Is Stripe Available in Morocco? (Account Opening Guide)

If you run a business in Morocco and are looking for a reliable and trustworthy payment gateway like Stripe, you might wonder if it’s available in your country.

Unfortunately, Stripe is not currently available in Morocco. However, there are still legal ways to use Stripe in non-supported countries, and you can incorporate your business in the US to take advantage of Stripe’s services.

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

Does Stripe Work In Morocco?

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

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

• PayPal
• Payoneer
• Skrill
• 2Checkout

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

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

Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In Morocco For Your Business

If you’re looking to open a Stripe account in Morocco, you must meet several requirements. These requirements include:

Requirements	Where to Get
Business Formation (LLC)	Registered Agent (Northwest)
Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID	IRS
US Business Address	Virtual Mailbox
US Phone Number	Virtual Phone Number Provider
US Bank Account (To Be Linked To Stripe For Payouts)	Use Wise or Mercury

Lets dive in deeper into each of these requirements and why they matter.

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

While Stripe is not currently available in Morocco, many business owners use a solution to gain access to Stripe’s services: forming a business in the United States, specifically a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Forming an LLC in the United States can be straightforward, and doing so has many benefits.

Here are just a few reasons why you might consider forming an LLC:

• Limited Liability Protection: One of the primary benefits of forming an LLC is its limited liability protection. This means that your assets are protected from any debts or legal issues that may arise in your business.
• Flexible Taxation Options: LLCs have flexible taxation options, meaning you can be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation. This lets you choose the taxation structure that best fits your business needs.
• Ease of Formation: LLCs are relatively easy to form, with minimal paperwork and low fees in most states.

When setting up an LLC, there are a few options.

You can do it yourself, hire an attorney, or use a registered agent service. While doing it yourself may seem like the cheapest option, it can be time-consuming and lead to mistakes. Hiring an attorney can be expensive, but they can provide legal advice and ensure everything is done correctly.

A registered agent service like Northwest Registered Agent can be the best option for many business owners. A registered agent service can handle the paperwork and filing on your behalf, ensuring everything is done correctly and efficiently.

They can also provide other services, such as mail forwarding and compliance assistance, to help you run your business smoothly.

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

If you plan to use Stripe for your LLC in Morocco, you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID. An EIN is a unique nine-digit number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to identify your business for tax purposes.

It is like a social security number for your business.

Your LLC must obtain an EIN to pay taxes, open a business bank account, apply for loans, and more.

There are a few ways to obtain an EIN after forming your LLC. You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, or by fax. The easiest and fastest way to get an EIN is to apply online through the IRS website. This is a free service, and you can get your EIN immediately.

Another way to get an EIN is to hire a registered agent.

A registered agent can help you obtain an EIN and act as a point of contact for your business. They can also help you with other legal and tax-related matters.

3. U.S Business Address

The reason is that Stripe requires a physical address in the United States to verify your business. This physical address must be a street address.

To obtain a U.S. business address, you have a few options.

One option is to rent a virtual mailbox from a service provider that offers a U.S. street address. This can be a cost-effective solution, especially if you do not need a physical office space. Another option is to use a mail forwarding service that forwards your mail from a U.S. address to your address in Morocco.

Alternatively, you can establish a physical presence in the United States by setting up an office or renting a commercial space. This option may be more expensive, but it can provide you with a legitimate U.S. business address and a physical presence in the country. However, it is not advisable.

Your registered agent should also take care of this part.

4. A U.S Phone Number

A US phone number is one of the requirements for opening a Stripe account in Morocco.

Stripe requires a phone number that can receive SMS messages for account verification purposes, and a US phone number is preferred because Stripe and other online payment platforms widely accept it.

You can use apps and services like Dingtone and Skype to obtain a U.S. phone number. These apps allow you to create a virtual phone number that you can use for SMS verification.

With Dingtone, for example, you can create a U.S. phone number for free and use it to receive SMS messages from Stripe for account verification.

It is important to note that using a virtual phone number may not always be reliable for account verification. Stripe may require additional information or documentation to verify your account if they suspect fraudulent activity. Therefore, it is recommended that a real U.S. phone number be used if possible.

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

To receive payouts from Stripe, you must link a U.S. bank account. This is necessary because Stripe only supports bank accounts in certain countries, and Morocco is not one of them.

Fortunately, a few different ways to get a U.S. bank account exist.

One option is Wise, which allows you to open a U.S. bank account remotely. With Wise, you can receive payments in USD and other currencies and transfer funds to your local bank account in Morocco.

Another option is Payoneer, which allows you to remotely open a U.S. bank account. Payoneer offers features similar to Wise, including receiving payments in USD and other currencies and transferring funds to your local bank account.

Lastly, Mercury is a U.S.-based bank serving startups and small businesses. Mercury offers a suite of banking services, including a U.S. bank account that can be linked to Stripe for payouts.

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

New Mexico, Delaware, and Wyoming are the three most popular states for non-residents to consider. Each state has unique advantages for different types of companies.

Wyoming

Wyoming is a popular choice for non-US residents because of its low cost and low maintenance. The filing fee for an LLC in Wyoming is only around $150, and the annual report fee is also low. Wyoming does not have taxes at the corporate level, but you will still need to pay federal taxes. Wyoming could be a solid option if you are looking for a relatively low-cost and low-maintenance option.

Delaware

Delaware is a popular option if you think you will raise money from investors in the future.

Nearly 80% of US public companies choose to incorporate in Delaware. The major downside is the higher cost of filing and maintaining the company. However, if you plan to raise money from investors, incorporating in Delaware may be a wise choice.

New Mexico

New Mexico is another attractive option because the filing costs are low, and you do not have to file an annual report. New Mexico is one of the few US states that does not require the member or manager’s name to be included in the filing of the certificate of formation. A $50 filing fee is required to register an LLC in New Mexico; however, no annual report fees are required. This fact alone makes New Mexico an attractive state for non-US residents.

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

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Sign up For Northwest Registered Agent

To form your LLC, you must sign up with a registered agent. Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent option for this.

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

Once you sign up with Northwest Registered Agent, you can choose your business entity and state.

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

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 utilize 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.

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 Moroccan address, phone numbers, etc.

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.

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.

It would be best to have an EIN as a foreigner or non-resident. It’s pretty easy to get this (and cheaper) without the help of registered agents. But if you’d like to include it in your order, that’s also great!

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/Payment (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)

Basic Requirements

Before you create a Stripe account, you need to ensure that you have the following basic requirements:

• A business name: You need to have a unique business name and not already in use.
• An email address: You need to have a valid email address that you will use to create your Stripe account.
• A government-issued ID: You need a government-issued ID such as a passport or driver’s license for identity verification purposes.
• An EIN: Your business needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Creating a Stripe Account Step-by-Step

Now that you have met the basic requirements, you can proceed to create your Stripe account step-by-step:

1. Go to the Stripe website/registration page (https://dashboard.stripe.com/register) and click the “Sign Up” button.
2. Fill in your email address and password to create an account.
3. Provide your name and select your business type (LLC, Corporation, etc.).
4. Enter your EIN and other business information.
5. Verify your identity by providing a government-issued ID.
6. Connect your bank account to your Stripe account to receive payments.

It is important to note that the process of creating a Stripe account may vary depending on your location and business type. However, the above steps should give you a general idea of what to expect.

Why I Prefer Northwest Registered Agent For My LLC Formation?

Northwest Registered Agent is a great option if you are looking for a reliable and affordable registered agent service for your LLC formation. I have been using Northwest Registered Agent since 2020 to create my Florida LLC and have been very impressed with their service.

Here are some of the 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 great deal, as many other registered agents charge over $100 annually for this service.

Free Operating Agreement:

Northwest Registered Agent also provides a free operating agreement when you hire them to form your LLC. This is a valuable document that outlines the ownership and management structure of your LLC.

Affordable Pricing:

Northwest Registered Agent charges only $39 to start your LLC formation. This is much less than other registered agents, who charge over $1000 for the same service.

Local Office Address:

Northwest Registered Agent allows you to use one of its local offices as your business address. This is a great feature if you want to establish a physical presence in a state where you don’t have an office.

Transparent Pricing:

Northwest Registered Agent has a transparent pricing policy, meaning there are no annoying upsells and recurring monthly fees. Everything is optional, so you only pay for what you need.

Privacy by Default:

Northwest Registered Agent keeps your address off the public record, which is a great feature if you want to maintain your privacy.

Free Domain, Website, Email & Business Phone:

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

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

Limited Liability Protection

One of the main benefits of forming an LLC is that it provides limited liability protection to its members.

This means that the personal assets of the members are protected from the debts and liabilities of the business. If your business faces a lawsuit or other legal action, your personal assets, such as your house or car, will not be at risk.

Tax Flexibility

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

By default, an LLC is taxed as a pass-through entity, which means that the profits and losses of the business are passed through to the members and reported on their personal tax returns. However, LLCs can also elect to be taxed as a corporation, which can provide additional tax benefits in certain situations.

Credibility

Forming an LLC can also add credibility to your business. By having a formal legal structure, you can show potential customers, investors, and partners that you are serious about your business and are committed to its success. This can help you attract more business and opportunities, which can ultimately lead to increased revenue and growth.

Ease of Formation

Forming an LLC in the US is relatively easy and straightforward. Most states have online filing systems that allow you to complete the process quickly and easily. Additionally, the cost of forming an LLC is usually low, especially compared to other types of legal entities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Use Stripe In Morocco?

To use Stripe in Morocco, you need to form a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC). Once you have formed the LLC, you can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID. With the EIN, you can then register your business with Stripe and start accepting payments.

How can I obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) as a Moroccan resident?

As a Moroccan resident, you can obtain an EIN by filling out Form SS-4 and submitting it to the IRS. You can do this online or by mail. However, since you are not a US resident, you may need to appoint a registered agent to act on your behalf.

Can I Get A U.S. based Address For My Business?

Yes, you can get a US-based address for your business by using a ipostal1 service or use that of your registered agent. This service will provide you with a US address that you can use to register your business with Stripe.

Can I legally use Stripe for my business in Morocco?

Yes, you can legally use Stripe for your business in Morocco as long as you have formed a US-based LLC and obtained an EIN or Tax ID. Once you have registered your business with Stripe, you can start accepting payments from customers around the world.

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

There are several alternatives to Stripe for online payments in Morocco, including PayPal, Payoneer, and Skrill. However, Stripe is a popular choice among businesses due to its user-friendly interface and competitive fees.