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It's been a crazy decade for e-commerce. All over the world, businesses and entrepreneurs are creating their own online stores selling their goods and services. However, the inability to use Stripe is one challenge faced by many non-US residents running an online business, despite the wide variety of tools and platforms that are available.
Stripe, a popular payment gateway used by millions of businesses worldwide, is only offered in some countries outside of the United States. As a result, many international entrepreneurs need help finding a reliable and secure online payment system. In this case, the lack of access to Stripe can be an obstacle to scaling their businesses and competing globally.
Fortunately, there is a solution for non-US residents who want to use Stripe, i.e. registering a US company from abroad and applying for Stripe as a US business entity. This process may seem scary, but it can be a game-changer for those who are serious about growing their online businesses and willing to think outside the box.
In this article, we'll give you an overview and steps involved in registering a US company and applying for Stripe, proposing you a feasible solution on circumventing the restrictions placed on non-US residents by Stripe.
If you're a non-US resident looking to use Stripe, one of the first things you'll need to do is registering a US company. This may sound complicated but it’s not, and it's easy to setup a business entity that can legally operate in the United States.
Here are some points to consider when registering a US company:
There are mainly two types of US companies that non-US residents can register:
Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC is a popular choice for small business owners because it offers liability protection for the owners while also allowing for flexible tax treatment.
Corporation: A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing limited liability protection and the ability to issue stocks and raise capital.
If you're a non-US resident looking to register a US company, we highly recommend considering the LLC structure. Compared to Corporations, LLCs offer several benefits that are particularly advantageous for non-US residents. To learn more about the benefits of an LLC for non-US residents, be sure to check out our guide on LLC for Non-US residents.
Read our detailed guides on LLC vs. C Corp & LLC vs. S Corp
The requirements for registering a US company vary depending on the state where the company will be registered, but generally include:
The process for registering a US company can be complex and time-consuming, especially for non-US residents who may not be familiar with US business regulations. That's why we recommend working with an attorney or a trusted partner like StartFleet.io, where we specialize in helping non-US resident founders set up their US companies. Our team of experienced professionals can guide you through the process, provide expert advice, and ensure that everything is done correctly. With StartFleet.io by your side, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.
Before you can apply for Stripe, there are a few more steps to complete after setting up your US company. To ensure you sail through the Stripe application effortlessly, it's important to prepare for the following items ahead of time.
As a non-US resident, you may find opening a US bank account challenging. However, it is a necessary step in setting up your US company with Stripe. Certain US banks allow non-residents to open business banking accounts, but their requirements may vary. For example, some of the requirements may include an address in the US, a US taxpayer identification number, and proof of identity for the owners. However, you don't have to navigate this process alone. At StartFleet.io, we specialize in helping non-US resident founders form their US companies and apply for their US bank accounts remotely. Our experienced team can guide you through the process and ensure that you can open a bank account with just a US-based company, eliminating the need for you to physically visit the US.
The EIN, or the Employer Identification Number, an identifier assigned by the IRS to a US-based organization, stands as an indispensable numerical representation of your corporate entity's identity. To apply for this number, you must submit some information pertaining to your company, including the company name, the name of the responsible party, and other specifics about the business via the EIN application form. Unlike US residents or citizens, who enjoy the luxuries of applying for the EIN through a website, non-US residents must rely on primitive mediums of fax or postal mail to obtain this crucial number.
Without a website, your chance of getting approved is going to be significantly lower. It's imperative to have a fully functional website before you go applying for Stripe. This means having a working and user-friendly website that provides clear information about your products or services, and of course, a seamless checkout experience for customers.
Remember, this is a crucial step to getting approval from Stripe. So, make sure your website is up and running before applying to avoid any delays or complications in the application process.
Should you dare attempt to apply for Stripe without a website, you will be setting yourself up for a cataclysmic downfall. A fully functional website that offers comprehensive information about your products or services, alongside a checkout experience that is both frictionless and intuitive for your patrons, is a prerequisite for your application's success. Be mindful of the fact that this website stands as the lifeblood of your application, and as such, should be operational and engaging before applying to Stripe, lest you invite unwarranted delays and complications that may sabotage your efforts.
If you harbor any desires of securing approval from Stripe, you must first ensure that you possess a fully functional website. But not just any website, mind you. It must be one that is both comprehensive and user-friendly, a platform that expertly showcases your products or services, while providing customers with a frictionless checkout experience. Without a website, your chances of approval dwindle significantly, thus underscoring the importance of having one. Before submitting your Stripe application, make certain that your website is operational and engaging, for failure to do so may result in unwarranted delays and complications.
Once you have prepared your US company, Bank Account and EIN, the next step is to apply for Stripe as a US business entity.
To receive payments through Stripe, you need to connect your business bank account to your Stripe. Stripe provides step-by-step instructions on how to do this during the application process.
After connecting your Stripe account to your bank account, the next step is to verify your bank account. Normally, this will be an easy and painless process, but in some cases, Stripe may not be able to verify your bank account automatically, and may require additional documentation, such as a bank account statement or voided check to complete the verification process.
To open a US Stripe account, you need to provide the following information:
Once all the necessary information is provided, Stripe will verify your account by reviewing your company and bank account details. This process typically takes 1-2 business days, after which you will receive a confirmation email from Stripe.
While it is possible for non-US residents to apply for Stripe with a US company, there are some caveats. Some of the points below are something that you need to consider before taking the plunge.
Please note that the answers to these questions are available only to our customers. If you're not yet a customer, we encourage you to sign up for our services and gain access to our expert guidance on applying for Stripe as a non-US resident. Our team of experts will work closely with you to maximize your chances of approval and ensure that you can access a fully working US Stripe account. Sign up for our services today and let us help you unlock the power of Stripe.
Once your Stripe account is verified, you can start accepting payments on your online store or website. You can integrate Stripe with your online store with a variety of plugins and APIs. Stripe offers plugins for popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, and Magento, as well as APIs for custom integrations. Also, if you use a WordPress site, you can integrate Stripe to your WordPress site and start accepting payments. Stripe charges a flat fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per successful transaction. You can monitor your payments, view transaction history, and manage your account settings through your Stripe dashboard.
To get the most out of your Stripe account, consider the following tips:
Look at the comprehensive Stripe pricing breakdown below to better understand the associated costs for your business transactions.
In summary, applying for Stripe as a US business entity is a straightforward process that can be completed in a matter of days. Non-US residents can use Stripe to accept payments for their online businesses and compete in the global marketplace, provided they have a US company, EIN and bank accounts.
Setting up a US company and applying for Stripe and the prerequisites before Stripe as a non-US resident can sound like a scary process if you have never done it before. However, with the right guidance and preparation, it is possible. Following the steps above, you can establish a US company and accept payments through Stripe as a US business entity.
If you're a non-US resident looking to set up a US company and accept payments through Stripe, consider engaging our services at StartFleet.io. We specialize in helping non-US resident founders navigate the complexities of US company incorporation and accounting. Our team of experts can guide you through setting up a US company, applying for Stripe and connecting your Stripe account to your US bank account.
At StartFleet.io, we understand the unique challenges that non-US resident founders face when setting up a US company. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to simplify the process and help you set up your US company with Stripe in no time. From incorporating your US company to managing your accounting and tax compliance, we've got you covered.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you set up a US company and start accepting payments through Stripe as a non-US resident. With our guidance and expertise, you can achieve your business goals and take your online business to the next level.
Stripe is a payment processing platform widely used by businesses of all sizes that enables them to accept online payments from customers worldwide. Its reputation is built on its ease of use, security, and reliability. If you're looking to sell products or services online, Stripe is one of the most popular and essential options available.
The duration of setting up a US company and obtaining Stripe varies, depending on a variety of factors such as the type of business entity, the state where you register your business, and the complexity of your company. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months but using a company formation service like StartFleet.io can expedite the process and guarantee that everything is done accurately.
Yes, it is legal for non-US residents to set up a US company and get Stripe, as long as they comply with all the laws and regulations related to business formation and payment processing. However, the process can be more complex than for US residents or citizens, and it's important to get guidance from a trusted source like StartFleet.io to ensure compliance.
Using a US company and Stripe as a non-US resident is generally safe as long as all laws and regulations are followed, and the business is not in a prohibited industry by Stripe. Stripe is a trusted and reliable payment processor, and they have implemented robust security measures to safeguard your financial information.
Yes, our clients who required Stripe have been able to use it without any issues. We provide ongoing support for Stripe integration and compliance to ensure that your payment processing is smooth and hassle-free.
Yes, Stripe enables processing payments in over 135 currencies, allowing you to charge customers in their local currency and receive funds in your preferred currency.
To successfully open a US Stripe account as a non-resident, there are certain requirements and steps that need to be followed. When setting up a US Stripe account as a Stripe non-resident, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and provide all necessary documentation.
Here's what you need to successfully activate a US-based Stripe account for non-residents:
1. Business registration: You will need to register your business in the United States, typically as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation. This involves obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
2. US bank account: In order to open a US Stripe account, you must have a US-based bank account. This account should be in the name of your registered business. Some banks may require you to visit the US to open an account, while others may allow you to open an account remotely.
3. US mailing address: Stripe requires a US mailing address for account verification purposes. You can use a service that provides a virtual US address or rent a mailbox from a US-based postal service.
4. Personal identification: You will need to provide personal identification, such as a passport or driver's license, to verify your identity as the account owner.
5. Business website: Stripe requires a functioning business website that clearly explains the products or services you offer, as well as your terms and conditions, privacy policy, and refund policy.
6. Tax information: As a non-US resident, you may be required to complete a tax form, such as the W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, to certify your foreign status and claim tax treaty benefits, if applicable.
By following these steps and meeting the requirements, you can successfully open a US Stripe account as a Stripe non-resident, allowing you to access Stripe's services for your business.
StartFleet helps you with your US Company formation. Apart from helping you to register a US company we offer a lot more:
Kathleen Schweitzer is an international taxation expert, providing strategic counsel to businesses with complex compliance, tax and financial issues in an effort to help them grow their business globally. She often gives lecture on U.S. tax developments, transfer pricing, taxes on the sale of goods and services, U.S. tax policy development, taxation of internet commerce and multi-jurisdictional global tax planning. Kathleen enjoys reading, photography, cooking and spending time with her husband and eleven-year-old daughter.
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