How to Open Stripe from an Unsupported Country Using ZenBusiness for Non-Residents

Last Updated on 2 weeks by Komolafe Bamidele

Opening a Stripe account while living in an unsupported country may seem like an impossible challenge. but do you want to  Open Stripe from an Unsupported Country?

However, with the right approach and tools, non-residents can successfully access Stripe’s payment processing services. 

The best way to achieve this is by setting up a US-based business entity through ZenBusiness. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of registering your business, obtaining essential documentation, and ultimately opening a Stripe account from an unsupported country.

Why Use Stripe for Your Online Business?

Stripe is one of the most trusted and widely used payment processors in the world, offering seamless transactions, strong security, and integration with numerous platforms.

 If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or e-commerce store owner, having a Stripe account can significantly boost your business by allowing you to accept international payments with ease. 

Unfortunately, Stripe is not available in all countries, which is why setting up a US business entity is the best workaround.

If you’re in a hurry, or you’re serious about setting up your online business, start today with ZenBusiness and unlock the potential of Stripe for global transactions!

Can Non-US Citizens Use Stripe?

If you live in the United States, you don’t necessarily need to register an LLC in the US before you can use Stripe because the US is among the countries where Stripe Payment Gateways are allowed. 

You can operate as a sole business owner, but forming an LLC minimizes your business risk and protects your personal assets. That is why an LLC is called liability protection.

However, for non-US residents whose country is not supported by Stripe—this includes many nations in Africa, Asia, and other regions where Stripe is blacklisted—there is still hope. 

The good news is that Stripe is constantly expanding its global availability and is currently supported in 46 countries, with more to come.

I will try to provide a link to Stripe’s currently supported countries. You should check if your country is eligible. 

If you find out that Stripe does not support your country, it is disappointing, but don’t give up just yet.

All hope is not lost—you can still legally get a Stripe account by setting up an LLC in the US using ZenBusiness.

This formation company will help process all the requirements to open a Stripe account for non-US residents, such as:

• Business Formation/LTD
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Registered Agent
• US Business Address
• US Phone Number
• US Bank Account
  

By using ZenBusiness, you can navigate these legal requirements easily and gain full access to Stripe for your business.

Zenithtechs Recommends: 1st Formations UK Stripe Account Guide – The Easiest Way for Non-Residents to Get Started!”

Step 1: Setting Up a US Business with ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is an excellent service for non-residents who want to register a business in the US. It simplifies the process and handles all the paperwork required to get started.

Here’s how you can register your business through ZenBusiness:

1.1 Choose Your Business Structure

The best option for non-residents is to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States. An LLC provides flexibility, legal protection, and a simple tax structure.

ZenBusiness specializes in setting up LLCs for international entrepreneurs, ensuring compliance with US business laws.

1.2 Select a State for Your Business

For international entrepreneurs, Delaware and Wyoming are the best states to register an LLC. They offer:

• Business-friendly tax policies: Wyoming has no state income tax in Wyoming and minimal franchise taxes in Delaware.
• Low fees: Cheaper annual report fees compared to other states.
• No residency requirements: You don’t need to be physically present to own or manage an LLC.
• Strong legal protections: These states have well-established business laws that favor entrepreneurs.

1.3 Provide Business Information

When signing up with ZenBusiness, you will need to provide basic business details such as:

• Business Name: Must be unique and not in conflict with existing registered entities.
• Business Purpose: A general business description outlining the nature of your operations.
• Business Address: ZenBusiness provides a virtual business address if needed.
• Registered Agent: ZenBusiness includes this service to comply with state regulations.

1.4 Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is required to open a US bank account and apply for Stripe. ZenBusiness can help you apply for an EIN from the IRS on your behalf. This number is necessary for tax reporting and conducting financial transactions in the US.

1.5 Get a US Business Address and Phone Number

Having a US address and phone number is crucial for credibility. You can get these through virtual office services such as:

• Regus
• Opus Virtual Offices
• PostScan Mail
• VirtualPostMail

A virtual office provides a legitimate mailing address, and some services also offer mail scanning and forwarding.

Zenithtechs Recommends: How to Create an LLC for Your Shopify E-commerce Business

Step 2: Open a US or Uk Business Bank Account

To use Stripe, you need a US bank account to receive payments. Many traditional banks require a physical presence, but there are online alternatives:

2.1 Use a Fintech Bank

• Mercury Bank: Best for startups and international entrepreneurs. Offers no monthly fees and easy international transfers.
• Relay: Great for managing multiple accounts and business spending control.
• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Ideal for global money transfers and provides USD account details for receiving payments.

2.2 Requirements for Opening an Account

Most online banks require:

• Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• US Business Address
• Passport or Government-issued ID
• LLC Formation Documents (Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement)

Step 3: Register for a Stripe Account

Once you have a US-based business and a business bank account, you can proceed with opening a Stripe account.

3.1 Sign Up on Stripe

Visit the Stripe website and click Sign Up. Provide the following details:

• Business Name (as registered with ZenBusiness)
• US Business Address
• EIN
• Business Bank Account Details

3.2 Complete Identity Verification

Stripe will ask for identification documents, such as:

• Passport
• Proof of Business Registration
• Tax ID (EIN)

Ensure that the information matches your business documents to avoid verification issues.

3.3 Add a US Phone Number and Email

Use your virtual phone number to receive authentication codes. This step ensures security and compliance with Stripe’s policies.

3.4 Set Up Payment Integration

Once Stripe approves your account, integrate it with your online store, freelance platform, or payment gateway. Popular integrations include:

• Shopify
• WooCommerce
• Kajabi
• Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr

Step 4: Withdraw Funds from Stripe to Your Local Bank

Since you’re operating from an unsupported country, you need a method to withdraw funds efficiently.

4.1 Use Wise or Payoneer

These services allow you to receive US dollar payments and withdraw them to your local bank at competitive exchange rates.

• Wise: Offers borderless accounts that allow easy transfers in multiple currencies.
• Payoneer: Provides virtual US bank details and facilitates withdrawals to local banks.

4.2 Set Up Automatic Payouts

• Configure Stripe to transfer funds to your US bank account (Mercury, Wise, or Relay).
• Withdraw funds to your local bank account using Wise or Payoneer.

Zenithtechs Recommends: How to Form an LLC by Yourself as a Non-U.S. Resident?

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Address Verification Issues

• Ensure your virtual business address is from a reputable provider.
• Use a US-based virtual mail service with proper documentation.

2. Stripe Account Freezing Risks

• Be transparent with Stripe about your business activities.
• Avoid high-risk business models that violate Stripe’s policies.

3. Tax Considerations for Non-Residents

• Non-residents may need to file a Form 5472 with the IRS.
• Work with a US-based accountant to stay compliant with tax laws.

By following these steps, you can successfully open and operate a Stripe account as a non-resident, enabling seamless transactions for your online business.

Final Thoughts

Opening a Stripe account from an unsupported country is possible with the right approach. By using ZenBusiness to form an LLC, opening a US bank account, and following Stripe’s verification process, you can successfully access Stripe’s payment processing services.

This method allows non-residents to operate internationally, accept online payments, and scale their businesses with ease.

 If you’re serious about setting up your online business, start today with ZenBusiness and unlock the potential of Stripe for global transactions!