Is Stripe Available in Mauritius? (No, Here’s Why)

If you’re a business owner based in Mauritius, you may wonder if Stripe is available in your country. Stripe is a popular online payment processing platform that allows businesses to accept payments from customers worldwide.

In this article, I’ll explore whether Stripe is available in Mauritius and what you need to do to set up a Stripe account if you’re based there.

If you want to open a Stripe account in Mauritius, follow this step-by-step guide.

Does Stripe Work in Mauritius?

Unfortunately, Stripe is not yet available in Mauritius. However, Stripe is constantly expanding its global reach and may become available in Mauritius. If you are a business owner in Mauritius looking for an alternative payment processing platform, several options are available.

Some popular payment processing platforms that are available in Mauritius include:

• PayPal
• Payoneer
• Skrill
• PayCly

Each platform has its features and fees, so it is important to research and choose the one that best suits your business needs.

However, you can still open a Stripe account in Mauritius by following 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 Mauritius where Stripe supports processing payments.
8. Start accepting payments.

Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In Mauritius

This section will outline the requirements for opening a Stripe account in Mauritius and where to get them.

Requirement	Where to Get
Business Formation/LLC	Registered Agent
Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID	IRS website
US Business Address	Virtual Mailbox Service
US Phone Number	Virtual Phone Service
US Bank Account	Use Wise or Mercury

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

If you are a business owner in Mauritius looking to create a Stripe account, you may wonder why you need to form an LLC in the United States.

The reason is simple:

Stripe requires businesses to have a legal entity in the U.S. to use their services.

An LLC is one of the most popular business structures in the U.S., and it offers several benefits that make it an excellent choice for a foreign business owner.

One of the main benefits of forming an LLC is that it provides limited liability protection. This means that your assets are protected if your business is sued or faces financial difficulties.

There are several options for setting up an LLC, including doing it yourself, hiring a lawyer, or using a registered agent.

While doing it yourself may seem like the cheapest option, it can be time-consuming and lead to mistakes. Hiring a lawyer can be expensive and may not be necessary for a simple LLC formation.

Using a registered agent, such as Northwest Registered Agent, is a great option for foreign business owners. They provide various services, including registered agent service, LLC formation, and ongoing compliance support.

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

An EIN is a unique nine-digit number the IRS assigns to identify your business entity. It is necessary to file tax returns, open a business bank account, and hire employees.

When you sign up for a Stripe account, you will be asked to provide your EIN or Tax ID.

This ensures that your business is legitimate and that you are authorized to use Stripe’s payment processing services. Stripe requires a verifiable tax ID number, which can be an EIN or a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals.

Once you have formed your LLC, you can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website. Alternatively, you can hire a registered agent to help you with the process.

A registered agent can act as your intermediary and assist you with the paperwork required to obtain an EIN. This can save you time and ensure that your application is completed accurately.

3. U.S Business Address

A U.S. business address is necessary because Stripe requires businesses to have a physical address in the United States to open an account.

As a non-resident and a business owner based in Mauritius, you can obtain a U.S. business address using a mail forwarding service or a virtual mailbox. These services provide you with a U.S. address to use for business purposes. They also receive and forward your mail to your actual address in Mauritius.

Some popular mail forwarding services include MyUS, US Global Mail, and Shipito. These services charge a monthly fee and additional fees for mail forwarding.

Another option is using a virtual mailbox service like Earth Class Mail, Anytime Mailbox, or VirtualPostMail. These services provide a digital mailbox to receive and manage your mail online. You can also use their physical address as your business address.

4. A U.S Phone Number

To open a Stripe account in Mauritius, you must provide a U.S phone number. This requirement is due to Stripe’s verification process, which requires a phone number with a U.S area code.

This ensures that the account is verified and that the user is based in the U.S.

If you don’t have a U.S. phone number, you can easily get one using apps and services like Dingtone and Skype. These services allow you to obtain a U.S. phone number for free or at a low cost.

Once you have a U.S. phone number, you can use it to create and verify your Stripe account.

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

To receive payouts from Stripe, you need to link a U.S bank account to your account. This is necessary because Stripe only supports payouts to U.S bank accounts now.

There are several different ways to get a U.S. bank account.

One option is to use a service like Wise, which allows you to open a U.S. bank account remotely. Another option is to use Payoneer, which also offers a U.S. bank account service.

Lastly, Mercury is another option that provides a U.S. bank account service.

Once you have a U.S. bank account, you can link it to your Stripe account for payouts. To do this, simply navigate to the “Payouts” section of your Stripe account and select “Add Bank Account.” Enter your U.S. bank account information, and Stripe will verify the account before allowing payouts to be sent.

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

The best state for you will depend on your specific business needs.

Here are three states to consider:

Delaware

Delaware is a popular state for LLC formation due to its business-friendly laws and low taxes. Delaware has a separate court system for business disputes, known for being efficient and effective.

That’s not all.

Another good thing is, Delaware does not require LLCs to have a physical presence in the state, making it a convenient choice for non-US residents.

New Mexico

New Mexico is another popular state for LLC formation due to its low filing fees and lack of annual report fees.

Non-US residents can form an LLC in New Mexico without needing to disclose the names of members or managers in filing the certificate of formation. This can provide an added layer of privacy for your business.

Wyoming

Wyoming is known for its low taxes, privacy, and asset protection laws. Wyoming does not have a state income tax or franchise tax, making it an attractive choice for non-US residents. Additionally, Wyoming allows for single-member LLCs, which can benefit small businesses.

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

Step 1. Sign up For Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a registered agent service that can help you form your LLC in any state in the United States, including Delaware.

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

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

Signing up for their services will ensure that your LLC is formed correctly and that you have a registered agent to receive legal documents on your behalf.

Step 2. Choose Your Business Entity and State

When signing up for Northwest Registered Agent, you must choose the type of business entity you want to form (LLC, corporation, etc.) and the state where you want to create it.

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

Next, you will need to enter your new or existing business details, such as your business name, business address, and the names and addresses of your LLC members.

Step 4. Enter The Management For Your LLC

You will also need to enter your LLC’s management structure, which includes the names and addresses of its managers and officers.

Step 5. Fill in Your Contact Details

To complete the registration process, you must provide your contact details, email address and phone number.

Step 6. Setup Your Account with Northwest Registered Agent

Once you have completed the registration process with Northwest Registered Agent, you will need to set up your account with them.

This will give you access to their online portal to manage your LLC and receive important legal documents.

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 7. Get Your Business Identity (optional)

If you want to establish a business identity for your LLC, you can obtain a Tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Step 8. Getting Your Tax ID or EIN – optional

To get your Tax ID or EIN, complete Form SS-4 and submit it to the IRS. You can also authorize Northwest Registered Agent to obtain your Tax ID or EIN on your behalf.

Step 9. Checkout/Payment (Congratulations!)

Finally, you will need to complete the checkout process and pay for the services you have selected. Congratulations!

You have successfully formed your LLC and can now open a Stripe account to start accepting payments.

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

You can now create your Stripe account if you have completed all the necessary steps to register your business in Mauritius.

Basic Requirements

Before creating a Stripe account, you must fulfill a few basic requirements.

These include:

• A registered business name
• A valid email address
• A government-issued ID
• An EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Creating a Stripe Account Step-by-Step

1. Go to the official Stripe website and click the “Sign Up” button.
2. Fill in your email address and password to create your Stripe account.
3. Enter your business name and select the country where your business is registered.
4. Provide your business address and phone number.
5. Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to your inbox.
6. Enter your EIN (Employer Identification Number) when prompted.
7. Please provide the information for your LLC, including the date of formation, the state where it was formed, and the registered agent’s name and address.
8. Upload a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, to verify your identity.
9. Set up your payment processing by connecting your bank account or credit card.

Once you have completed these steps, your Stripe account is ready to use. You can now start accepting payments from customers worldwide.

It is essential to ensure that your Stripe account is set up correctly to prevent any future issues with payment processing or account verification.

Why I Prefer Northwest Registered Agent For My LLC Formation?

I highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent if you want to form an LLC.

I’ve been using them since 2020 to create my Florida LLC, and I’m very impressed with their services. Here are some reasons why I prefer Northwest Registered Agent for my LLC formation:

• Free One-Year Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent offers a free one-year registered agent service when you hire them to form your LLC. This is a $125 value and a great way to save money on your LLC formation. The registered agent service is very important because it ensures that your business always complies with state regulations.

• Free Operating Agreement

Northwest Registered Agent also offers a free operating agreement when you hire them to form your LLC. This legal document outlines how your LLC will be run; most states require it. A well-written operating agreement is essential for protecting your business and assets.

• Affordable Pricing

Northwest Registered Agent charges only $39 to start your LLC formation. This is a much more affordable option than many other registered agents, which can charge over $1000 for their services. Northwest Registered Agent also has transparent pricing, so you won’t have to worry about annoying upsells or recurring monthly fees.

• Local Office Address

Northwest Registered Agent allows you to use one of its local offices as your business address. This is a great way to establish a physical presence in a state where you don’t have an office. It’s also an excellent way to keep your address private.

• Privacy By Default

Northwest Registered Agent keeps your address off the public record, a great way to protect your privacy. Your address won’t be listed on the state’s public records, which can help prevent unwanted solicitation or other issues.

• Free Domain, Website, Email & Business Phone

Northwest Registered Agent also offers a free domain, website, email, and business phone when you hire them to form your LLC. This is a great way to establish a professional online presence for your business and a great value.

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

1. Limited Liability Protection

The main benefit of forming an LLC is that it provides limited liability protection for its members.

This means that the personal assets of the LLC’s members are separate from the business’s assets. The members’ assets are protected if the business is sued or incurs debts.

2. Pass-Through Taxation

Another benefit of forming an LLC is that it allows for pass-through taxation.

This means the LLC’s profits and losses are passed through to its members and reported on their personal tax returns. This can benefit small business owners who want to avoid double taxation.

3. Credibility with Customers

Forming an LLC can also help to establish credibility with customers. It shows that the business is a separate legal entity and can help instill customer confidence.

4. Access to Stripe

By forming an LLC and using it to open a Stripe account, you can gain access to Stripe’s payment processing services. Stripe is a popular payment processor that is used by businesses all over the world. It offers a variety of features and integrations that can help to streamline your business operations.

Final Thoughts on Stripe Account Set up in Mauritius

Setting up a Stripe account in Mauritius requires effort and attention to detail. However, it can be a smooth process with the right resources and guidance.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• To open a Stripe account in Mauritius, you must form a U.S. business (LLC). This may seem like an additional step, but Northwest Registered Agent makes it seamless.
• An Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID is also necessary. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to businesses operating in the U.S. It is required for tax purposes and is used to identify your business when opening a Stripe account.
• A U.S Business Address is also required. This is important for verification purposes and ensuring your business is registered in the U.S.
• A U.S Phone Number is necessary to receive SMS verification codes during the Stripe account setup process.
• A U.S. bank Account is required to link to Stripe for payouts. This is important to ensure that your business can receive payments from customers.
• Northwest is a popular Registered Agent service that can help you set up a U.S-based LLC and obtain an EIN. They offer various to help businesses get up and running quickly and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions