This is the question we hear most often: should I set up a Ltd in the UK or an LLC in Delaware? Both are serious structures with limited liability and 100% manageable online through Aiden Startup. The short answer: it depends on where your clients are and how you want to be taxed.
The UK Ltd, in a nutshell
- Ideal if: you invoice mainly in Europe, you want a classic corporate image, or you need to register for European VAT
- Taxation: the company pays Corporation Tax on its UK profits
- Obligations: annual Confirmation Statement and Annual Accounts (within 9 months of the financial year end)
- Transparency: your details as director appear on the public Companies House register
The Delaware LLC, in a nutshell
- Ideal if: you sell digital services globally, you work with US clients or platforms, or you want a fiscally «transparent» structure
- Taxation: a single-member non-resident LLC, by default, does not pay US entity tax — profits are reported where you are tax resident
- Obligations: annual Franchise Tax (US$300, due 1 June) and maintaining a Registered Agent
- Privacy: Delaware does not publish the names of LLC members
Quick rules to decide
- Clients in Europe + need VAT/VAT registration → UK Ltd
- Global clients or in the USA + digital services → Delaware LLC
- You want to raise investment from US funds → contact support; sometimes another structure (C-Corp) is better
- You prioritise privacy → Delaware LLC
Remember that whichever you choose, you will still have personal tax obligations in your country of residence. The structure does not remove you from your local tax authority.
💡 Tip: don’t get blocked by choosing. Both structures are set up in just a few days and, if your business evolves, you can always open the other one later. The important thing is to start with the one that fits today.
Have you made up your mind? Set up your company in the UK or your Delaware LLC from startup.aiden.es in less than 10 minutes.
⚖️ This guide is informational and does not replace professional tax or legal advice. For your specific situation, consult with an adviser.