Is Stripe Available in Kuwait?

IS STRIPE AVAILABLE IN KUWAIT

Are you a business owner in Kuwait looking to expand your reach and accept payments online? You might be wondering if Stripe is available in your country. The short answer is no – Stripe isn’t currently available in Kuwait. But don’t worry, all hope is not lost!

Although Stripe doesn’t officially support Kuwait, there’s still a simple, legal way to use it for your business. In this article, I’ll walk you through the essential steps and requirements for opening a Stripe account in Kuwait, so you can start accepting payments from customers around the world with ease. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • Stripe is not available in Kuwait.
  • There are ways to work around the limitations of using Stripe in Kuwait, such as forming a US LLC and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), using a registered agent.
  • Use Northwest’s registered agent service for seamless setup.

âžś Click Here to Form Your LLC For as Low as $39

Does Stripe Work in Kuwait?

Unfortunately, Stripe is not currently available in Kuwait. Stripe is supported in 46 countries, and Kuwait isn’t one of them.

In Europe, Stripe is available in the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Malta.

Stripe available countries

However, if you are looking to open a Stripe account in Kuwait, follow 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 where Stripe supports processing payments (Use Wise or Mercury).
  8. Start accepting payments.

Stripe is a flexible global payment solution that facilitates businesses in accepting payments across more than 135 currencies worldwide.

Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In Kuwait For Your Business

To open a Stripe account in Kuwait, you must fulfill certain requirements.

RequirementWhere To Get It
US-based LLCRegister with a registered agent (Northwest)
EIN/Tax IDApply through the IRS website or use a registered agent
US business addressUse a virtual mailbox service or a registered agent
US-based phone numberUse virtual phone number service
US-based bank accountOpen a physical bank account in the US (Use Wise or Mercury)

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

The first step to opening a Stripe account in Kuwait is to form a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC).

This LLC will act as the official entity that opens your Stripe account. You can handle this process directly or hire a registered agent.

Registered agent services such as Northwest Registered Agent can assist you in setting up your LLC efficiently. They offer a fast and easy way to form your LLC and receive legal documents on your behalf.

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

You can obtain an EIN by filling out an application with the IRS. 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.

Without an EIN, you can’t open a Stripe account.

Get EIN from Northwest

If you use a third-party service like Northwest Registered Agent, you can get an EIN swiftly, typically within 24 hours. This option offers a convenient and expedited way to obtain your EIN without the hassle of dealing directly with the IRS.

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 like Northwest Registered Agent to provide a U.S. address for your LLC. They provide mail forwarding and legal document handling services.

Having a U.S. business address does not mean you must be physically present in the U.S. to use Stripe.

4. A U.S. Phone Number

You 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.

Warning

Note that the phone number used to open your Stripe account must be a valid and active US-based phone number. But it doesn’t matter how you get as long as it can receive verification texts and calls.

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

Linking a U.S. bank account to your Stripe account for payouts is essential.

Two popular options are Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Mercury.

Wise offers a borderless account providing U.S. routing and account numbers, allowing you to receive payments from Stripe and other U.S.-based companies.

Mercury offers a dedicated U.S. bank account that integrates smoothly with Stripe and various payment processors. This makes it a great option for startups and entrepreneurs.

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

If you are a Kuwaiti entrepreneur looking to form a US-based LLC, you may wonder which state best suits your needs.

Here are the best states to form your LLC as a Non-US in Kuwait:

Wyoming

Wyoming is known for its low taxes and strong privacy protections, making it an attractive choice for foreign entrepreneurs who want to keep their personal information private.

In addition, Wyoming has a straightforward LLC formation process with no annual reporting requirements.

New Mexico

New Mexico is another state that is particularly friendly to foreign entrepreneurs.

It does not require the member or manager’s name to be included in the filing of the certificate of formation. This can help protect your privacy and keep your personal information confidential.

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

Delaware

Delaware offers many advantages, including a well-established legal system, a business-friendly environment, and a low corporate tax rate.

In addition, Delaware has a well-developed infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce, making it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs who want to tap into the US market.

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

Here are the steps you need to follow 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 to sign up for a registered agent service. I recommend Northwest Registered Agent. This registered agent can help you with the entire process of forming your LLC.

To sign up for their services, go to their website at:

https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com

Then click on the “LET’S GET YOU STARTED” button.

Northwest registration

Step 2. Choose Your Business Entity and State

Once you’ve signed up for a registered agent service, choose your business entity and state. This will determine the type of LLC you’ll form and its location.

Northwest LLC Formation Order tab1

The total amount will depend on your chosen state and the processing time. For instance, forming an LLC in Alabama costs $334, while New Mexico costs $98.

Step 3. Enter Your New/Existing Details

Enter your new or existing details after selecting your business entity and state. This includes your name, address, and other essential information.

Northwest LLC Formation Company tab1

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

Northwest LLC Formation Company tab2

Northwest Registered Agents provides the convenience of using their address as your business address, eliminating the hassle of securing a separate US address for your company.

Step 4. Enter The Management For Your LLC

You’ll need to enter the management for your LLC. This includes the members or managers who will run your business.

Northwest LLC Formation Management tab

If you’re a one-person show in your business, stick with one member and use your name.

Step 5. Fill in Your Contact Details

Next, you’ll need to fill in your contact details, including your email address, phone number, and other information.

Northwest LLC Formation Contacttab
Tip

You don’t have to scramble for a U.S. contact detail to create your Northwest account. Your local details will work just fine as your point of contact with Northwest.

Step 6. Setup Your Account with Northwest Registered Agent

After entering all your information, you must 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.

Northwest LLC Formation Account tab

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
Northwest LLC Formation Business Identity tab

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.

It’s pretty easy to get this on your own, but if you’d like to include it in your order, that’s also great!

Northwest LLC Formation EIN tax ID tab

Step 9. Checkout/Payment (Congratulations!)

Finally, you’ll need to check and make payment to complete the process of forming your LLC.

Congratulations! You can now open a Stripe account and start accepting payments.

Northwest payment tab

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

To start accepting payments through Stripe, you must create a Stripe account. The process is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps.

Basic Requirements for Creating A Stripe Account

Before you start creating your Stripe account, ensure you have the following basic requirements ready:

  • Your business name and email address
  • Your government-issued ID
  • Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Your Limited Liability Company (LLC) information

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

Create a Stripe Account

To create a Stripe account in Kuwait, follow these simple steps:

  1. Go to the Stripe registration page at https://dashboard.stripe.com/register and click the “Sign Up” button.
  2. Enter your email address and create a password.
  3. Click on “Create your Stripe account” to proceed.
  4. Fill in your business information, including your name, address, and phone number, and click “Continue.”
  5. Enter your personal information, including your name and date of birth. Click on “Continue” to proceed.
  6. Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to your email.
  7. Provide your government-issued ID for verification purposes.
  8. Provide your EIN and LLC information.
  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.

Note

Please ensure the country you selected where your business is incorporated, is the United States, not Kuwait.

Why I Prefer Northwest Registered Agent For My LLC Formation?

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

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

Transparent Pricing

One of the things that sets Northwest Registered Agent apart from other LLC formation services is its transparent pricing.

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

This means you won’t have to worry about any surprise charges or hidden fees.

Allows You To Use One Of Its Local Offices As Your 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

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.

Free Operating Agreement

Northwest Registered Agent also provides a free operating agreement when you form an LLC with them. This document protects your assets and ensures your LLC operates smoothly.

Tax Flexibility

Northwest Registered Agent allows you to choose the best tax structure for your business.

You can tax your LLC as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation.

Affordable Pricing

Northwest Registered Agent offers affordable pricing for its LLC formation packages. You can choose from several different packages depending on your needs and budget.

Northwest Registered Agent offers a low starting fee of $39, unlike other registered agents that charge over $1000.

Free Domain, Website, Email & Business Phone

When you form an LLC with them, 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 out and need a professional online presence.

Privacy by Default

Northwest Registered Agent offers privacy by default.

Your personal information is kept private and not listed on public records, which helps protect your privacy and keep it secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stripe available in Kuwait?

No, currently, Stripe is not available in Kuwait. However, Kuwaiti businesses can still use Stripe by creating a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC) and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID.

What payment methods does Stripe support for businesses in the Middle East?

Stripe supports credit and debit card payments for businesses in the Middle East. However, the availability of payment methods may vary depending on the country where the business is located.

What are the requirements for international businesses to use Stripe Atlas?

To use Stripe Atlas, international businesses must meet the following requirements: have a valid email address and a physical address, be at least 18 years old, have a valid passport or government-issued ID, a valid tax identification number (TIN) or social security number (SSN), and have a valid bank account.

In which countries is Stripe currently available?

Stripe is currently available in less than 50 countries worldwide. Some countries where Stripe is available include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and many European countries.

What currencies can be processed through Stripe for international transactions?

Stripe supports more than 135 currencies for international transactions. However, the availability of currencies may vary depending on the country where the business is located.

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