Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world, connecting millions of sellers with hundreds of millions of buyers. Yet many entrepreneurs who want to sell on Amazon often ask the same question: “I don’t have a US address, can I still open a store?” For entrepreneurs in Turkey, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, selling on Amazon without a US address may seem complicated at first.
The good news is that you can open and run an Amazon store without having a physical US address. In this guide, we’ll explore step by step how to do it, what documents are required, the best payment solutions, tax rules, logistics processes, and strategic tips for startups.
1. What You Need to Start Selling on Amazon
Amazon requires certain documents and details from every seller. Even without a US address, you can open a seller account if you provide:
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Valid passport or ID for identity verification
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Bank account for receiving payments
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Phone number for verification
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Tax details depending on your country of residence
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Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement
Having a physical US address is not mandatory, since Amazon already accepts sellers from many countries directly.
2. Eligible Countries for Amazon Sellers
Amazon Seller Central lists approved countries for seller registration. Turkey is included, which means Turkish entrepreneurs can open a store using their own address and bank account.
If you live in a country not on the list, you’ll need to use international payment providers like Payoneer or Wise Business, combined with a virtual address solution.
3. Receiving Payments Without a US Bank Account
To get paid, you don’t need a US bank account. Instead, you can use international financial services that provide you with virtual bank details.
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Payoneer: The most common choice for Amazon sellers; provides virtual US, EU, and UK account numbers.
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Wise Business: Multi-currency accounts with real exchange rates.
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WorldFirst: Popular among sellers in Asia.
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Local bank accounts: If you sell through Amazon Turkey or Europe, you may use your domestic bank account.
These solutions make it possible to receive Amazon payouts globally without a US bank account.
4. Taxes and Legal Requirements
Not having a US address doesn’t exempt you from tax obligations.
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W-8BEN Form: Required for non-US individual sellers to declare they are not US taxpayers.
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VAT Compliance: If you sell in Europe, you must register for VAT and report it.
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Local Taxes: Income must also be declared according to your home country’s tax laws.
5. Virtual Addresses and Phone Numbers
While not mandatory, virtual addresses and phone numbers can improve professionalism.
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Virtual Address: US-based mail forwarding services can provide an address for returns and official correspondence.
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Virtual Phone Number: Services like Google Voice or Skype Number can provide a US phone number.
These help you appear more local and trustworthy to US customers.
6. Logistics and Fulfillment Without a US Address
Even if you’re not in the US, you can still use Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon).
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Direct Shipping: Send products from Turkey (or your country) to Amazon warehouses using DHL, UPS, or similar couriers.
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3PL Providers: US-based third-party logistics companies (Prep Centers) can store, label, and ship your products to Amazon FBA.
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FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant): Ship directly from your country to the customer.
FBA is highly recommended since it enables fast delivery and access to Amazon Prime customers.
7. Strategies for Selling Successfully on Amazon Without a US Address
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Product Research: Focus on low-competition, high-demand products.
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Brand Registry: Register your brand on Amazon to protect your IP.
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Optimized Listings: Use SEO-friendly product titles, descriptions, and images.
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Amazon PPC: Use Amazon’s advertising tools to increase visibility.
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Customer Service: Quick responses and easy returns help build trust.
8. Scenarios for Sellers Without a US Address
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From Turkey: Open a store using your local address + Payoneer account.
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From Europe: Use VAT registration + Wise Business for payments.
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From Asia: Open an account with Payoneer or WorldFirst and start selling in the US.
These scenarios show that it’s absolutely possible to sell on Amazon globally without a US address.
9. Practical Tips for Startups
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Start Small: Begin with a limited number of products to test the market.
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Use Reliable Logistics Partners: A prep center in the US can make operations smoother.
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Plan Cash Flow: Amazon usually pays every 14 days, so manage expenses accordingly.
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Earn Customer Trust: Reviews and delivery speed are critical.
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Seek Professional Advice: Consult tax and legal experts when necessary