What is Firstbase?
Firstbase is a Y Combinator-backed LLC formation service founded in 2018 that specializes in helping non-US residents form US business entities. Firstbase has served founders from 170+ countries and focuses on providing a complete "business-in-a-box" solution with a proprietary dashboard for managing compliance.
Firstbase positions itself as a back-office platform for international founders rather than just a formation service. The company emphasizes its compliance dashboard, US mailing address service, and ongoing support for annual requirements. Firstbase has raised over $20 million in venture capital from investors including Y Combinator, Kleiner Perkins, and Tiger Global.
The Firstbase platform handles Wyoming LLC formation, Delaware LLC formation, and C-Corporation formation. For non-residents, Firstbase recommends Wyoming for LLCs due to lower costs and stronger asset protection. The company provides guided workflows for each formation type with clear step-by-step instructions.
Firstbase operates a team spread across the United States and internationally, with support staff available via email and scheduled calls. The company maintains partnerships with Mercury Bank and other fintech providers to streamline the bank account opening process for non-residents.
How much does Firstbase cost?
Firstbase charges $399 for its standard Wyoming LLC formation package. The $399 price includes all essential services non-residents need: LLC formation, EIN filing, registered agent, operating agreement, US mailing address, and compliance dashboard access. Renewal is $399/year.
Firstbase $399 Package Breakdown
| Cost Component | Included | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming state filing fee | Yes ($100) | $100 |
| LLC formation service | Yes | ~$100 |
| EIN application | Yes | ~$50 |
| Registered agent (1 year) | Yes | ~$50 |
| Operating agreement | Yes | ~$25 |
| US mailing address | Yes | ~$50 |
| Compliance dashboard | Yes | ~$25 |
| Total value | Complete package | $399 |
The $399 Firstbase package is competitively priced for a complete non-resident formation service. However, WyomingLLC.co offers equivalent core services for $297, making Firstbase $102 more expensive for the same LLC formation, EIN, registered agent, and bank guidance.
Firstbase's renewal fee of $399/year covers continued registered agent service, dashboard access, and US mailing address. This is higher than the market rate for registered agent services alone ($25/year), so customers pay a premium for the dashboard and mailing address features.
5-year cost comparison: Firstbase costs $399 x 5 = $1,995 over 5 years. WyomingLLC.co costs $297 + ($25 x 4) = $397 for the same period. Firstbase costs approximately $1,598 more over 5 years.
What does Firstbase include?
Firstbase includes a comprehensive set of services designed specifically for non-residents. The $399 package covers everything needed to form a Wyoming LLC, obtain an EIN, and prepare for US banking.
Complete Firstbase Inclusion List
| Service | Included in $399 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing | Yes | Wyoming Secretary of State |
| State filing fee ($100) | Included | No extra charge |
| Name availability search | Yes | Pre-filing check |
| EIN application (Form SS-4) | Yes | Fax filing for non-residents |
| Registered agent service | 1 year | Physical Wyoming address |
| Operating agreement | Yes | Single-member template |
| US mailing address | Yes | Business correspondence |
| Compliance dashboard | Yes | Document storage + calendar |
| Bank account guidance | Yes | Mercury + Relay |
| Annual report reminders | Yes | Via dashboard + email |
| Document delivery | Yes | Digital + physical mail |
| Email support | Yes | Standard response times |
| Bookkeeping | No | Available as add-on |
| Tax filing | No | Available as add-on |
Firstbase's inclusion of a US mailing address distinguishes it from some competitors. The mailing address receives business correspondence, government notices, and can be used on bank applications. This is valuable for non-residents who need a US address for business purposes.
Is Firstbase good for non-residents?
Firstbase is well-designed for non-residents, offering a complete formation package with EIN filing, US mailing address, and bank guidance. However, the $399 price is $102 higher than WyomingLLC.co's equivalent $297 package.
Firstbase for Non-Residents: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete non-resident package (LLC + EIN + bank help) | $399 costs $102 more than WyomingLLC.co ($297) |
| US mailing address included | $399/year renewal fee is above market rate |
| Professional compliance dashboard | Email support only (no WhatsApp) |
| 170+ countries served | Bookkeeping and tax filing are paid add-ons |
| Y Combinator backing adds credibility | Dashboard has learning curve for some users |
| EIN filing included (not upsold separately) | Renewal required for dashboard access |
| Document storage and compliance tracking | Physical mail forwarding has limits |
Firstbase works well for non-residents who value the dashboard interface and US mailing address. The $102 price premium over WyomingLLC.co buys these additional features. Non-residents who don't need a dashboard or mailing address save money with WyomingLLC.co.
The Y Combinator backing gives Firstbase credibility with some customers who recognize the YC brand. Firstbase has served over 20,000 founders and maintains generally positive reviews for its non-resident focus and dashboard quality.
Firstbase vs WyomingLLC.co comparison
Firstbase and WyomingLLC.co both provide complete Wyoming LLC formation for non-residents, but differ in pricing, features, and support delivery. Firstbase charges $399 and includes a dashboard and US mailing address. WyomingLLC.co charges $297 and includes WhatsApp support.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Firstbase | WyomingLLC.co |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $297 |
| Wyoming LLC formation | Yes | Yes |
| EIN filing | Yes | Yes |
| Registered agent (1 year) | Yes | Yes |
| Operating agreement | Yes | Yes |
| Bank account guidance | Yes | Yes |
| US mailing address | Yes | No |
| Compliance dashboard | Yes | No |
| Support channel | ||
| Renewal cost | $399/year | ~$25/year (registered agent) |
| 5-year total cost | $1,995 | ~$397 |
The $102 difference between Firstbase ($399) and WyomingLLC.co ($297) pays for Firstbase's dashboard and US mailing address. For non-residents who value these features, the premium may be justified. For non-residents who want the lowest-cost complete formation, WyomingLLC.co provides better value.
The long-term cost difference is more significant. Firstbase's $399/year renewal is $1,498 more expensive than WyomingLLC.co over 5 years. Non-residents planning to maintain their LLC long-term should consider these ongoing costs.
Save $102 on your Wyoming LLC formation. Get EIN, registered agent, operating agreement, and bank guidance for $297 with WyomingLLC.co.
Get Started — $297 Flat FeeWhat is the Firstbase dashboard?
The Firstbase dashboard is a web-based interface for managing LLC documents, tracking compliance deadlines, and storing formation paperwork. The dashboard is a key differentiator for Firstbase and provides ongoing value beyond the initial formation.
Firstbase Dashboard Features
| Dashboard Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Document storage | Articles of Organization, EIN letter, operating agreement stored securely |
| Compliance calendar | Tracks annual report due dates, tax filing deadlines, registered agent renewal |
| Progress tracking | Visual indicators for formation steps, EIN status, bank account setup |
| US mailing address management | View received mail, manage forwarding preferences |
| Registered agent info | Access registered agent details, update contact information |
| Team access | Share dashboard access with partners or accountants |
| Document downloads | Download formation documents in PDF format |
| Annual report filing | Reminders and filing assistance for Wyoming annual report |
The dashboard provides ongoing value after formation by helping non-residents stay compliant with Wyoming's annual report requirements. The compliance calendar sends email reminders before deadlines, reducing the risk of late filing penalties.
Dashboard access requires the $399/year renewal fee. Non-residents who do not renew lose dashboard access but retain their LLC and can manage compliance independently. The dashboard convenience must be weighed against the ongoing cost.
Does Firstbase help with bank accounts?
Yes, Firstbase provides bank account guidance for non-residents as part of its $399 package. Firstbase offers guided applications for Mercury Bank and Relay Bank, the two most popular online business banks for international founders.
Firstbase Banking Support
| Banking Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Mercury Bank guidance | Yes |
| Relay Bank guidance | Yes |
| Document preparation | Yes |
| Application review | Yes |
| Rejection troubleshooting | Yes |
| US mailing address for bank apps | Yes |
| Traditional banks (Chase, etc.) | No (requires US visit) |
| Guaranteed approval | No (banks decide independently) |
Firstbase's US mailing address is particularly valuable for bank account applications. Some banks require or prefer a US address for the business, and Firstbase's mailing address satisfies this requirement. Non-residents without a US address benefit from this inclusion.
The bank account guidance includes document checklists, application walkthroughs, and troubleshooting for common rejection scenarios. Firstbase cannot guarantee bank approval, as banks make independent risk decisions, but the guidance improves application quality.
Firstbase customer reviews summary
Firstbase customer reviews are generally positive, with particular praise for the dashboard interface, non-resident focus, and completeness of the formation package. Some customers note the higher price compared to budget alternatives.
Firstbase Review Summary by Source
| Review Platform | Rating | Common Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.2/5 | Good dashboard, helpful for international founders |
| G2 | 4.3/5 | Professional platform, US mailing address valuable |
| Product Hunt | 4.4/5 | Y Combinator backing adds trust, good UX |
| Reddit (r/entrepreneur) | Mixed | Quality service but expensive renewals |
Positive Review Themes
- Dashboard quality: Customers appreciate the professional interface and document organization
- Non-resident expertise: Firstbase understands international founder needs
- US mailing address: Valuable for banking and business correspondence
- Complete package: EIN and bank guidance included without upsells
- Compliance reminders: Annual report deadlines tracked automatically
Negative Review Themes
- High renewal cost: $399/year is above market rate for registered agent alone
- Email-only support: No instant messaging or WhatsApp option
- Dashboard dependency: Lose access if renewal lapses
- Price premium: $102 more than WyomingLLC.co for core services
Firstbase maintains generally positive reviews across platforms, with a 4.2-4.4 star average. The service receives criticism primarily on price rather than quality. Customers who value the dashboard and mailing address justify the premium; budget-conscious customers choose alternatives.
Who should use Firstbase?
Choose Firstbase if you want a professional compliance dashboard, need a US mailing address for your business, and accept the $399 price point. Choose WyomingLLC.co if you want equivalent core services at the lowest price with WhatsApp support.
Choose Firstbase If:
- You value a professional web dashboard for document management
- You need a US mailing address for business correspondence
- You want compliance deadline tracking and reminders
- You prefer Y Combinator-backed service providers
- $399 fits your budget for formation services
- You plan to use the dashboard for ongoing compliance
- You want document storage accessible to team members
Choose WyomingLLC.co Instead If:
- You want the lowest price for complete formation ($297 vs $399)
- You need WhatsApp support for instant communication
- You don't need a US mailing address
- You prefer simple email document delivery over a dashboard
- You want to minimize long-term costs ($25/year vs $399/year)
- You value direct specialist access over platform interfaces
Decision Summary
| Your Priority | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Lowest possible cost | WyomingLLC.co ($297) |
| Professional dashboard | Firstbase ($399) |
| US mailing address needed | Firstbase ($399) |
| WhatsApp support | WyomingLLC.co |
| Compliance tracking | Firstbase ($399) |
| Lowest long-term cost | WyomingLLC.co (~$25/year) |
| Y Combinator credibility | Firstbase |
| Complete non-resident package (budget) | WyomingLLC.co ($297) |
Firstbase is a quality service for non-residents who value dashboard convenience and US mailing addresses. The $399 price is justified for customers who use these features actively. WyomingLLC.co provides equivalent core formation services at $102 less, making it the better value for budget-conscious non-residents.
For a broader comparison of all formation services, read the best Wyoming LLC formation services guide. For more information on forming a Wyoming LLC, see the Wyoming LLC for non-residents complete guide.