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🇬🇧 Country guide · the United Kingdom
US market entry for UK companies: the 2026 guide
UK companies share a language, a legal tradition and a deep investment history with the US. That makes the first steps easier, and it makes US buyers less forgiving of an offer that still feels British.
the United Kingdom and the US, in numbers
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| UK direct investment position in the US, end 2025 (by direct parent) | $1.11 trillion — the largest of any country (BEA) |
| UK projects announced in the US, H1 2026 | 139, about 20% of all European projects (EACC Barometer) |
| US employees at newly acquired or established UK-owned businesses, 2025 | 26,800 (BEA) |
| E-2 treaty in force since | 1815 — the oldest on the State Department list |
Visa and entity basics for UK founders
- E-2 treaty investor visa: the United Kingdom has an E-2 treaty with the US, so UK nationals can qualify by investing substantially in a US business they direct. It follows citizenship, not residence.
- L-1: move a manager or specialist who has worked for your UK company for at least one year in the last three to a US affiliate.
- Entity: most UK parents use a Delaware C-corporation. A US LLC owned by your UK company must file Form 5472 every year ($25,000 penalty if missed).
- Beneficial ownership: a US-formed subsidiary is exempt from FinCEN BOI reporting under the August 2026 final rule; a UK entity registered directly in a US state is not.
Where UK companies find help
| Organisation | What it does |
|---|---|
| Department for Business and Trade (DBT) | UK government export support, international trade advisers and US market guidance. |
| British American Business | Transatlantic business network with chapters in New York and London. |
| SelectUSA | US Department of Commerce programme connecting foreign investors with US states. |
| Gershon Consulting | Outbound LinkedIn pipeline and commercial representation from New York. |
Sectors where UK companies win US accounts
Software and IT services, fintech, life sciences, professional services and industrial technology. UK SaaS companies often win faster in the US when they lead with US customer proof rather than UK brand names that American buyers may not recognise.
How we run a US pipeline for UK companies
- US market map and ICP brief before launch, from ICP.gershon.ai plus our analysis.
- Promote: content written for US buyers and published on your behalf on LinkedIn.
- Network: personalised outreach to mapped US decision-makers, run from New York.
- Engage: replies turned into meetings, with talking points and weekly reports.
We work with one company per sector. See the full US market entry guide or our Promote · Network · Engage method.
Frequently asked questions
Can UK citizens get an E-2 visa?
Yes. The United Kingdom's treaty with the US dates from 1815 and covers E-1 and E-2. It applies to British nationals; nationals of other Commonwealth countries do not qualify through it.
Do UK companies need a US entity to sell in the US?
Not to start. Many UK companies invoice US customers from the UK entity. A US subsidiary helps once customers require a US contracting party or you hire US staff.
What is the biggest difference selling to US buyers versus UK buyers?
Speed and directness. US buyers expect fast follow-up, clear ROI, US references and pricing in dollars, and they will check your LinkedIn presence before replying.
Want US buyers in your pipeline this quarter?
Free 30-minute call with Olivier Attia, founder of Gershon Consulting. We map who buys what you sell in the US and how a Promote · Network · Engage campaign would reach them.
Book your free US growth call