GenZone vs Firstbase: Pricing and What's Included
Comparing the non-resident formation stack, side by side, on price, the registered agent, EIN speed, tax filing, and ongoing service.
Firstbase's $399 Start covers formation, but the required registered agent ($299/yr), US address ($315/yr), and Form 5472 filing ($899/yr) are separate, so year one runs about $1,912 against GenZone Advanced's all-in $999. Firstbase One ($2,388, with bookkeeping) lines up with GenZone Done-For-You ($1,999).
*Firstbase Start is $399 one-time with state filing fees included (a current $99 promo shifts state fees to you). The registered agent ($299/yr per state) and a US business address ($315/yr via Mailroom Basic) are required and sold separately, and Form 5472 filing for non-US single-member LLCs is $899/yr, so a non-resident founder who needs all four lands near $1,912 in year one. Firstbase One bundles agent, address, accounting, and tax at $2,388/yr. Pricing verified against firstbase.io/pricing, September 2026; confirm current pricing before deciding.
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Formation, EIN, banking, and compliance for non-resident founders, handled end to end by one team.
- Formation in as little as 48 hours
- Non-resident EIN in 3 to 5 days
- Banking prepared, 3,000+ accounts opened
- US and Dubai structures, one expert team
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It took them under two days to get two US LLCs up and running, with the paperwork submitted. Honestly I couldn't have started my business in the UAE and expanded this quickly. I'm still surprised how fast the CEO, Kevin, jumps in when needed, deep into the night. Clearly dedicated, and it shows.
Super fast, no headaches, amazing support. I opened my company in Dubai, got my UAE residency and ID, and opened two more companies in the US. I didn't have to worry about anything, they handled everything from start to finish. Every time I had a question, I got a reply in under five minutes.
I reached out to several companies to set up my US LLC, and the difference with GenZone was night and day. They set up my LLC in just one day, and I had my EIN and everything sorted within a week. Unbelievably quick. The whole team made what I expected to be a complicated process feel effortless.
We chose GenZone after seeing them on YouTube for Dubai setup. They handled our Dubai FZCO and our residency visas, and the whole process was streamlined and effortless. Communication is top notch, often answered within minutes. They then handled our US LLC too, again super easy. Recommend to anybody.
GenZone is everything they claim they are and more. They helped me start my US LLC in almost no time at all. They act fast and they deliver. Wonderful cooperation, pleased to have used their services.
GenZone made setting up my US LLC as a non-resident incredibly smooth. Albert and the team were super helpful throughout, and the LLC was formed quickly with all documents organized neatly. The EIN took a little longer than expected, but the team followed up and got it sorted. Would definitely recommend to other international entrepreneurs.
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The Full Breakdown
GenZone and Firstbase both form US LLCs for non-residents. The key difference lies in what their advertised signup price already covers.
Firstbase offers US LLC formation for non-residents on a modular basis: you pay for formation, then add services like a registered agent, a US address, and tax filing as separate products. GenZone, conversely, offers a single flat annual price that includes the registered agent, a US address, the EIN, and Form 5472 filing, services that Firstbase charges for separately.
For a US LLC, a registered agent is essential for state representation. Firstbase also mandates a US address via its Mailroom service for incorporation. Furthermore, a foreign-owned single-member LLC must file Form 5472 and a pro forma 1120 annually, regardless of earnings.
None of these are optional for a non-resident founder. The crucial question is whether the price you see at signup already covers these necessities.
Most founders comparing formation services for non-residents often discover these additional requirements only after signup, once the initial formation is complete and the mandatory add-ons begin to appear.
What Firstbase's Headline Price Excludes
Formation is the straightforward part. Firstbase forms a Delaware or Wyoming LLC for a one-time fee of $399, inclusive of state filing fees. This aspect aligns with GenZone's approach.
The two services diverge significantly on the cost of a registered agent and a US address after the initial $399 payment. Firstbase's Agent product costs $299 per state annually, while a US address starts at $315 per year through its Mailroom service. Both are flagged as required on Firstbase's own website.
Adding these to the formation fee means a founder has already spent $713, before any tax compliance. GenZone's $999 Advanced plan incorporates the agent, address, and mail forwarding into that single price.
Therefore, the real choice isn't between $399 and $999. It's between $713 plus tax filing, and $999 with everything included.
The EIN, and Subsequent Filing Requirements
Firstbase applies for the EIN without a Social Security Number, as is necessary for non-resident services. While it markets the EIN process as expedited, it does not publish a fixed turnaround time for non-residents.
Independent reviews suggest a timeframe of 8 to 12 business days. GenZone secures the same non-resident EIN in 3 to 5 business days, directly with the IRS.
The more substantial difference emerges after the EIN is obtained. Every foreign-owned single-member LLC must file Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120 annually, even if there is no US income.
The Filing Not Covered by the $399
The IRS can impose a $25,000 penalty for failing to file Form 5472 when required. Firstbase does file it, at $899 per year for the non-US single-member package, but this is a fourth separate purchase on top of formation, the agent, and the address. GenZone includes Form 5472 and 1120 from its $999 Advanced tier.
New to the associated paperwork? Our guide to the W-8 and W-9 forms for foreign owners clarifies which form applies and when.
US Plus Dubai, Under One Roof
Many non-residents eventually seek more than just a US entity. A US LLC alone does not guarantee a 0% tax position; this depends on the company's structure, management location, and the owner's tax residency.
GenZone is also a leading Dubai setup provider, offering the option to pair a US LLC with a UAE company and residency for founders who wish to relocate as well as incorporate. Firstbase, focused exclusively on US services, does not offer a comparable structure.
GenZone is not just a US LLC provider. We build and manage your complete global structure, from company formation to residency and banking.
- Dubai company setup and UAE residency for legal tax repositioning and a 0% tax position.
- Golden visa and long-term UAE residency for qualified high-net-worth founders and investors.
- UAE accounting and bookkeeping to ensure your Dubai company remains compliant and financially sound.
- Business banking across multiple countries, including the US, Dubai, Panama, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, Liechtenstein, and the Bahamas, plus digital accounts with Wise, Mercury, Relay, Slash, Stripe, and more.
Transparent Pricing, Clearly Itemized
GenZone publishes three fixed annual tiers: Basic ($499), Advanced ($999), and Done-For-You ($1,999). State fees, the registered agent, the address, and mail forwarding are included starting from the Basic plan.
Form 5472 and 1120 filing, along with active banking setup, are included in the Advanced plan. Bookkeeping and a dedicated accountant are part of the Done-For-You plan.
Firstbase's modular design means you pay for formation, then add the agent, address, and tax filing separately, or bundle them into Firstbase One at $2,388 per year, which also includes accounting.
For formation, a compliant agent, a US address, and correctly filed Form 5472, the first year is approximately $1,912 with Firstbase compared to $999 with GenZone Advanced. Adding bookkeeping, Firstbase One costs $2,388, while GenZone's Done-For-You plan is $1,999, which also includes the Dubai option and a dedicated accountant.
Support: A Dashboard or a Dedicated Person
Firstbase operates with separate products, each with its own renewal date and bill, and its support is managed through a dashboard, a help center, and a ticket system.
GenZone's solution isn't a larger platform. Instead, it offers fewer bills and a single point of contact: a named relationship manager available on WhatsApp, assigned from the first interaction and accessible throughout formation, banking, and every subsequent renewal.
For a founder eight time zones away who is unsure which of ten compliance tasks applies, this difference often becomes more critical once the LLC is a year old than on day one.
Each Firm Serves a Different Founder
Choose GenZone if you...
- Want the agent, US address, and Form 5472 filing included in one price, not four separate charges.
- Require a faster non-resident EIN.
- Prefer a named advisor on WhatsApp over a support queue.
- May want a US structure paired with Dubai residency and a UAE company.
Firstbase may fit if you...
- Desire a broad, software-first platform to expand into over time.
- Need automated payroll tax registration across all 50 states.
- Are comfortable managing multiple subscriptions and renewal dates.
- Have no immediate interest in a Dubai or UAE structure.
Final Verdict
Firstbase employs a modular pricing model, whereas GenZone packages more of the non-resident compliance stack into a single annual plan.
For a non-resident founder whose primary concern is efficiently handling the registered agent, address, EIN, and Form 5472 without having to manage four separate purchases, GenZone's single annual price is specifically designed to meet that need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Firstbase suitable for non-resident founders?
Firstbase facilitates the formation of US LLCs for non-residents and assists with EIN applications without requiring a Social Security Number. However, its pricing structure can be misleading: the registered agent and US address, both mandatory for incorporation, are not included in the $399 "Start" fee and must be purchased separately. This significantly increases the actual first-year cost beyond the advertised price.
Does Firstbase's $399 fee include a registered agent?
No. Both Delaware and Wyoming legally mandate a registered agent. Firstbase's own pricing page confirms this requirement, listing the registered agent as a separate purchase at $299 per year per state through their "Agent" plan.
What is the true first-year cost of Firstbase?
For a non-resident founder requiring formation, a registered agent, a US address, and Form 5472 filing, the approximate first-year cost is $1,912. This breaks down to $399 for "Start," $299 for "Agent," $315 for "Mailroom Basic," and $899 for the "Tax Filing" package specifically for non-US owned single-member LLCs.
Does Firstbase file Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs?
Yes, but as a separate package priced at $899 per year for non-US owned single-member LLCs. This service is not included with formation and must be added on. In contrast, GenZone includes Form 5472 and 1120 starting from its $999 "Advanced" tier.
How quickly does Firstbase issue an EIN without a Social Security Number?
Independent reviews indicate a processing time of approximately 8 to 12 business days. Firstbase markets this as "expedited" without providing a specific timeframe. GenZone, by comparison, issues the same non-resident EIN within 3 to 5 business days.
Does Firstbase assist with opening a US bank account?
Yes, the "Start" plan allows users to initiate an application with one of Firstbase's banking partners directly from their dashboard. GenZone offers a more hands-on approach, preparing documents and supporting applications across Wise, Mercury, and Slash, with over 3,000 global business accounts opened.
What are GenZone's US LLC plans and prices?
GenZone offers three fixed annual tiers, all-inclusive of state fees. The "Basic" plan is $499 (covering formation, EIN, and registered agent), "Advanced" is $999 (adding Form 5472, tax filing, and hands-on banking support), and "Done-For-You" is $1,999 (further including bookkeeping and a dedicated accountant). A WhatsApp manager is provided with every plan.
How does Firstbase's platform compare to GenZone's?
Firstbase provides a comprehensive software platform encompassing formation, compliance, accounting, and payroll. GenZone, on the other hand, specializes in non-resident formation and compliance, offering hands-on banking, a named advisor, and structuring options for both US and Dubai entities.
Can I switch to GenZone after forming with Firstbase?
Yes. An LLC already formed with Firstbase can seamlessly transfer its ongoing compliance, registered agent services, banking support, and Form 5472 filing to GenZone without the need for reincorporation.
Is GenZone a superior alternative to Firstbase?
For non-resident founders seeking a registered agent, a US address, an EIN, and Form 5472 all bundled into one annual price, rather than four separate purchases, GenZone presents a more advantageous option. However, a founder looking for a broad software platform with room to grow, and who doesn't mind managing multiple subscriptions, might find Firstbase's model a better fit.