In today’s digital world, integrating online payment capabilities is crucial for entrepreneurs, freelancers, SaaS founders, and eCommerce merchants.
A strong competitor in this sector is Stripe. It is a payment processing service known for its API, capacity to scale worldwide, and seamless integration with contemporary websites and applications.
For those not living in the United States, especially in unsupported countries, the question arises: Am I eligible to use Stripe?
The answer is yes but with a more thoughtful approach than most. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up a Stripe account as a non-US resident without connections to the US, step by step.
🌍 Can Non-US Residents Use Stripe?
Supported are businesses from 45 countries, more so in US, Canada and UK, most of Europe, Australia, and select regions in Asia. Stripe however does not support many huge markets in Africa, The Middle East, South Asia, and South America.
So, what if you are located in an unsupported country such as Nigeria, Pakistan, or Bangladesh?
You will not be able to create a Stripe account with your local business. Though, it is completely legal to incorporate a U.S. company and subsequently open a Stripe account while residing outside the U.S. This practice is not only legal, but is also very popular amongst many international entrepreneurs and startups.
By forming an LLC in the U.S., you will be able to get a Stripe account as well as become a U.S. online business and enjoy all the perks that come with it, without having a Social Security Number (SSN), visa, or even residing in the U.S. or having U.S. citizenship.
✅ Requirements To Open A Stripe Account As A Non-Us Resident
As a non-resident, there are a few requirements that you will need to gather for opening a Stripe account. Consider this as preparing the legal and financial framework of your business in the U.S.
Let’s go through the checklist of what is required from you:
1. A US Based Limited Liability Company (LLC)
This is the legal entity that you will form under which your Stripe account will operate. An LLC must be formed in one of the U.S. states like Delaware, New Mexico, or Wyoming. These states are preferred due to their low annual fees, easy registration and protection of privacy.
Setting up a Limited Liability Company allows you to create the following:
- Your official registered business name
- Assets are protected
- Possibility to sign agreements or receive financial funds
2. Tax Identification Number (EIN)
The EIN is issued by Financial Revenue Service which serves as the company’s tax document number. It acts like the Business Identity Because Digits Identifier for social security or social identity. In order to avail such services, you need:
- Open Business accounts in the U.S
- Acquire securities for statutory registration with Stripe
- Enlist as a taxpayer resident of the U.S, if eligible for tax benefits.
It normally takes 1-2 working weeks to obtain an EIN and there is no requirement of possessing a SSN.
3. Business Address in the U.S
Postal needs claim a business address in America to validate services provided. You can:
- Use registered agent’s address (included on most LLC formation packages).
- Use a virtual mailbox from providers like iPostal1, Earth Class Mail, or Anytime Mailbox.
Ensure this is the same for every unified statement or join declaration document under print or on platforms of choice.
4. American Business Mobile Number
Some services require phone verification, including Stripe. You can obtain a virtual U.S. number through platforms such as:
- OpenPhone
- Skype Number
- Google Voice (if you have a U.S. IP or VPN)
- Sonetel
Choose a number that you can easily access for future verifications.
5. Account with US Bank
You will require a business bank account based in the United States to access your Stripe payouts. The good news is that you can open such an account without visiting the United States physically. Consequently, many modern fintech companies offer non-resident remote business banking:
- Mercury: Best for new businesses, no monthly charges
- Relay: Fast account registration
- Wise Business: Provides foreign currency accounts along with routing numbers from the United States
These accounts allow you to maintain the required account and routing numbers that Stripe needs to process your payouts.
6. Government issued identification (Passport or National ID)
Stripe will request you to verify your identity for your account. This is done to ensure that there is no impersonation or fraudulent activity concerning the businesses that are set on stripe.
Ensure that your ID is:
- Legible and not out of date
- Corresponds to your name as per the document
Stripe has additional requirements depending on your country, they might require you to take a photo of yourself while verifying your identity.
Step-by-Step: How to Open a Stripe Account as a Non-US Resident
Follow this strategy to set up your Stripe account even if you are located in a non-supported country:
Step 1: Form Your US LLC
Choose a state like Wyoming or Delaware and register your LLC. You can file directly with the state yourself, but most international founders use agencies like Bizstartz that take care of everything, including:
- State filing
- Registered agent service
- EIN application
- Operating Agreement (which you need to get for bank account approval)
Step 2: Get a US Address and Phone Number
Purchase a virtual business address as well as a phone number. You will use this information to complete your Stripe and bank applications. Check that you can receive mail or messages through these services.
Step 3: Apply for Your EIN
If using a service Bizstartz, they will apply for your EIN directly. By yourself, you need to complete IRS Form SS-4 and either fax or mail it.
Tip: While filling out the SS-4, make sure you check box 9a for “LLC” and leave the SSN/ITIN section blank if you do not have one.
Step 4: Open a U.S. Business Bank Account
After acquiring your LLC documents and EIN, now you can proceed to apply for a U.S. business bank account. Among the different options available, Mercury has great favorable conditions. In order to open an account, they require the following:
- LLC documents
- EIN confirmation letter
- Business website or explanation of your business
Once accepted, you will obtain U.S. banking details you can attach to Stripe.
Step 5: Register for Stripe
Go to https://stripe.com and select “Start Now”. Choose:
- Country: United States
- Business Type: LLC
- Business EIN & address
- Personal verification: Upload your passport or ID
Verification of identity and business will take place within Stripe’s system. Most accounts seem to be accepted within minutes to a matter of days.
Step 6: Integrate Stripe with Your Website
Connect Stripe with the platform once the account is active:
- E-commerce platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix
- SaaS: Custom integration via Stripe API
- Freelancers: Opt for Stripe invoicing or utilize payment links
And with that, you can now facilitate payment interactions with customers from across the globe!
Expert Tips to Ensure Stripe Approval and Longevity
Use consistent information throughout your EIN, LLC, bank, and Stripe account to help verification flags being raised on the accounts.
Add an LLC-use business website to be covered professional-wise and during the approval, Stripe may choose to check it.
Refrain from engaging with adult entertainment, inventory-free dropshipping, and cryptocurrency activities. Only participate if properly certified.
Never use a VPN that shows a different location as it may flag your account, Stripe scans IPs for checking suspicious behavior.
Be cautious of maintaining account health, too many chargebacks or disputes can lead to frozen accounts.
Is a US Visa, SSN, or ITIN Required to Open a Stripe Account?
Not at all. A U.S. visa, Social Security Number (SSN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is not necessary to open a Stripe account through a U.S. LLC.
- Identity verification (passport)
- A business based within the U.S.
- U.S. business bank account
This is fully legitimate and compliant with American law. This is how thousands of digital entrepreneurs and remote businesses successfully operate.
Stripe Competitors For Countries Without Support
If you’re unable to set up a U.S. company at the moment, you might want to consider the following:
- Payoneer: Has a wider county support and integrates with Amazon and Fiverr.
- Wise Business: Provides accounts with different currencies and international transfers.
- Paddle: Excellent for SaaS; manages compliance, billing, and tax.
- 2Checkout (Verifone): Accept international payments and works with most platforms.
All these options are stripes, even though they do not have nearly the same developer resources and effortless API integration.
Open a Stripe Account Today
As a non-US resident, opening a Stripe account may feel like a daunting task. However, with the right approach, it’s completely within reach.
Creating a US LLC and getting an EIN alongside a business bank account while verifying your identity allows the full power of Stripe to be unlocked without stepping foot on American soil.
If you’re planning to start or scale your online business, this would be one of the best decisions you could make.
Are You All Set to Go?
At BizStartz, we assist non-American entrepreneurs with:
- Forming U.S. LLCs
- Getting an EIN
- Creating U.S. bank accounts
- Setting up Stripe accounts
- Managing compliance including BOI and bookkeeping
👉 Click here to launch your U.S. company and Stripe account now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Without a business, am I able to open an account with Stripes?
Absolutely not. Having an operational business is a prerequisite for Stripe. As a non-resident, the best step is to register an US LLC.
What is the average cost for setting it all up?
Average pricing is as follows:
- LLC creation: $150 to $500 depending on state and provider
- EIN: Free (if DIY) or part of service package
- Virtual address & phone line: $10 to $30 a month
- Bank account: Free to open with services like Mercury
Am I able to withdraw funds to my local bank?
Certainly. Frauds can be sent from an American bank account to a local currency bank using Wise or Payoneer.
Is it permissible to operate a US LLC while outside the US?
Absolutely yes. Legally, foreign citizens are allowed to establish and operate companies registered in the US entirely online.
