Stripe has become one of the most powerful tools for digital startups to accept online payments globally. But for entrepreneurs living in countries not supported by Stripe (like Turkey, Pakistan, or many parts of Africa and Asia), accessing Stripe can be challenging.
Stripe has become one of the most powerful tools for digital startups to accept online payments globally. But for entrepreneurs living in countries not supported by Stripe (like Turkey, Pakistan, or many parts of Africa and Asia), accessing Stripe can be challenging.
Fortunately, with the right legal setup, non-residents can still create a Stripe account by registering a company in a supported country—without even being physically present.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to open a Stripe account as a non-resident, especially if you're building a startup.
Stripe is a payment processing platform that enables businesses to accept payments online through credit cards, digital wallets (like Apple Pay or Google Pay), and bank transfers. It offers powerful APIs, advanced fraud protection, recurring billing tools, and support for more than 135 currencies.
Stripe is widely used by:
SaaS startups
E-commerce businesses
Subscription-based platforms
Mobile apps
Freelancers
Its developer-friendly infrastructure and seamless integrations make it a favorite among fast-growing startups.
A non-resident is anyone who does not live or operate a business in a Stripe-supported country. Stripe currently supports countries like:
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
Most EU countries
Singapore
Japan
If you live outside of these regions, you'll need a workaround to open a Stripe account—and that's exactly what this guide is about.
Yes, absolutely. While Stripe doesn’t officially operate in every country, it doesn’t restrict non-residents from opening an account—as long as you have a registered business in a supported country.
Here’s how you can do it:
Register a company in a Stripe-supported country
Open a local business bank account in that country
Apply for a Stripe account using your company and banking details
Connect Stripe to your website or app and start accepting payments
This is 100% legal and used by thousands of global entrepreneurs, especially those running SaaS, digital services, or e-commerce platforms.
Here are the most popular jurisdictions for non-residents who want to use Stripe:
Why it works: Stripe was founded in the U.S. and offers full functionality there.
Structure: Register a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Delaware, Wyoming, or New Mexico.
Requirements:
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
U.S. address (virtual is allowed)
U.S. business bank account (e.g., Mercury, Relay)
Benefits:
Low cost and fast setup
Widely accepted
Stripe integration is seamless
Popular for SaaS and international e-commerce businesses.
Why it works: Stripe is fully supported in the UK and offers GBP, EUR, and USD currency support.
Structure: Register a Private Limited Company (Ltd).
Requirements:
UK address (can be virtual)
UK business bank account (e.g., Wise, Revolut Business)
Benefits:
Access to EU & UK markets
Easy online registration
Trusted jurisdiction
Great option for European-facing startups.
Why it works: Estonia’s e-Residency program lets foreigners start and run a fully digital EU company.
Structure: OU (Estonian private limited company)
Requirements:
Apply for e-Residency card
Register company online
Open EU bank account (e.g., Wise, Payoneer)
Benefits:
Fully remote setup
Transparent tax system
Stripe integration supported
Ideal for digital nomads and location-independent startups.
Here’s what you typically need:
Company registration documents
Tax ID (EIN, VAT, etc.)
Proof of business address
Director’s/owner’s ID and contact info
Website and product/service description
Business bank account in the company’s country
Once you have all this, you can apply for a Stripe account on stripe.com.
Go to stripe.com and click Sign Up
Select your company’s country from the list
Enter your email, name, and password
Fill in your business and personal information
Add your business bank account details
Describe your business model and website
Submit and wait for verification (usually same day)
Once approved, you’ll get access to the Stripe Dashboard, where you can start generating API keys, issuing invoices, and accepting payments.
Subscription billing for SaaS models
Custom checkout flows with Stripe Elements
Payout management for multi-vendor platforms
Dispute and fraud protection
Real-time analytics and reporting
Multi-currency support
These tools are especially useful for fast-growing startups looking to operate globally from day one.
Using fake addresses or documents (Stripe may ban your account permanently)
Opening a Stripe account before your company or bank account is ready
Skipping the Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy
Running a high-risk business not allowed on Stripe (e.g., crypto, adult content, gambling)
Be honest, professional, and clear. Stripe is strict—but fair.
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