Agency / consulting

Who this is for / not for

This page is for agencies and consultants selling services globally (e.g. design, dev, strategy, freelancing) and needing a company, banking, and often invoicing or payment processing. It is not for product-only or high-volume e-commerce.

Decision summary

  • Invoicing and contracts are central; many agencies use bank transfer plus optional card for smaller clients.
  • Banks and processors want proof of service: contracts, SOWs, or completion evidence that matches your narrative.
  • Shortlist jurisdictions that support service businesses and bankability; then choose partner type and request introductions when ready.

Banking & payments reality

Banks like clear business narratives and predictable flows; contracts and invoices support that. If you use a payment processor, they will want evidence of delivery (e.g. signed contracts, deliverables). See Payment processors readiness and Bank account opening checklist. Invoicing-only (no card) simplifies processor requirements but you still need a bank account.

Costs & timeline

Typical ranges depend on jurisdiction; formation and banking often 1–3 months end-to-end. See Costs, timelines, hidden fees and Compare jurisdictions.

Docs & KYC checklist

Banks want: ID, proof of address, company docs, business narrative (services, client types, contract types), and source of funds. Having sample contracts (redacted) or SOWs helps. Use Bankability checklist.

Common failure points / red flags

Common failures: vague “consulting” with no contracts or proof of work; mismatch between narrative and actual client base; jurisdiction the bank does not serve. Strengthen narrative and evidence before applying.

Alternatives

Alternatives: different entity types or jurisdictions (e.g. UAE, UK, Ireland). Some operators use platforms (e.g. Upwork) plus a company for payouts. See Compare jurisdictions.

FAQ

Do I need a payment processor for consulting?
Not always. Many consultants invoice and receive bank transfer. If you want to take cards, you will need a processor and evidence of service delivery.
What counts as proof of service?
Contracts, SOWs, signed completion forms, or invoices paid by the client. Anything that shows you deliver what you promise and get paid for it.
Which jurisdictions suit agency/consulting?
UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, UK, Ireland, Estonia are often shortlisted. Compare banking difficulty and cost for your profile.
What if my clients are mostly in one country?
You can still incorporate elsewhere for tax or operational reasons. Ensure your narrative explains client geography and why the entity is in the chosen jurisdiction.

Next steps