Getting started
Can I open a company if I am not a resident of that country?
Yes, you can incorporate a company without being a resident of the country where the company is registered. WeForm assists international clients with company formation across a wide range of jurisdictions.
Do I need to travel to incorporate a company?
No, our incorporation services are designed to be completed remotely, allowing you to establish your company without the need to travel to the jurisdiction.
What type of company can I open?
We assist with the formation of a range of company structures, including LTDs, LLCs and IBCs, in numerous jurisdictions.
What documents do I need to provide?
The documents required depend on the jurisdiction and company structure. Normally we will require valid identification, proof of residential address, and information about the shareholders, directors and intended business activity. Additional documents may be requested as part of the applicable KYC/AML and compliance procedures.
Can I establish a company with a single shareholder and director?
Yes, a company can be established with a single shareholder who also acts as the sole director.
Can a foreigner be the director or shareholder?
Yes, non-residents and foreign nationals can act as shareholders and directors.
Can I have more than one shareholder or director?
Yes, where permitted by the chosen company structure, you can establish a company with multiple shareholders and/or directors.
Can I use a corporate shareholder?
Yes, a company can be owned by another legal entity rather than directly by an individual. Corporate ownership requires additional documentation identifying the corporate shareholder and its ultimate beneficial owners, together with the relevant corporate documents and compliance information. If you are looking to set up a company with a corporation as a shareholder, please reach our support team before proceeding, as prices may vary.
Do I need a local director?
Most of the jurisdictions on our list permit non-resident directors, while others may have local-director or local-presence requirements. We will identify these requirements before you proceed with incorporation.
Do I need a local registered office?
Yes, every company needs an official registered office in the jurisdiction where it is incorporated. We include this service in every package, so you don't need to worry about it. The registered office is used for receiving official correspondence and maintaining the company's statutory records, subject to the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.
Can WeForm provide a registered office address?
Yes, a registered office address is included in every package.
Can I choose my company name?
Yes, you can propose your preferred company name, subject to availability and the naming requirements of the chosen jurisdiction. The name must comply with the applicable corporate regulations and cannot conflict with existing registered names or restricted terms.
What happens if my preferred company name is unavailable?
If your preferred name is unavailable, we can help you identify suitable alternatives. You may provide several name options, allowing us to check availability and proceed with an acceptable name that complies with the jurisdiction's requirements.
Can I incorporate a company for an existing business?
Yes, a new company can be established to operate alongside or support an existing business, subject to the applicable legal, tax and regulatory requirements. Where an existing business is being transferred or restructured, professional legal and tax advice may be appropriate.
Who will assist me during the incorporation process?
Your application is supported by the WeForm system and the relevant corporate professionals. We coordinate the process and help you navigate documentation, compliance requirements and incorporation formalities, from initial application to completion.
How can I track the progress of my application?
Once your application is underway, you can follow its progress through the WeForm Dashboard and receive relevant updates from our system. If additional information or documentation is required, we will notify you and guide you through the next step.
Timing
How long does a UK company take to register?
A UK company is usually registered by Companies House within 24 to 48 hours of filing. We submit the application as soon as you complete the application and KYC.
How long does a Hong Kong company take?
A Hong Kong company is usually registered within 1-3 business days. Once compliance is completed, we start the incorporation process; once registration is completed, we confirm the incorporation date and provide your corporate documents. KYC and document signing can be completed fully online.
How long does a Seychelles company take?
A Seychelles company can be incorporated within 1-4 business days once all required information and documents have been received and approved. Additional time may be required for due diligence, document authentication or other post-incorporation services.
How long does a Costa Rica company take?
A Costa Rica company takes around 5-10 business days to complete the registration process once the incorporation documents are ready. The overall timeline may be longer if additional tax registrations, licences or documentation are required.
How long does a Marshall Islands company take?
A Marshall Islands company can typically be incorporated within 2-3 business days once the required documentation and due diligence have been completed. Depending on the entity type and additional requirements, the overall process may take longer.
How long does an IFZA (Dubai) company take?
An IFZA company can typically be established in around 5 business days once all required documents have been received and approved. The timeline may vary depending on the business activity, documentation and any additional licences or services required.
Prices and packages
What is included in the price?
Our incorporation packages include everything you need to set up the company - no hidden fees or surprise charges. Each package includes, for one year: a registered office for your business, all government fees required for the setup, a local registered agent or secretary (where applicable), a payment account introduction, payment solutions assistance and the founder's toolkit (invoicing, AI managing partner, electronic signatures, with more founder features on the way). For IFZA (Free Zone Authority), use our calculator for visa quotes.
How much does it cost to incorporate a company?
Each jurisdiction page clearly displays the price and outlines what is included, allowing you to compare options before placing your order.
Are there any additional government or registration fees?
Government and registration fees are included in every WeForm company formation package we offer. We believe in transparent pricing, so you can understand the total expected cost before placing your order.
Are there annual maintenance costs?
Yes, companies have ongoing costs after incorporation. These include next year's renewal fees - government fees, registered office services for another year, company secretary services - as well as annual returns, accounting, tax compliance declarations or other corporate administration, depending on the jurisdiction and services required. You can always see the renewal price on your Dashboard.
When do I pay for the incorporation service?
Payment is made before we begin the incorporation process. Once your order and payment are received, we begin collecting the required information and documentation and proceed with the applicable compliance and incorporation formalities.
Can I pay online?
Yes. We provide online payment options for our services.
What happens after I place my order?
Once your order is submitted, our team reviews the information and takes care of the rest.
Banking and payments
Can you help me open a payment account?
Yes, for all companies incorporated with WeFormOnline. We introduce you to selected regulated financial institutions and payment service providers from our network and assist you throughout the application process, with no additional fees.
Which payment solutions do you work with?
We work with banks, financial institutions and PSPs which provide business accounts in multiple currencies, processing and payment collections.
Do I need to travel to open a business account?
No, every application can be done remotely, without the need for travel.
Can a newly incorporated company apply for an account?
Yes, newly incorporated companies can apply for business banking or payment accounts.
How long does the account application take?
The time depends on the provider, your business activities and the information you provide in your application. Simple applications can be processed quickly, while applications requiring additional documents or checks may take longer. Account opening typically takes from 3 to 14 business days, though in some cases it can take longer.
After incorporation
What documents do you provide when you open a company?
The standard set includes: Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Register of Directors, Share Register, Share Certificate and Corporate Chart.
What happens after incorporation?
Once your company is incorporated, you will have access to its documents via your personal dashboard. You will be able to see your compliance calendar, start payment applications, issue invoices to your customers and more.
What taxes do I need to pay when I open a company?
All incorporation costs, government fees and incorporation taxes are included in our fees. What you see is what you pay, with no extra or hidden charges.
Can you assist with annual filings, accounting and bookkeeping support?
Yes, we can assist with the ongoing corporate obligations for your company, including annual filings, government renewals, accounting and bookkeeping, where these services are available in the selected jurisdiction. The scope depends on the jurisdiction and your company's activities.
Do I need to submit annual returns?
In many jurisdictions, yes. Companies may be required to submit annual returns, financial statements, tax filings or other periodic reports to the relevant authorities.
Can you manage my company's ongoing administration?
Managing your company's ongoing administration is easy with WeForm. Your secure dashboard and compliance calendar help you stay on top of important deadlines and requirements. You will receive notifications about upcoming filings, renewals and other corporate obligations, so you always know what needs to be done.
Can I change the company structure after incorporation?
Yes, corporate details and structures can be amended after incorporation, including changes to shareholders, directors, share capital or other corporate information. This can be done via the client portal with ease.