Is Stripe Available in Saudi Arabia? (Account Opening Guide)

If you’re a Saudi Arabian entrepreneur looking for a reliable payment gateway to scale your business internationally, you may wonder if Stripe is available in Saudi Arabia.

As you may know, Stripe is currently supported in 46 countries, but unfortunately, Saudi Arabia is not one of them. However, there are ways to work around this limitation, such as opening a Stripe account for your business.

Lets get into it.

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

Does Stripe Work In Saudi Arabia?

Unfortunately, Stripe is not currently available in Saudi Arabia, but there are ways to work around this limitation.

To use Stripe in Saudi Arabia, you need to create an account in one of the supported countries, such as the USA or UK. This involves registering a business entity (LLC in the USA or LTD in the UK) and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID.

You will also need to provide a physical address and a bank account in the country where your business is registered.

Once you have a verified Stripe account in a supported country, you can start accepting payments from customers all around the world, including Saudi Arabia. Stripe supports over 135 currencies and a variety of payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers.

It is important to note that using Stripe in a country where it is not officially supported may come with some limitations and additional fees.

For example, you may not be able to use certain payment methods or receive payouts in your local currency. You may also need to pay currency conversion fees and comply with local tax regulations.

Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In Saudi Arabia For Your Business

Here are some of the most important requirements that you need to fulfill:

Requirement	Where to Get
Business Formation/LLC	Through a Registered Agent (here)
Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID	IRS
U.S Business Address	Virtual Mailbox
U.S Phone Number	Virtual Phone Number
U.S Bank Account (To Be Linked To Stripe For Payouts)	Use Wise or Mercury

Let’s get into each of these requirements.

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

Creating an LLC is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps.

First, you’ll need to choose a state in which to establish your LLC. Delaware is a popular choice due to its favorable business laws and tax benefits.

Once you’ve chosen a state, you’ll need to file articles of organization with the state’s business registration office. This document outlines the basic information about your LLC, such as its name, address, and purpose.

Another important step in forming an LLC is assigning a registered agent.

This is a person or company that is authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. Using a registered agent service, such as Northwest Registered Agent, can provide additional benefits such as privacy protection and compliance assistance.

One of the main benefits of forming an LLC is personal liability protection.

This means that your personal assets are separate from your business assets, so you won’t be held personally responsible for any debts or legal issues that arise from your business.

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

If you are planning to use Stripe as a payment gateway for your business, you will need to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID. This unique nine-digit number is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses for tax purposes.

Having an EIN is necessary for your Limited Liability Company (LLC) as it helps you to open a business bank account, apply for loans, and pay taxes.

To get an EIN, you can apply online through the IRS website, mail or fax your application, or hire a registered agent to help you with the process. Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way to obtain an EIN.

3. U.S Business Address

This involves obtaining a U.S business address.

A U.S business address is necessary because Stripe requires that all businesses have a U.S presence to use their platform.

As a non-resident and business owner based in Saudi Arabia, obtaining a U.S business address can be a bit tricky. However, there are a few options available to you:

• Virtual Mailbox Service: A virtual mailbox service provides you with a U.S address that you can use to receive mail and packages. It’s an affordable option that allows you to manage your mail and packages online.

• Registered Agent Service: A registered agent service provides you with a physical U.S address that you can use to receive legal documents and other important mail. This is a more expensive option, but it’s necessary if you plan on forming a U.S business entity.

4. A U.S Phone Number

You might be wondering why a U.S phone number is necessary.

The reason is that Stripe uses SMS messages to verify your account. When you sign up for a Stripe account, you’ll be asked to provide a phone number. Stripe will then send a verification code to that number.

You’ll need to enter the code on the Stripe website to complete the verification process.

Getting a U.S phone number is easier than you might think. There are apps and services available that allow you to get a U.S phone number for free or for a small fee.

Some examples include Dingtone and Skype.

These apps allow you to make and receive calls and SMS messages using a U.S phone number. Once you have a U.S phone number, you’ll be able to complete the Stripe account creation process and start accepting payments.

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

If you are based in Saudi Arabia, you may wonder how to get a U.S bank account.

There are a few ways to go about it:

One way is to use Wise, a platform that allows you to open a U.S bank account remotely. With Wise, you can receive payments in U.S dollars and convert them to your local currency at a low fee.

Another option is to use Payoneer, which allows you to open a U.S bank account remotely. Payoneer offers a global payment service enabling you to receive payments from Stripe, Amazon, Upwork etc.

Lastly, Mercury is another option for opening a U.S. bank account remotely. Mercury is a digital bank that offers business banking services to startups and small businesses. With Mercury, you can open a U.S. bank account in minutes and start receiving payments from Stripe.

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

Here are a few states that are popular choices for non-US residents looking to form an LLC:

Delaware

Delaware is a popular choice for LLC formation due to its business-friendly laws and tax benefits. Delaware has no sales tax, no personal property tax, and no intangible property tax. Additionally, Delaware has a separate Court of Chancery that specializes in business law, making it a favorable state for business owners.

Wyoming

Wyoming is another state that is popular for LLC formation due to its low taxes and privacy laws. Wyoming has no state income tax, no franchise tax, and no personal property tax. Additionally, Wyoming does not require LLCs to disclose their members’ identities, making it a popular choice for those seeking privacy.

New Mexico

New Mexico is a lesser-known state for LLC formation, but it offers several benefits for non-US residents. New Mexico has a low filing fee of $50 and does not require LLCs to file annual reports or pay annual fees.

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

If you’re interested in using Stripe in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to form an LLC and open a Stripe account.

Here are the steps you can take to achieve this:

Step 1. Sign up For Northwest Registered Agent

The first step in forming your LLC is to sign up with Northwest Registered Agent.

This company 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

Once you click the button, you’ll be redirected to a page where 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’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.

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 Saudi Arabia 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 Northwest, 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.

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 creating your Stripe account, you need to make sure you have all the necessary information and documents.

Here are the basic requirements:

• Business name: You will need to provide your business name during the sign-up process. Make sure it matches the name on your government-issued ID and EIN.
• Email address: You will need to provide a valid email address to create your Stripe account.
• Government-issued ID: You will need to provide a copy of your government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, during the sign-up process.
• EIN: You will need to provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN) during the sign-up process. If you don’t have an EIN yet, you can apply for one through the IRS website.
• LLC information: If your business is registered as an LLC, you will need to provide your LLC information during the sign-up process.

Creating a Stripe Account Step-by-Step

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Go to the Stripe website and click on the “Sign Up” button.
2. Fill out the sign-up form with your business name, email address, and password.
3. Verify your email address by clicking on the verification link sent to your email.
4. Provide your business information, including your EIN and LLC information (if applicable).
5. Provide your bank account information to receive payments from Stripe.
6. Verify your identity by providing a copy of your government-issued ID.
7. Review and accept the Stripe terms of service.
8. Activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent to your email.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your Stripe account. You can now start accepting payments from your customers.

Why I Prefer Northwest Registered Agent For My LLC Formation?

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable registered agent service for your LLC formation, I highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent. As someone who has used their services since 2020 to create my Florida LLC, I can attest to their quality and value.

One of the best things about Northwest Registered Agent is their transparent pricing.

Unlike other registered agents that charge over $1000 to get started, Northwest only charges $39 to get started. Everything else is optional, so you won’t have to deal with annoying upsells or recurring monthly fees.

Furthermore, Northwest Registered Agent offers a free one year registered agent service and a free operating agreement with every LLC formation package. This is a great value, as many other registered agents charge extra for these services.

Another benefit of using Northwest Registered Agent is that they allow you to use one of their local offices as your business address. This can be especially helpful if you’re starting a business in a new state and don’t have a physical address yet.

Privacy is also a top priority for Northwest Registered Agent.

They keep your address off public record by default, which is a great way to protect your personal information and maintain your privacy.

Finally, Northwest Registered Agent offers a free domain, website, email, and business phone with every LLC formation package. This is a great way to get your business up and running quickly and easily.

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

Here are some benefits of forming a US LLC:

Limited Liability Protection

One of the main benefits of forming an LLC is limited liability protection.

As an LLC member, your personal assets are protected from creditors and lawsuits. This means that if your business is sued or goes bankrupt, your personal assets such as your home, car, bank accounts, and investments are protected.

Tax Benefits

Another benefit of forming an LLC is tax flexibility. LLCs are pass-through entities, which means that the profits and losses of the business are passed through to the members and reported on their personal tax returns. This can result in lower taxes for the business owners.

Credibility

Forming an LLC in the US can also add credibility to your business. It shows that you are serious about expanding your business globally and are willing to take the necessary steps to protect your assets and reduce your tax liability.

Ease of Doing Business

Forming an LLC in the US is relatively easy and straightforward. Most states have simple and affordable LLC formation processes, and you can complete the process online in a matter of hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I sign up for a Stripe account from Saudi Arabia?

To sign up for a Stripe account from Saudi Arabia, you need to form a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC) and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID. You can then use these details to register for a Stripe account.

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

As a Saudi Arabian resident, you can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) by filling out an application on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.

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

There are several alternatives to Stripe for online payments in Saudi Arabia, including PayPal, PayTabs, Payfort, and Telr. These payment gateways offer a range of features and integrations, and may be better suited to your specific needs.

How does Stripe’s availability compare to other countries in the Middle East?

Stripe is currently supported in 46 countries worldwide, including several countries in the Middle East such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.