Is Stripe Available in Lebanon?

If you’re a business owner in Lebanon, you might be wondering if Stripe is an option for accepting online payments in your country. You’re not alone—many business owners share the same question.
Here’s the deal: Stripe is available in 46 countries worldwide, but unfortunately, Lebanon isn’t one of them—yet. So, if you’re based in Lebanon, you won’t be able to directly use Stripe to process payments for your business… at least not yet.
But don’t worry, there are options! In this article, we’ll dive into the alternatives and solutions available if you still want to leverage Stripe in Lebanon. Keep reading to discover your next steps!
Key Takeaways
- Stripe is not currently available in Lebanon.
- To open a Stripe account for your business, you will need to form a U.S. limited liability company (LLC) and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID.
- Forming a U.S. LLC has many benefits, including access to payment processing platforms like Stripe and increased protection for your personal assets.
- The easiest way to form an LLC and get your EIN is to use Northwest’s registered agent service.
Does Stripe Work In Lebanon?
Is Stripe available in Lebanon? If you’re a non-US resident looking to create a Stripe account in Lebanon, you may be disappointed to know that Stripe is not currently supported in Lebanon.
However, there is a simple workaround that allows you to use Stripe in Lebanon by incorporating a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC).
You can still open a Stripe account in Lebanon by following these steps:
- Create/form an LLC in the United States (use Northwest).
- Visit the Stripe website and create an account.
- Enter your business information, including your name, address, and phone number.
- Provide your EIN (with the help of Northwest).
- Provide your tax ID and government-issued ID.
- Verify your email address and phone number.
- Add a bank account in Lebanon where Stripe supports processing payments (Use Wise or Mercury).
- Start accepting payments.
Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In Lebanon For Your Business
To open a Stripe account in Lebanon, you must fulfill certain requirements. As a non-US resident, you must provide specific information and documentation to create a Stripe account.
Here are the requirements and where to get them:
Requirement | Where To Get It |
---|---|
US-based LLC | Register with a registered agent |
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)
If you plan to open a Stripe account in Lebanon, forming an LLC in the United States is necessary.
When it comes to forming an LLC, you have several options. You can do it yourself, use an online formation service, hire an attorney, or use a registered agent.
A registered agent is a person or company authorized to receive legal documents for your business. One of the best options for a registered agent is Northwest Registered Agent, which has been in business for over 20 years and offers reliable service.
With Northwest Registered Agent’s help, you can ensure that your LLC complies with all legal requirements and receives important documents on time.
2. Obtaining An Employer Identification Number (EIN) Or Tax ID
To create a Stripe account, you must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
An EIN or TIN is necessary for your LLC because it identifies your business entity and is required for tax purposes. Opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and applying for business licenses and permits is essential.
Without an EIN, you can’t create a Stripe account
After forming your LLC, you can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website, by mail or fax, or by hiring a registered agent to provide the service.
When applying, you must provide your business name, mailing address, and other relevant information about your business.

Applying for an EIN through a third-party service provider can help you obtain an EIN quickly and easily, usually within 24 hours. However, they may charge a fee for their services.
Northwest Registered Agent charges $200 to obtain an EIN usually within 24 hours from the IRS.
3. U.S Business Address
As a non-resident business owner based in Lebanon, you may wonder why you need a U.S. business address to open a Stripe account.
Well, the answer is simple: Stripe requires a U.S. business address to verify your identity and ensure that your business is legitimate.
Fortunately, as a non-resident, you have a few options for getting a U.S. business address.
- Mail forwarding service: This service provides your business with a U.S. address. They receive your mail and forward it to your Lebanon address. This is a convenient option for those who do not need a physical office space.
- Virtual office service: This service provides a U.S. address and other office services, such as a receptionist and meeting rooms, for a monthly fee. This option is suitable for businesses that require a physical presence in the U.S.
- Use a Registered Agent (The Best Option): NorthWest provides you with a U.S. business address along with mail forwarding and legal document handling services.
Once you have a U.S. business address, you can use it to open a Stripe account and start accepting payments.
Having a U.S. business address does not mean you have to be physically present in the U.S. to use Stripe. You can easily obtain a U.S. business address through a registered agent like NorthWest and comply with Stripe’s requirements.
4. A U.S Phone Number
You need a US-based phone number to open a Stripe account in Lebanon. Stripe uses this number to send SMS messages from the United States to verify your account securely.
Thankfully, you can use virtual phone number services like Skype or Dingtone to get a US-based phone number. These platforms allow you to create a virtual U.S. phone number that can receive SMS messages, making the verification process seamless.
5. U.S Bank Account (To Be Linked To Stripe For Payouts)
To use Stripe in Lebanon, you must have a U.S. bank account. Stripe only allows bank accounts in countries where it operates; unfortunately, Lebanon is not one of them.
However, there are several ways to get a U.S. bank account. One option is Wise, a money transfer service that allows you to open a U.S. bank account remotely.
With a Wise account, you can easily link your U.S. bank account to your Stripe account for payouts. Wise offers low fees for international money transfers, making it a cost-effective option.
Another option is Mercury, a digital bank offering businesses U.S. bank accounts. You can open a Mercury account remotely and link it to your Stripe account for payouts.
What’s the Best State to Form Your LLC as a Foreigner in Lebanon?
As a foreigner in Lebanon, forming a US-based LLC is a great way to expand your business. However, choosing the right state to form your LLC can be daunting.
Three states are the best options for Lebanese entrepreneurs: New Mexico, Delaware, and Wyoming.
New Mexico
New Mexico is an excellent option for those seeking a low-cost and low-maintenance option. The filing costs are low, and there is no need to file an annual report.
Delaware
Delaware is a popular option for those planning to raise money from investors. Almost 80% of US public companies choose to incorporate in Delaware.
The downside is that the cost of filing and maintaining the company is higher than in other states. However, it is worth considering if you plan to raise capital from investors.
Wyoming
Wyoming is a popular low-cost option for forming an LLC. Filing an LLC and an annual report costs around $150.
Wyoming does not have taxes at the corporate level, but you will still need to pay federal taxes. This makes it an attractive option for foreign business owners looking to minimize costs.
Some states, like California, have high franchise tax fees, making them less attractive for foreign business owners.
Steps On How To Form Your LLC & 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 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 Lebanon address, phone numbers, etc.
You can easily use your local or current contact details to create your Northwest account, no need for a U.S. address.
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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon – Step-by-Step

- Go to the Stripe website/registration page (https://dashboard.stripe.com/register) and click the “Sign Up” button.
- Enter your email address and create a password for your account.
- Select Lebanon as the country where your business is located and enter your business name.
- Enter your EIN in the Tax ID field.
- Provide your personal information, including your name and government-issued ID.
- Agree to the Stripe terms of service and click “Authorize access to this account”.
- Verify your email address by clicking on the link in the email that Stripe sends you.
- Provide additional information about your business, including your website and business type.
- 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.
Stripe may require additional information to verify your account and prevent fraud, so make sure to check your email regularly and respond promptly to any requests from Stripe.
Please ensure the country you selected where your business is incorporated in the United States, not Lebanon.
Why I Prefer Northwest Registered Agent For My LLC Formation?
Northwest Registered Agent offers affordable LLC formation services for only $39, significantly cheaper than other registered agent services that charge over $1000.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider working with Northwest Registered Agent for your LLC formation:
Affordable Pricing
Northwest Registered Agent’s pricing structure is transparent, with no annoying upsells or recurring monthly fees. Everything is optional, so you only pay for the services you need. This is a great feature for business owners who want to keep their expenses low.
Free One-Year Registered Agent
When you hire NorthWest to form your LLC, you get a free one-year registered agent service. This is a great value, as most other registered agent services charge an annual fee.
Free Operating Agreement
Northwest Registered Agent also provides a free operating agreement when you form your LLC with them. A free operating agreement saves you time and money, as you won’t have to hire a lawyer to draft one.
Use of Local Offices as Your Business Address
Northwest Registered Agent allows you to use one of its local offices as your business address. This is a great option for business owners who do not have a physical location or do not want to use their home address as their business address.
Privacy by Default
Northwest Registered Agent keeps your address off the public record, ensuring your privacy.
This is an essential feature for business owners who do not want their personal information to be easily accessible to the public.
Free Domain, Website, Email & Business Phone
Forming your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent gives you a free domain, website, email, and business phone within the first 90 days.
This is a great value, as you won’t have to pay separately for these essential business tools when starting.
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 Lebanese Stripe Account?
If you are a business owner in Lebanon and looking to open a Stripe account, forming a US Limited Liability Company (LLC) can offer several benefits.
Limited Liability Protection
Forming an LLC provides limited liability protection to its owners. This means that only the assets of the LLC are at risk in case of any legal issues or debts, not the personal assets of its owners.
Tax Flexibility
LLCs are known for their tax flexibility.
By default, LLCs are treated as pass-through entities for tax purposes, meaning the business’s profits and losses are passed through to the owners and reported on their tax returns. However, LLCs can also be taxed as corporations, offering additional tax benefits.
This flexibility allows business owners to choose the tax structure that best suits their business needs and helps them save money on taxes.
Credibility
Forming an LLC can add credibility to your business. It shows that you are serious about your business and have taken the necessary steps to protect your assets.
This can be especially beneficial when dealing with suppliers, vendors, or customers wanting to work with a more established and reputable business.
Easier Access to Funding
LLCs can have easier access to funding than other business structures.
This is because LLCs have a more formal business structure and must have a separate business bank account. This can make tracking and managing finances easier, which can be attractive to lenders and investors.
State-Specific Benefits
Depending on the state in which the LLC is formed, there may be additional benefits, such as tax incentives, grants, or other resources for small businesses.
This can help business owners save money and access valuable resources that can help them grow their businesses.
US Market Access
A US-based LLC can make it easier for e-commerce businesses to access the US market, deal with domestic payment processors, and establish relationships with US-based vendors and partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Stripe Not Available In Lebanon?
Due to regulatory and compliance issues, Stripe is not currently available in Lebanon. However, you can still use Stripe in Lebanon by opening an LLC based in the US through a registered agent like NorthWest.
What are the alternatives to Stripe for online payments in Lebanon?
There are several alternatives to Stripe for online payments in Lebanon. Some popular options include PayPal, 2Checkout, PayTabs, and PayFort. Each of these payment gateways has its features and pricing plans.
How can I obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) as a Lebanon resident?
Lebanon residents can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) by applying for one through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. This can be done online through the IRS website or by mail using Form SS-4, or through a registered agent.
How can businesses in Lebanon process international payments?
Businesses in Lebanon can process international payments through various payment gateways, including PayPal, 2Checkout, PayTabs, and PayFort. These gateways allow businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies from customers globally.
Are there any local payment gateways in Lebanon similar to Stripe?
There are currently no local payment gateways similar to Stripe in Lebanon. However, several payment gateways, including PayFort and PayTabs, are popular among Lebanese businesses.
What currencies can Lebanese merchants process through Stripe?
Lebanese merchants can process payments in a variety of currencies through Stripe. These include USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY, and more. However, currency conversion fees may apply when processing payments in currencies other than your account’s default currency.
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