How much does it cost to set up a company? 27 countries compared

Where

Setting up a UK private limited company

£100 ($134) to £247 ($330)

Then about £50 ($67) to £202 ($270) a year to keep it registered. GBP 100 to incorporate online with Companies House, GBP 50 a year for the confirmation statement.

Cost to set up a company

first year, middle of the range

1🇸🇦Saudi Arabia, foreign-owned LLC$5,060
2🇦🇪UAE mainland (Dubai) company$3,470
3🇮🇹Italy, SRL$3,350
4🇨🇭Switzerland, GmbH$2,700
5🇦🇪UAE free zone company$2,580
6🇲🇽Mexico, S. de R.L.$1,750
7🇯🇵Japan, KK$1,600
8🇹🇷Turkey, Ltd Sti$1,250
9🇳🇱Netherlands, BV$1,200
10🇪🇸Spain, SL$1,200
11🇩🇪Germany, GmbH$1,190
12🇫🇷France, SAS$950
13🇸🇬Singapore, Pte Ltd$950
14🇭🇰Hong Kong, Ltd$950
15🇪🇪Estonia, OU (e-Residency)$810
16🇧🇷Brazil, LTDA$750
17🇵🇹Portugal, Lda$700
18🇵🇭Philippines, corporation$600
19🇦🇺Australia, Pty Ltd$565
20🇮🇩Indonesia, PT (local)$460
21🇨🇦Canada, federal corporation$325
22🇺🇸USA, Delaware LLC$285
23🇬🇧UK private limited company$232
24🇮🇪Ireland, LTD$178
25🇮🇳India, private limited$143
26🇿🇦South Africa, Pty Ltd$80
27🇳🇬Nigeria, private company (CAC)$50

Government fees and required local services (agent, secretary, address), in US dollars. Accountants, visas and offices not included. How we estimate

What the price includes

We count the government fees and the services the law makes you buy, such as a registered agent in Delaware or a company secretary in Singapore. We leave out accountants, bank fees, visas and office rent, which depend on your business.

Picking a name? CorpNameCheck generates names and checks each country's naming rules and domains.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to register a company in the UK?

GBP 100 to incorporate online with Companies House, then GBP 50 a year for the confirmation statement.

How much does a UAE free zone company cost?

Licence packages start from about AED 6,000 a year (RAKEZ) and AED 12,900 (IFZA), before visas.

Where is the cheapest place to start a company?

In South Africa, Nigeria, Ireland, India and the UK you can register for under $300. Low setup fees do not always mean low yearly costs or easy banking.

How much does a Delaware LLC cost?

$110 to file, a registered agent at $50 to $300 a year, and a flat $300 tax each year.

CorpNameCheckBusiness name generator and company setup guides Shipping and movingParcels and home moves FloosIQMoney calculators: loans, savings, gratuity

Costs are rough estimates for planning, not quotes. Prices vary by city, season and supplier; get local quotes before you commit. Full disclaimer

How much does it cost to start a company?