How To Use Stripe In Unsupported Countries 2024 (Stripe In Unsupported Countries)

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In this article, we address the common questions that arise when it comes to using Stripe in unsupported countries or as non-US citizens. We’ll also show you how to use Stripe in unsupported countries.

Does Stripe Support All Countries?

As of the latest update, Stripe operates in 46 countries around the world. However, if your country is not on their list, don’t despair. This article is here to guide you on how to utilize Stripe even in unsupported regions.

What Are The Stripe-Supported Countries?

Here’s the list of countries currently supported by Stripe:

– Australia
– Austria
– Belgium
– Brazil
– Bulgaria
– Canada
– Croatia
– Cyprus
– Czech Republic
– Denmark
– Estonia
– Finland
– France
– Germany
– Gibraltar
– Greece
– Hong Kong
– Hungary
– India
– Indonesia
– Ireland
– Italy
– Japan
– Latvia
– Liechtenstein
– Lithuania
– Luxembourg
– Malaysia
– Malta
– Mexico
– Netherlands
– New Zealand
– Norway
– Poland
– Portugal
– Romania
– Singapore
– Slovakia
– Slovenia
– Spain
– Sweden
– Switzerland
– Thailand
– United Arab Emirates
– United Kingdom
– United States

Can I Use Stripe In An Unsupported Country?

The answer is a resounding yes! You can indeed open a Stripe account and use it even if your country is not officially supported. However, there is a process to follow, and that’s precisely what we’re going to explore in this article – how to effectively open a  Stripe account in unsupported countries.

Should I Buy A Stripe Account?

We strongly advise against purchasing a Stripe account. Buying an account violates Stripe’s terms of service, which could lead to legal consequences. Purchased accounts may also have dubious origins, risking account suspension or frozen funds.

Inheriting someone else’s Stripe account means assuming their business history, including unresolved disputes, chargebacks, or financial liabilities. Establishing your legitimate Stripe account is crucial for legal compliance, safeguarding your reputation, and maintaining control over your business operations. This way, you can ensure transparency, trust, and accountability with your customers and partners.

How To Create Stripe Account In Unsupported Countries

Requirements To Use Stripe In Unsupported Countries

To use Stripe in unsupported countries, you’ll need to establish a US-based company, specifically an LLC (Limited Liability Company). But why can’t you use a registered company in your own country?

The reason is that the necessary documents for creating a Stripe account are typically unavailable in unsupported regions. Fortunately, forming an LLC is a straightforward process with minimal paperwork.

You’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID, a US physical address, a US phone number, and a US bank account. In the following sections, we’ll guide you through obtaining these prerequisites.

How To Get A US Physical Address

Obtaining a US physical address is surprisingly easy and cost-free, even if you don’t have contacts in the US. You can simply visit Shipito and create a US address, usually in California (indicated as CA).

How To Get A US Phone Number

While acquiring a US phone number might not be free unless you know someone in the US, there are affordable options. You can download apps like Dingtone or Skype to create a functional US phone number.

Forming Your LLC

Forming an LLC will involve some expenses, but it’s a necessary step. If you compare it to the cost of registering a business in your home country, it’s relatively similar. We’ll guide you through the most cost-effective and straightforward way to establish your LLC.

What Is An LLC?

An LLC, short for “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Liability Partnership,” is a business structure that offers limited legal responsibility for its owners. This structure allows you to separate your personal assets from your business assets, making it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs. Besides opening a Stripe account in unsupported countries, an LLC can offer various benefits for your business.

What Is EIN?

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number, a nine-digit identifier used to track your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). While you might worry about hefty taxes, you can minimize or avoid them by registering your LLC in a tax-friendly state. Some states in the US have low filing fees and no annual tax fees, making them attractive options.

The Cheapest States To Form An LLC

If you’re looking for budget-friendly options to form your LLC, consider states like Mississippi, Missouri, and New Mexico, which have low filing fees and, in some cases, no annual tax fees. Your choice should align with your specific business needs.

1. Mississippi
   Filing fee: $50
   Annual tax fee: $0
2. Missouri
   Filing fee: $50
   Annual tax fee: $0
3. New Mexico
   Filing fee: $50
   Annual tax fee: $0

With these prerequisites explained, and with your US phone number and address ready, you’re now prepared to embark on your LLC registration journey.

How To Form An LLC

To simplify the LLC formation process, consider using an LLC formation service such as Bizee (formerly known as Incfile). These services are designed to assist individuals who lack the time, resources, or expertise to navigate the process themselves. They handle all the necessary paperwork, including filing articles of incorporation, making your LLC formation a hassle-free experience.

Bizee used to be known as Incfile just in case you want to check Google or YouTube for reviews. They have over 17,000 reviews on Trustpilot with a 4.7-star rating. This is a very good indication that the company is very reliable.

With this, let’s proceed to show you how to form an LLC from your home country. We have blocked all personal information in this guide such as names, home address, phone number, personal email, and LLC name. Add your accurate information accordingly.

Follow These Steps To Form Your LLC

Step 1. Visit the Bizee website. Click on Form your LLC now.

Step 2. Select an entity and state.

Select LLC and choose New Mexico if you want a cheap state. Choose the Gold package.

Step 3. Fill in your contact information. This is the US address gotten from Shipito. You should add a working US phone number from dingtone or anywhere else.

Step 4. Confirm your address. Choose use entered.

Step 5. Choose the state filing time.

Step 6. Fill in the company information.

Step 7. You can skip the premium service package.

Step 8. Provide members information for your LLC. Choose individual

Step 9. Choose Bizee as your registered agent.

Step 10. Indicate that you’re not a citizen of the United States.

Step 11. Indicate that you’re a foreigner and do not have a social security number.

Step 12. If you don’t need this, you can skip it. Click on Ask Me Later.

Step 13. Since the tax strategy/free consultation is free, you can choose it.

Step 14. For the business licenses and permits, choose no, I’ll do the work myself.

Step 15. Review your order. Make sure all information is correct.

Step 16. Make your payment. You can use a debit or PayPal.

As you can see, the process is far cheaper than Stripe Atlas which costs $500 to set up a Stripe account. With this procedure, you’re only spending $278.

By following these steps, anyone from an unsupported country can easily initiate the process of opening a Stripe account.

You’re one step done in opening a Stripe account in an unsupported country but you cannot proceed at this moment to create the account.

Your details will be processed, and within a few weeks, you’ll receive your EIN, a crucial requirement for creating a Stripe account.

You are now on the verge of setting up a verified Stripe account. However, before proceeding, it’s essential to open your U.S. bank account.

Visit Payoneer.com to open an individual US bank account, a requirement for the Stripe registration process, as they will ask for your bank account details. Once your US bank account is ready, you can then proceed to Stripe to create your account.

Let’s assume, that you’ve gotten the EIN, then you can proceed to the next step which is to create your Stripe account in an unsupported country.

Steps To Create A Stripe Account In An Unsupported Country

Follow these steps closely. All the personal details have been blocked. You should add your own details.

Step 1. https://dashboard.stripe.com/register. Enter your email, and full name, and select the United States as your country. Click on Create account.

Step 2. Check your email. Click on verify email address.

Step 3. Click on activate payments.

Step 4. The business location should be the United States. The type of business should be a company and the business structure should be a Single-member LLC. Click on continue.

Step 5. Under tell us about your business, you should fill in your legal business name should be your LLC name. Enter your EIN. Your Registered business address should be your Registered business address from Bizee. Add your industry, business website, and product description.

Step 6. Under verify your personal details, enter your real name (used in your LLC details), email address, and date of birth. Choose your home country and add all your location address and phone number. The phone number should be your home country phone number. Click choose to provide a government-issued ID number. Enter your ID number from the government. Click on continue.

Step 7. Under describe how you fulfill your orders, choose any duration. Make sure it is something feasible.

Step 8. Under the add public details for customers, the statement descriptor is the text that appears on your customer’s bank statements. It’s important to make it clear and concise so that your customers know what the charge is for. You can include your business name and legal structure in the statement descriptor, but you may want to shorten it for the shortened descriptor.

Step 9. You should add your bank account. If you search and can’t find your bank account, then you should add it manually. You can only add a US bank account.

Step 10. Stripe requires that you add 2-factor authentication to your account so you have to choose any of the three options.

You can use an authenticator app like Authy.

Click on continue

Step 11. Under automate sales tax calculations, you can click no thanks.

Step 12. Under show customers climate commitment, you can click on no thanks.

Step 13. Review and finish up is the final stage. Cross-check that you have entered all the correct details in each of the sections. If you’re very sure that the details are correct, you can click on agree & submit.

Stripe may need to verify your identity or business information. If they are unable to do so automatically, they will send you an email asking for proof of certain details. Please check your email regularly and respond to any requests from Stripe promptly.

Conclusion

Using Stripe in unsupported countries is possible, provided you follow the right steps. Establishing an LLC is a key part of this process, offering you not only access to Stripe but also potential benefits for your business. So, follow our guide and get started on your journey towards expanding your online business presence.

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