Is Stripe Available in Egypt?

If you’re an entrepreneur based in Egypt and looking for a reliable payment gateway for your online business, you need to know if Stripe is available in your country.

The answer is no; Stripe is not officially supported in Egypt.

However, individuals and businesses from unsupported countries, including Egypt, can still set up a Stripe account by following specific steps.

Keep reading to learn more about the requirements and how to set up a Stripe account in Egypt.

Does Stripe Work in Egypt?

If you are an Egyptian business owner looking for an online payment processing platform, you may wonder if Stripe is available in Egypt.

Unfortunately, Stripe is not officially supported in Egypt at this time. However, Egyptian users still have options.

• Payooner
• PayPal
• Fawry
• CIB Smart Wallet

Even though Stripe is not available in Egypt yet, you can still use it through these steps:

1. Create/form an LLC in the United States (use Northwest).
2. Visit the Stripe website and create an account.
3. Enter your business information, including your name, address, and phone number.
4. Provide your EIN (with the help of Northwest).
5. Provide your tax ID and government-issued ID.
6. Verify your email address and phone number.
7. Add a bank account in Georgia where Stripe supports processing payments (Use Wise or Mercury).
8. Start accepting payments.

Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In Egypt For Your Business

To open a Stripe account in Egypt, you need to meet certain requirements.

Requirement	Where To Get It
US-based LLC	Register with a registered agent (Northwest)
EIN/Tax ID	Apply online through the IRS website
US business address	Use a virtual mailbox service or a registered agent
US-based phone number	Use virtual phone number service
US-based bank account	Open a physical bank account in the US

1. A Business Formation In The U.S. (LLC)

The first step in opening a Stripe account in Egypt is to create a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC). This LLC will act as the official entity that opens your Stripe account.

To form an LLC, you must register it with your chosen state government. You can handle this process directly or hire a registered agent.

Northwest Registered Agent is one such service that can assist you in setting up your LLC efficiently.

2. Obtaining An Employer Identification Number (EIN) Or Tax ID

You need to fill out an application with the IRS to obtain an EIN or Tax ID. You can do this online, by mail, by fax, or through a registered agent.

You’ll need to provide information such as your LLC’s name, address, and the name and social security number of your LLC’s responsible party.

Using a third-party service like Northwest Registered Agent can swiftly get an EIN, typically within 24 hours.

3. A U.S. Business Address

You’ll need a U.S. business address to form an LLC and obtain an EIN or Tax ID.

You can use a registered agent service to provide a U.S. address for your LLC. Northwest provides a U.S. business address, mail forwarding, and legal document handling services.

4. A U.S. Phone Number

You’ll need a U.S. phone number to verify your Stripe account.

You can use a virtual phone service like Skype and Dingtone to get a U.S. phone number. These platforms allow you to create a virtual U.S. phone number to receive SMS messages, making the verification process seamless.

5. A U.S. Bank Account (To Be Linked To Stripe For Payouts)

To link a U.S. bank account to your Stripe account for payouts, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Your bank’s routing number
• Your bank account number
• A government-issued ID
• Proof of address

You can use a virtual bank account service to get a U.S. bank account as a non-U.S. resident.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a borderless account that includes U.S. routing and account numbers. This feature allows you to receive payments not only from Stripe but also from other U.S.-based companies seamlessly.

Mercury, designed specifically for startups and entrepreneurs, offers a dedicated U.S. bank account that integrates smoothly with Stripe and various payment processors.

Related Post: Mercury Review Guide (My Personal Experience)

What’s the Best State to Form Your LLC as a Foreigner in Egypt?

If you are an Egyptian entrepreneur looking to form a US-based LLC, you may wonder which state is the best for you.

The answer depends on your needs, but a few states are particularly advantageous for foreigners.

Delaware

Delaware is often considered the best state in the US to form an LLC, and for good reason. The state has a business-friendly legal system, low taxes, and a streamlined filing process.

As a foreigner, you can form an LLC in Delaware without ever setting foot in the state. Additionally, Delaware has a Chancery Court that specializes in business disputes, which can be beneficial if you ever have legal issues.

New Mexico

New Mexico is another state that is popular among foreign entrepreneurs.

The state does not require the member or manager’s name to be included in the filing of the certificate of formation. This can provide an extra layer of privacy for your business.

Additionally, New Mexico has a low filing fee of $50, and no annual report fees are required.

Wyoming

Wyoming is known for its low taxes and strong privacy laws, making it an attractive option for foreign entrepreneurs.

The state has a relatively simple filing process, and you can form an LLC in Wyoming without ever visiting the state. Additionally, Wyoming has no state income tax, which can be a significant advantage for your business.

Steps On How To Form Your LLC & Open A Stripe Account

Here are the steps to form your LLC and open a Stripe account.

Step 1. Sign up For Northwest Registered Agent

The first step in forming your LLC is signing up with Northwest Registered Agent. Northwest Registered Agent is a company that will help you create your LLC and provide you with a registered agent, which is required by law.

You can sign up for their services on their website.

Go to https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/

You’ll be directed to the page below. Click on the button – “LET’S GET YOU STARTED”.

Step 2. Choose Your Business Entity and State

Choosing your business entity and state is important in forming your LLC. You can choose from various business entities, including LLCs, corporations, and partnerships.

You’ll also need to select the state where you want to form your LLC. The state you choose and the processing time (Standard and Expedited) would determine the total amount.

For instance, below is that of Alabama ($334):

Here’s that of New Mexico ($98):

Step 3. Enter Your New/Existing Details

After you’ve chosen your business entity and state, you’ll need to enter your new or existing details. This includes your company name, address, and other relevant information.

You can choose the physical and mailing addresses you want for the business.

The good thing about Northwest Registered Agents is that they offer the convenience of using their address as your business address, eliminating the need for a separate US address for your company.

Similarly, you can use their mailing services if you lack a mailing address option. If you require physical documents, you can include a US mailing address.

Step 4. Enter The Management For Your LLC

Next, you’ll need to enter the management information for your LLC. This includes the names and addresses of your managers and their roles in the company.

If you’re the only one/single-man business, leave it at one member and enter your name.

Step 5. Fill in Your Contact Details

This is where you fill in your contact details.

These details will serve as your primary means of contact with Northwest. They can include your local address, phone numbers, etc.

Step 6. Setup Your Account with Northwest Registered Agent

After entering all your information, set up your account with Northwest Registered Agent using your email and preferred password.

This will allow you to access their services and complete the following steps to form your LLC.

Step 7. Get Your Business Identity (optional)

You can toggle this on to add the Northwest Business Identity option for your LLC. It includes the following, free for 90 days:

• Domain name registration – 1 Free Year
• Website – hosted by us, owned by you
• Business email address
• Business phone

Step 8. Getting Your Tax ID or EIN – optional

If you want your LLC’s tax ID (EIN), you can do so through Northwest Registered Agent. They will help you complete and submit the necessary forms to the IRS and create a viable Stripe account.

You’ll need an EIN as a foreigner or non-resident.

It’s pretty easy (and cheaper) to get this without the help of registered agents, but it’s also great if you’d like to include it in your order!

However, Northwest Registered Agent will obtain your EIN or Tax ID for a fee of $200. This is particularly beneficial if you lack a Social Security Number (SSN) or are a foreign entity.

Step 9. Checkout (Congratulations!)

Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you can check and finalize your LLC formation. Enter your valid card information, then click Done! Congratulations—you’ve formed your LLC and are ready to open a Stripe account!

Finally, Create Your Stripe Account (With Your EIN & LLC Information)

You must create a Stripe account to accept payments through Stripe in Egypt. Here is creating a Stripe account with your EIN and LLC information.

Basic Requirements for Creating A Stripe Account

Before you start creating your Stripe account, make sure you have the following basic requirements:

• Business name (LLC)
• Email address
• Government-issued ID
• EIN

Creating a Stripe Account in Egypt – Step-by-Step

1. Go to the Stripe website/registration page (https://dashboard.stripe.com/register) and click the “Sign Up” button.
2. Enter your email address and create a password for your account.
3. Select Algeria as the country where your business is located and enter your business name.
4. Enter your EIN in the Tax ID field.
5. Provide your personal information, including your name and government-issued ID.
6. Agree to the Stripe terms of service and click “Authorize access to this account”.
7. Verify your email address by clicking on the link in the email that Stripe sends you.
8. Provide additional information about your business, including your website and business type.
9. Connect your bank account to your Stripe account to receive payments.

Once you have completed these steps, you can start accepting payments through Stripe.

Why You Should Choose Northwest Registered Agent for Your LLC Formation

If you plan to set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States, Northwest Registered Agent is a great option.

Here are some reasons Northwest is a top pick for setting up an LLC in the U.S.

Transparent Pricing

Northwest offers affordable pricing for its LLC formation packages, with no hidden fees or upsells. You can see the exact price for each package on its website and customize your package to fit your specific needs.

This means you won’t be caught off guard by any unexpected fees, and you can choose the package that fits your budget.

Allows You to Use One of Its Local Offices as Your Business Address

Northwest Registered Agent lets you use one of its local offices as your business address. This is especially helpful if you don’t have a physical office or want to keep your home address private.

Northwest will receive your mail and forward it to you, so you don’t have to worry about missing important documents.

Free One-Year Registered Agent

You get a free one-year registered agent service when you form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent.

This means that Northwest will act as your LLC’s registered agent, receiving legal documents and other important mail on your behalf.

After the first year, you can renew the service for an affordable fee. This is a great perk for small business owners who want to save money on registered agent services.

Free Operating Agreement

Northwest Registered Agent provides a free operating agreement when you form an LLC with them.

An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines your LLC’s ownership and operating procedures. It is essential for protecting your personal assets and ensuring that your LLC operates smoothly.

Tax Flexibility

Northwest Registered Agent offers tax flexibility for your LLC.

You can have your LLC taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation. This allows you to choose the tax structure that suits your business.

Affordable Pricing

Northwest Registered Agent offers affordable pricing for its LLC formation packages.

Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from several different packages. For just $39, you can get started with Northwest Registered Agent, unlike other registered agents that charge over $1000.

Free Domain, Website, Email & Business Phone

Northwest Registered Agent offers a free domain, website, email, and business phone. This is a great perk for small business owners who are just starting and need a professional online presence.

Privacy by Default

Northwest Registered Agent offers privacy by default. Your personal information is kept private and is not listed on public records.

Northwest ensures your personal information is protected and you don’t receive unwanted solicitations or spam.

Related Post: How to Create a Stripe Account for Non-US Residents

What Are The Benefits Of Forming A US Limited Liability Company (LLC) For an Egyptian Stripe Account?

If you are an Egyptian entrepreneur looking to expand your business to the United States, forming a US Limited Liability Company (LLC) can offer several benefits.

Here are some of the benefits of forming a US LLC:

Limited Liability Protection

A US LLC provides limited liability protection to its owners. This means owners’ assets such as homes, cars, and bank accounts, are protected from business debts and obligations.

Tax Benefits

Another benefit of forming a US LLC is that it offers tax flexibility.

By default, an LLC is a pass-through entity, which means that the profits and losses of the business are passed through to the owners and reported on their tax returns.

Additionally, LLCs can elect to be taxed as a corporation, offering additional tax benefits.

Credibility and Professionalism

Forming a US LLC can also add credibility and professionalism to your Algerian Stripe account.

A US-based business entity can make it easier to do business with US-based customers and partners. It can also help establish trust and legitimacy with potential customers and investors.

Easier Access to Funding

Finally, forming a US LLC makes accessing funding from US-based investors and lenders easier.

Many investors and lenders prefer to work with US-based companies, and having a US LLC can make your business more attractive to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stripe available in Egypt?

Stripe is not currently available in Egypt. However, you can use Stripe in Egypt by forming a US-based LLC and obtaining an EIN.

How can I open a Stripe account from Egypt?

Yes, you can open a Stripe account from Egypt by meeting requirements like incorporating your business in a Stripe-supported country like the United States, obtaining an EIN, a U.S. business address, a U.S. phone number, and a U.S. bank account.

What are the alternatives to Stripe for online payments in Egypt?

PayPal, PayTabs, and Payfort are alternatives to Stripe for online payments in Egypt. Each service has its own fees and features, so it’s important to compare them before choosing one.

In which African countries is Stripe currently available?

Stripe is available in several African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. However, it is not yet available in all African countries.

Is there a Stripe Atlas program for Egyptian entrepreneurs?

Stripe Atlas is not currently available in Egypt. However, Stripe may expand its Atlas program to include Egypt.

How can I make online payments from Egypt without Stripe?

There are several ways to make online payments from Egypt without using Stripe. You can use PayPal, PayTabs, Payfort, or a local payment gateway such as Fawry or Masary.

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