StartGlobal vs Firmaway

Looking for a Firmaway alternative?

Firmaway is a well-reviewed formation service focused on Latin American entrepreneurs. While they offer competitive pricing, their narrow regional focus and bank account guidance model may not suit founders outside LATAM.

All 50 states • $399 one-time to form • Built for non-residents

Trusted by founders, operators, and global businesses in 150+ countries

At a glance

StartGlobal vs Firmaway

What's actually included, side by side. (See the full first-year cost below.)

What's included StartGlobal Firmaway
LLC formation All 50 states All 50 states
Registered agent Included Included (All-in)
EIN (no SSN) Yes, no SSN Yes, no SSN
US bank account setup Included Yes
Operating agreement Included Included
Bookkeeping Included (managed) Not offered
Federal tax filing Included Included (All-in)
Annual report & compliance Included Included
Built for non-residents Built for it Built for it (LatAm)
Money-back guarantee 100% money-back โ€”
The real first-year cost

The cost to run an LLC, not just to start one.

Every founder needs formation, a registered agent, an EIN, an operating agreement, ongoing compliance, bookkeeping and a federal tax return. Here is the full first-year cost on identical scope.

All in one place

StartGlobal

$399 to form

then $149/month fully managed, or a la carte from $99/year • one platform • everything included

  • LLC formation + state filing fee
  • Registered agent
  • EIN (Tax ID)
  • US business bank account setup
  • Operating agreement
  • Annual report & compliance
  • Bookkeeping
  • Federal tax filing

Firmaway

$3,699/yr

2 separate services to manage

  • Formation, RA, EIN, compliance & tax filing (All-in plan) $1,299
  • Bookkeeping, via 3rd party (est.) $2,400

Firmaway only handles part of it.

To actually run your LLC you would stitch together 2 separate services: Firmaway for formation, a separate bookkeeper, and a separate tax preparer. That is 2 logins, 2 bills, and 2 support teams to chase when something breaks. StartGlobal is all of it in one platform, one login, one bill, one team, for a one-time $399 to form, then a flat $149/month fully managed (or a la carte from $99/year).

First-year cost for a single-member, foreign-owned LLC in Wyoming (~$100 state fee), ~1,000 transactions / ~$100k revenue. Where Firmaway does not offer bookkeeping or tax filing, we use third-party benchmarks (bookkeeping $2,400/yr, federal tax filing $800/yr) so the scope matches. Competitor pricing as of 2026-06 and may change.

The difference

Why founders switch to StartGlobal

Real concerns reported by Firmaway users, and how we fix them.

The problem

LATAM-Only Focus

Firmaway primarily serves Spanish-speaking founders in Latin America. Their website is mostly in Spanish, and their support and documentation are tailored to the LATAM market. Founders from other regions may find limited relevance.

With StartGlobal

StartGlobal serves founders from 150+ countries with English-language support and a multilingual website. Whether you are in LATAM, Europe, Asia, or Africa, we are built for you.

The problem

Bank Account Is Guidance, Not Setup

Firmaway helps you apply to Mercury or Relay but does not guarantee account opening. You receive assistance with the application, but the outcome depends on the bank.

With StartGlobal

StartGlobal includes actual bank account setup assistance in your package. We work with banking partners to ensure your account is opened successfully.

The problem

Recurring Annual Cost

After the first year, Firmaway charges approximately $400/year for renewal of services including registered agent and compliance. This adds up over time.

With StartGlobal

StartGlobal forms your LLC for $399 one-time, then ongoing compliance is fully managed at $149/month or available a la carte from $99/year. Renewals are transparent and clearly priced, with no surprise bundles.

The problem

No Tax or Bookkeeping Services

Firmaway focuses on formation and basic compliance but does not offer tax filing or bookkeeping services. You will need to find separate providers for these essential services.

With StartGlobal

StartGlobal offers tax filing and bookkeeping as clearly priced add-on services, so you can manage everything through one platform.

LLC Formation

Everything you need to launch, in one package.

Registered Agent

Included

Every US LLC is legally required to have a registered agent: the official point of contact that receives legal documents, lawsuits, and state notices on your behalf. We act as your registered agent in your formation state and forward anything that arrives straight to you.

  • Required to form and keep your LLC in good standing
  • Receives legal documents and state notices for you
  • We forward everything to you right away
$399 one-time
All state and government fees included

One payment, no surprise charges at checkout.

Get started

Ongoing Compliance

Pay only for what you need.

Registered Agent

Pay as you go

Your registered agent service continues year after year, keeping a verified U.S. address on file and forwarding every legal document and state notice so you stay in good standing.

  • Verified U.S. address maintained
  • Legal mail scanned and forwarded
  • Renewed automatically each year
From $99 / year

Starts with registered agent. Add annual report, bookkeeping, and federal tax filing as you need them.

Get started

Loved by founders in 150+ countries

Real customers, on camera, talking about their U.S. business journey

FAQ

Firmaway vs StartGlobal, answered

How does StartGlobal compare to Firmaway?+

Both serve non-residents, but StartGlobal serves 150+ countries while Firmaway focuses on LATAM. StartGlobal includes actual bank account setup (not guidance), offers tax filing, and gives you one predictable plan: $399 one-time to form, then $149/month fully managed (or a la carte from $99/year). Firmaway is slightly cheaper upfront but charges ~$400/yr ongoing.

Is Firmaway a good service?+

Firmaway has excellent reviews (4.9/5 on Trustpilot, 287 reviews) and is well-regarded in the LATAM community. However, their LATAM-only focus, bank account guidance model, and lack of tax services may be limiting for founders who need comprehensive support.

Can LATAM founders use StartGlobal instead?+

Absolutely. StartGlobal serves founders from all Latin American countries. We offer our website in Spanish and Portuguese, and our team understands the specific needs of LATAM entrepreneurs forming US LLCs.

What about the price difference?+

Firmaway starts at $399 to form, the same as StartGlobal's $399 one-time formation. Firmaway charges ~$400/yr for renewals; StartGlobal keeps ongoing compliance fully managed at $149/month or a la carte from $99/year. Plus, StartGlobal includes actual bank account setup and a compliance dashboard.

Does StartGlobal offer Spanish-language support?+

Yes. StartGlobal offers a Spanish-language website and multilingual support. Our platform serves founders from 150+ countries including all of Latin America.

Ready to start your U.S. business?

Join thousands of global founders who trust StartGlobal. Form your LLC in minutes and run it all from one place.

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