OCTIS vs Stripe Atlas vs doola vs Firstbase vs Clerky for non-US founders
Four ways to form a US company from Asia, with the price you pay on day one and the price you pay every year after.
Last checked · 8 sources
Otty's short answer
Firstbase has the lowest day-one price (US$99 plus state fee), but its registered agent is a separate US$299 per year. Stripe Atlas is a flat US$500 with the first year of registered agent included. doola bundles an agent and mailing address at US$297 per year. Clerky is for Delaware C-corps that plan to raise money.
Side by side
Swipe to see every column
| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Stripe Atlas | doola | Firstbase | Clerky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day-one price | At least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee) | US$500 one-time | US$297 per year + state fees | US$99 one-time + state fee | US$427 one-time |
| Registered agent | Hong Kong company secretary and registered office address included | Year 1 included, then US$100 per year | Included in Starter | Extra, US$299 per year per state | Year 1 included; later price not stated |
| Entity types | Hong Kong company | LLC or C-corp | LLC or C-corp | Delaware or Wyoming | Delaware C-corp only |
| EIN included | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | Yes | Yes | Yes, expedited | Yes, for non-US founders |
| Mailing address | Hong Kong registered office address | Not stated | Virtual address included | From US$35 per month | Not stated |
| Bank partner | Licensed partners; OCTIS is not a bank | Stripe Treasury | Mercury | Banking partner access | None bundled |
| Form 5472 / tax filing | Profits tax return and bookkeeping prepared by OCTIS | Not included | From US$1,999 per year | US$899 per year (non-US LLC) | Not included |
| Fundraising tools | Not an OCTIS product | SAFE, 83(b), board consents | Not stated | Not stated | Lifetime package US$819 |
| Accepts non-US founders | Yes, 100% foreign ownership; director and shareholder can live anywhere | Yes, almost anywhere | Yes, 175+ countries | Yes, US address needed | Yes |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want a Hong Kong company run from anywhere, with accounts, banking and CRM in one place.
Stripe Atlas
Choose Stripe Atlas if you want a Delaware company with a fixed price and tools for raising money.
doola
Choose doola if you want an LLC and the agent, address and later tax help in one subscription.
Firstbase
Choose Firstbase if the lowest set-up price matters and you can add the agent and tax filing yourself.
Clerky
Choose Clerky if you are a Delaware C-corp founder who will issue shares and sign investor papers.
What the table does not show
The price after day one
The set-up price is the smaller number. Every US company needs a registered agent, a state filing each year, and for a foreign-owned LLC an IRS Form 5472. Atlas charges US$100 per year for the agent after year one. Firstbase charges US$299 per year per state. doola folds the agent into its US$297 yearly plan. Delaware also bills the company itself: an LLC pays US$400 per year and a corporation pays franchise tax, with a US$175 minimum under the authorized shares method.
LLC or C-corp decides the shortlist
Clerky only forms Delaware C-corps. Firstbase and doola form LLCs as well. An LLC owned by one foreign person is usually the cheaper way to invoice US clients, while investors tend to ask for a Delaware C-corp. Pick the entity first, then the provider. If you may raise venture money later, a C-corp from the start saves a conversion.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not form US companies. If you run a Hong Kong or Malaysian company that sells to US customers, the US entity is a separate decision from your home entity. Your Hong Kong or Malaysian books still need to match what the US side reports. OCTIS handles incorporation, company secretary, bookkeeping and tax for Hong Kong and Malaysian companies, and ask about 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Hong Kong or Malaysian resident use these services?
Yes. Stripe says Atlas is open from almost anywhere, and doola says it serves 175+ countries. Firstbase needs a US address for incorporation, which its mailing plans supply. Clerky offers an EIN application for non-US founders. A US bank may still restrict founders from certain countries.
Which one is cheapest over three years?
Using published prices only: Atlas is US$500 then US$100 per year, so about US$700. doola Starter is US$297 per year, about US$891, with state fees extra. Firstbase is US$99 plus US$299 per year for the agent, about US$697, before state fees. Taxes and filings are separate in all four.
Do I need a US bank account to run the company?
You need one to take card or ACH payments from US customers. Atlas includes a Stripe Treasury account, and doola points to Mercury. Each bank has its own checks, and Mercury says it cannot serve founders living in some countries and regions.
Do these services file my US tax return?
Not in the base price. Firstbase lists a US$899 per year package for non-US-owned single-member LLCs that includes Form 5472. doola lists tax filing at US$1,999 per year. Stripe Atlas and Clerky state no tax filing in the plans we read. Missing Form 5472 can cost US$25,000.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.