
- Expected revenue and profit by country
- Tax rules in your home country and the new one
- Double tax treaties between the countries involved
- Substance and local director requirements
- Licences or regulatory approvals for your sector
- Ownership of intellectual property or investments
- Plans to raise capital, sell or restructure later
You then receive a written jurisdiction comparison, a recommended structure, an incorporation plan and an itemised cost estimate.
Setup Options
Company Formation in International Jurisdictions: Options by Region
01
UAE & GCC Company Formation
The UAE is a popular base for founders from around the world, with free zone and mainland options, up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities and residency for owners. Other GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain suit businesses that need to sell, hire or bid for contracts in those markets. Each country has its own licensing authority and ownership rules, and we handle the application with licensed partners in every market.
Consider the UAE or GCC when you want to
- Set up a regional base with access to the Middle East, Africa and Asia
- Obtain residency for yourself and your family
- Sell directly to customers in Saudi Arabia or another GCC state
- Take on government or large corporate contracts locally
- Run trading, consulting, e-commerce or tech businesses
- Hire staff based in the region
Common legal forms
- UAE free zone company (FZE / FZCO)
- UAE mainland limited liability company (LLC)
- Limited liability company in the GCC (LLC / WLL)
- Branch of a foreign company
- Regional headquarters (Saudi Arabia)
- Single person company (Oman)
02
Europe & Americas Company Formation
A UK or US company gives you a familiar legal identity for Western customers, marketplaces, payment providers and investors. Both can often be formed remotely by non-residents, but each has its own filing, reporting and tax registration duties from day one.
United Kingdom
- Private company limited by shares
- Limited liability partnership (LLP)
- UK subsidiary of an existing company
- Registered office and company secretary support
- Companies House filings and confirmation statements
United States (Delaware)
- Delaware limited liability company (LLC)
- Delaware C-Corporation for venture funding
- Registered agent and address
- EIN and federal tax registration help
- Annual reports and franchise tax reminders
Important tax note: a company is taxed under the rules of the country where it is registered, but your home country may also tax the company or its profits, depending on where it is managed and on its controlled foreign company rules. We review both sides before incorporation.
03
Asia Company Formation
Singapore and Hong Kong are established bases for trading, services, regional management and holding activities in Asia. Both have clear company law and strong banking systems, along with specific rules on local directors, company secretaries and annual filings that we plan for from the start.
04
Offshore & Holding Company Formation
Offshore and international holding companies are used to own shares, investments, property and intellectual property, and to plan family succession. Avyanco coordinates incorporation through licensed registered agents in:
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
Every holding structure is tested against economic substance, beneficial ownership, controlled foreign company (CFC) and tax residency rules in each country involved, including your home country. We will not recommend a structure that looks efficient on paper but cannot be supported in practice.
Compare Jurisdictions
Compare Jurisdictions: UAE & GCC vs UK, US & Asia vs Offshore
A general guide to how the main routes differ. The right answer always depends on your activity, shareholders and target markets.
| Consideration | UAE or GCC company | UK, US or Asian company | Offshore holding company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Regional base, trading and operations | Serving Western or Asian customers and investors | Holding shares, property and IP |
| Local market access | Direct access in that country | Direct access in that country | Not designed for local trading |
| Residency for owners | UAE: available with most companies, subject to rules | Depends on separate immigration routes | Generally not available |
| Physical office | Flexi-desk to full office, by authority | Registered address; office by need | Registered agent and address |
| Local director or agent | Varies by country and legal form | Some countries require a resident director | Registered agent required |
| Remote setup | Often possible; visit may be needed for visas or banking | Often possible | Usually possible |
| Holding activities | Possible, including dedicated holding companies | Common in Singapore and Hong Kong | Primary use |
| Corporate bank account | Local bank approval | Local bank approval | Enhanced due diligence |
| Corporate tax | Local corporate tax regime applies | Local corporate tax regime applies | Low or nil locally; substance rules apply |
| Best suited for | Regional hubs, trading and relocation | Credibility, fundraising and market entry | Asset holding and succession |
By Goal
Choose the Right Jurisdiction for Your Business Goal
The same business can need a different structure depending on what it wants to achieve. Here is how we approach common goals:
Starting a new business abroad
We compare countries on cost, ownership rules, banking and ongoing compliance so you launch in the place that fits your plan.
Expanding an existing company
A branch, subsidiary or new entity abroad each has different tax and liability effects. We help you pick the right one.
Relocating with residency
If you plan to move, a UAE company can support residency for you and your family. We plan the company and visa together.
Selling into the GCC
A local entity or regional headquarters may be needed for contracts, hiring and procurement in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring markets.
Winning UK or US customers
A UK or US company can simplify invoicing, contracts and payments, provided management and tax residency are planned correctly.
Raising venture capital
Many investors expect a Delaware C-Corporation. We look at how it sits alongside your existing company before you pitch.
Building an Asian hub
Singapore or Hong Kong can centralise Asian sales and management. Director, secretary and substance needs are planned upfront.
Holding assets and family wealth
A holding company can own several businesses, investments or property, and support succession planning across countries.
Regulated or fund activities
Financial services, funds and virtual assets need licensing from the relevant regulator. A standard company is not enough.
Not sure which country fits your business?
Tell us where you are based, what your business does and where you want to grow. An advisor will compare the options and recommend the jurisdiction and structure that fit, with a clear cost estimate.
Process
Our International Business Company Formation Process in 10 Steps
- 1
Share your requirements
Tell us where you live, what the business does, who owns it and where you want to operate.
- 2
Jurisdiction comparison
We compare suitable countries and legal forms on market access, tax, banking, residency, substance and cost.
- 3
Structure and name approval
We confirm the recommended structure, check name availability and set out shareholders and directors.
- 4
Know-your-customer checks
We collect identity and source-of-funds information required by authorities and registered agents.
- 5
Document preparation and legalisation
Constitutional documents and resolutions are drafted, then notarised, apostilled or translated as needed.
- 6
Local agent, office or director
We arrange the registered agent, office, local director or company secretary where the country requires one.
- 7
Incorporation filing
The application is filed with the relevant authority, and the licence or certificate and company documents are issued.
- 8
Visas, tax and trade registrations
We coordinate residency visas where available, tax numbers and any sector or trade registrations.
- 9
Corporate bank account support
We prepare the banking file and business rationale. Approval remains at the bank's discretion.
- 10
Ongoing compliance
Annual returns, accounts, renewals and reporting are tracked by one coordinated team.
Documents
Documents Required to Form a Company Abroad
Each country and registered agent sets its own list. Most applications draw on the following:
Individual shareholder
- Certified passport copy
- Recent proof of residential address
- Visa or residence permit where you live, if any
- Bank or professional reference where requested
- Source-of-funds and source-of-wealth details
Corporate shareholder
- Certificate of incorporation or trade licence
- Memorandum and articles of association
- Register of shareholders and directors
- Board resolution approving the new company
- Ultimate beneficial owner details
Business-related
- Short business plan or activity summary
- Expected countries of trade
- Proposed directors and officers
- Intended share capital
- Any sector licences or approvals
Documents issued in your home country may need notarisation and an apostille or legalisation before use abroad. We provide a country-specific checklist once your structure is agreed.
Timeline
Company Formation Timelines by Country
| Jurisdiction | Indicative period |
|---|---|
| UAE free zone or mainland company | ≈ 3–10 working days for the licence; visas and banking take longer |
| UK private limited company | ≈ 1–3 working days after complete filing |
| Delaware LLC or C-Corporation | ≈ 1–5 working days, faster with expedited filing |
| Singapore or Hong Kong company | ≈ 1–3 working days once KYC and name approval are complete |
| Offshore holding company (BVI, Cayman, Mauritius, Seychelles) | ≈ 2–10 working days through the registered agent |
| Other GCC operating company | Several weeks, depending on country, sector and approvals |
Timelines start once documents are complete and verified. Apostille, translation, local approvals, visas and bank onboarding can add time.
Cost
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company Abroad?
There is no single price for forming a company abroad. The total depends on the country, legal form, government or registry fees, registered agent and address, local director or secretary services, visas where needed, document legalisation, bank onboarding, and the first year of accounting, tax and annual filing obligations.
Your written quote lists government and registry fees, third-party costs and our professional fees separately, so you can see exactly what you are paying for. We also flag the annual costs of keeping the company in good standing, which headline prices often leave out.
Tax & Compliance
Tax and Compliance in Every Country Involved
A company abroad creates obligations in the country where it is registered and, often, in the country where you or your shareholders live.
Home-country tax
Your country of residence may tax you or the company through residency or controlled foreign company rules. We flag this early.
Corporate tax abroad
The new company files and pays tax under local rules. We coordinate registrations and deadlines with local advisors, and UAE Corporate Tax where a UAE company is involved.
Transfer pricing
Transactions between related companies in different countries must be priced at arm's length and documented under transfer-pricing rules.
Substance and management
Where decisions are made and where people work determine tax residency and permanent establishment risk.
Beneficial ownership
Most countries require UBO registers or filings, and holding companies may face economic substance reporting.
Services
Related Avyanco Services
Explore the jurisdictions and services we coordinate for founders and businesses worldwide:
UAE & GCC
Europe & Americas
Asia & Offshore
Why Avyanco
Why Founders Choose Avyanco for International Business Formation
Advice before paperwork
We agree the right country and legal form with you before any documents are prepared.
Many jurisdictions, one team
UAE, GCC, UK, US, Asian and offshore options compared side by side, not sold one at a time.
Your home country considered
We look at how the new company affects you where you live, so nothing is missed between two countries.
Clear, itemised pricing
Government fees, agent costs and our professional fees are shown separately in writing.
Bank-ready files
We prepare the business rationale, ownership charts and transaction profile that banks look for.
Ongoing support
Renewals, annual filings, accounting and tax coordination continue after the company is formed.
N
Nikhil Nadanga25 May 2026
I have been dealing with Akshta for more than a year now and she has been very professional.
Read more — Sherif Ayub's review on GoogleS
Sherif Ayub24 May 2026
In so far as the emigration process can ever be made easy, Avyanco achieves exactly this.
Read more — Sheru George's review on GoogleS
Sheru George12 May 2026
I've used the services of Avyanco twice over the past 3 years for visa processing, and they have never failed to impress me.
Read more — Dominic Pinto's review on GoogleD
Dominic Pinto11 May 2026
We are very satisfied with Avyanco's support for Nanasu Realty — especially across AML compliance, accounting, and company setup.
Read more — Purushottam Mukkundi's review on GoogleP
Purushottam Mukkundi6 May 2026
I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.
Read more — Eder Schaphauser Ziomek's review on GoogleE
Eder Schaphauser Ziomek29 April 2026
FAQs
FAQs: Setting Up a Company Abroad
Which country is best to set up a company in?
There is no single best country. The right choice depends on your activity, where your customers are, where you live, your banking needs, residency plans and the tax rules at home. We compare the options for your situation before you commit.
Can I open a company in another country without living there?
In many countries, yes. Non-residents can often own and register a company, sometimes with a local director, agent or registered address. Requirements differ, and we explain them for each option.
Do I need to travel to form the company?
Often not. Many registrations can be completed remotely using notarised or apostilled documents and online identity checks. Some banks, visa processes and GCC authorities may still ask for an in-person visit.
How long does it take to set up a company in another country?
It ranges from a few working days in the UK, US, UAE free zones and many offshore jurisdictions to several weeks for some GCC operating companies. Document legalisation and bank onboarding are usually the longest steps.
Will a company abroad affect my taxes at home?
It can. Where the company is managed, where you are tax resident and your home country's rules on foreign companies all matter. We review this with you before incorporation and coordinate with your tax advisor where needed.
Can Avyanco help open a bank account for the new company?
Yes. We prepare the banking file and support onboarding with suitable banks or payment institutions. Every bank makes its own final decision.
Confidential consultation
Start or Expand Your Business Internationally with Avyanco
Wherever you are based, tell us about your business and where you want to grow. A senior advisor will recommend the right jurisdiction and structure, and send an incorporation roadmap with an itemised quotation.
- For founders and businesses in any country
- UAE · GCC · Europe · US · Asia · Offshore
- Itemised pricing with no hidden extras
Disclaimer. This page gives general information on forming companies in the UAE and other countries and is based on publicly available guidance as of September 2026. Company law, tax rates, filing requirements and residency rules change and vary by country. Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is independent of all government authorities and registries. Always verify current requirements for your situation with the relevant authority and a qualified advisor in your home country before acting.