Is Stripe Available in Georgia?

If you’re interested in opening a Stripe account for your Georgia-based business, you’ll want to know if It’s available in your country.

The short answer is no; Stripe is currently unavailable in Georgia. However, you can still open a Stripe account in Georgia by meeting certain requirements.

In this article, I’ll explore what you need to know to open a Stripe account in Georgia for your business.

Does Stripe Work in Georgia?

Is Stripe available in Georgia? Unfortunately, Stripe is not currently available in Georgia. Stripe is only supported in 46 countries, and Georgia is not one of them. While Stripe may expand to Georgia in the future, there is no official word on when or if this will happen.

However, if you are based in Georgia and looking for an alternative payment gateway, several other options may meet your needs.

• PayPal
• Square
• Authorize.net

Even though Stripe is not available in Georgia 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 Georgia For Your Business

To open a Stripe account in Georgia, you must meet several 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 (Use Wise or Mercury)

Here are the five main requirements to open a Stripe account in Georgia:

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

The first step to opening a Stripe account in Georgia is to form a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC). You can handle this process directly or hire a registered agent to do it.

A registered agent service like Northwest Registered Agent can assist you in setting up your LLC efficiently.

They can also help you obtain an EIN or Tax ID to create a Stripe account.

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

You must 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.

Using a third-party service like Northwest Registered Agent can swiftly get an EIN, typically within 24 hours. However, this registered agent charges $200 for this service.

3. A U.S. Business Address

A U.S. business address is essential to form an LLC and obtain an EIN or Tax ID. You can use a registered agent service like Northwest 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.

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)

You must link a U.S. bank account to your Stripe account for payouts. You can use a virtual bank account service to get a U.S. bank account as a non-U.S. resident.

Two options for this are Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Mercury.

Wise offers a borderless account that includes U.S. routing and account numbers. This feature allows you to receive payments from Stripe and other U.S.-based companies seamlessly.

Mercury offers a dedicated U.S. bank account that integrates smoothly with Stripe and various payment processors.

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

If you are a foreign entrepreneur looking to form a US-based LLC in Georgia, you may wonder which state is the best choice for your business.

While several U.S. states are popular choices for LLC formation, Delaware, New Mexico, and Wyoming stand out as the most attractive options.

Delaware

Delaware is a well-established state for LLC formation, with a business-friendly legal system and many benefits for entrepreneurs. The biggest advantages of forming an LLC in Delaware are the state’s lack of sales tax, inventory tax, and intangible property tax.

In addition, Delaware has a strong reputation for being a business-friendly state, with many companies choosing to incorporate there.

This can give your business a level of legitimacy and credibility that may be important for attracting customers and investors.

New Mexico

New Mexico is another state worth considering for LLC formation. Its relatively low cost of living and strong business climate make it an attractive choice for foreign entrepreneurs who want to keep their costs down.

One of the biggest advantages of forming an LLC in New Mexico is the state’s lack of annual report fees. This advantage makes it a cost-effective choice for LLC formation.

Wyoming

Wyoming is popular for foreign entrepreneurs because of its low taxes and strong privacy protections.

This state has no state income tax, franchise tax, or personal property tax, which can help foreign entrepreneurs keep their costs down and maximize their profits.

Wyoming has strong privacy laws that allow LLC members to remain anonymous, which can be particularly beneficial for foreign entrepreneurs concerned about privacy and security.

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

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

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 form 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 an important step 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 would like to use 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, you’ll need to 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, for a fee of $200, Northwest Registered Agent will obtain your EIN or Tax ID. 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)

To start accepting payments through Stripe in Georgia, you will need to create a Stripe account. Follow the step-by-step guide below to create your account and begin accepting payments in USD.

Basic Requirements for Creating A Stripe Account

Before creating a Stripe account, you will need to have the following information ready:

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

Creating a Stripe Account in Georgia (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 Georgia 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.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your Stripe account and can now accept payments in USD.

Why You Should Choose Northwest Registered Agent for Your LLC Formation

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

Here are some reasons why Northwest is a great 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 you can customize your package to fit your specific needs.

Local Business Address

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

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

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.

Free Operating Agreement

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

An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership and operating procedures of your LLC.

Tax Flexibility

Northwest Registered Agent also offers tax flexibility for your LLC. You can choose to have your LLC taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation.

This gives you the flexibility to choose the tax structure that works best for your business.

Affordable Pricing

Northwest Registered Agent offers affordable pricing for its LLC formation 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 also offers a free domain, website, email, and business phone when you form an LLC with them.

Privacy by Default

Northwest Registered Agent offers privacy by default. This means that your personal information is kept private and is not listed on public records.

This is an important feature for business owners who want to keep their personal information private and secure.

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 a Georgian Stripe Account?

If you are a Georgian entrepreneur looking to expand your business, 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

One of the main benefits of forming a US LLC is that it provides limited liability protection to its owners. This means that the personal assets of the owners, such as homes, cars, and bank accounts, are protected from business debts and obligations.

As a Georgian entrepreneur, this is particularly important to protect your personal assets while doing business in the United States.

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 personal tax returns. This can result in lower taxes for the owners compared to other business structures.

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

Credibility and Professionalism

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

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

Easier Access to Funding

Forming a US LLC can make it easier to access funding from US-based investors and lenders.

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

What payment methods are supported by Stripe in Georgia?

Stripe supports a variety of payment methods in Georgia. These include debit and credit cards, mobile wallets, ACH transfers, and more.

Is Stripe available in Georgia?

Stripe does not provide services in Georgia. However, you can open a Georgia account in Iraq by forming a U.S.-based LLC, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), a U.S. business address, a U.S. phone number, and a U.S. bank account.

Can businesses in Georgia use Stripe Atlas for company formation?

Yes, businesses in Georgia can use Stripe Atlas to form a company. With Stripe Atlas, you can incorporate your business, open a bank account, and access other tools to help you grow your business.

What are the alternatives to Stripe for payment processing in Georgia?

Some of the most popular alternatives to Stripe include PayPal, Square, and Braintree. Each of these services offers its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that’s right for your business.

Which currencies can Georgian merchants process through Stripe?

Georgian merchants can process payments in a variety of currencies through Stripe. These include USD, EUR, GBP, and many others.

What companies in Georgia are currently using Stripe for payment processing?

Many companies in Georgia use Stripe for payment processing. Some of the most well-known companies that use Stripe in Georgia include Bolt, Wolt, and Chama.

Read Our Other Stripe-Related Posts