Is Stripe Available in Serbia?

If you’re a business owner in Serbia looking to expand your payment options, you may wonder if Stripe is available in your country.

Stripe is a popular payment processor that businesses globally use, but its availability varies by location. Stripe is currently supported in 46 countries, but Serbia is not one of them.

In this article, we’ll explain the requirements for opening a Stripe account in Serbia and how you can use Stripe even if it’s not officially supported in your country.

Does Stripe Work in Serbia?

If you’re looking to use Stripe in Serbia, you may be disappointed to discover that it is not currently available there.

Stripe is only supported in 46 countries, primarily Europe and North America, with limited coverage in Asia, Oceania, and Africa.

Unfortunately, Serbia is not yet one of the countries that are supported.

However, if you are a merchant based in Serbia looking for an online payment processing solution, there are other options.

• PayPal
• Skrill
• Payoneer

You can open a Stripe account in Serbia 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 Serbia where Stripe supports processing payments (Use Wise or Mercury).
8. Start accepting payments.

Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In Serbia For Your Business

To open a Stripe account in Serbia as a non-US resident, you must fulfill several requirements.

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)

To open a Stripe account in Serbia, you must first form a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC).

This process can be handled directly or through registered agents such as Northwest Registered Agent.

Northwest Registered Agent provides a range of services to help you with the process, including filing articles of organization, obtaining an EIN, and providing a U.S. business address.

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

You need to fill out an application with the IRS to obtain an EIN or Tax ID. 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.

Using a third-party service like Northwest Registered Agent can swiftly get an EIN, typically within 24 hours.

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 such as Northwest Registered Agent to provide a U.S. address for your LLC.

4. A U.S Phone Number

You’ll 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.

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

You must link a U.S. bank account to your Stripe account for payouts.

To open a U.S. bank account as a non-U.S. resident, you can use a virtual bank account service such as Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Mercury.

These virtual bank account services offer U.S. routing and account numbers, allowing you to receive payments seamlessly from Stripe and other U.S.-based companies.

Related Post: Mercury Bank Review Guide

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

If you are a foreigner looking to form an LLC in the United States, the best states are Delaware, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

Delaware

Delaware is a popular choice for LLC formation due to its business-friendly environment and well-established legal system.

Delaware offers a low corporate income tax rate and does not impose a sales tax.

Additionally, Delaware has a strong legal precedent for corporate law, providing clarity and predictability for LLC owners.

Wyoming

Wyoming is another popular state for LLC formation due to its low taxes, privacy protections, and flexible business laws.

Wyoming has no corporate income tax, franchise tax, or personal income tax.

Additionally, Wyoming offers strong privacy protections for LLC owners and a straightforward LLC formation process.

New Mexico

New Mexico is a lesser-known but attractive state for LLC formation due to its low costs and favorable business laws. New Mexico offers a low corporate income tax rate and no franchise tax.

The state has a streamlined LLC formation process, making it an attractive option for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence in the United States.

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

Here are the steps 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 signing up with Northwest Registered Agent. Northwest Registered Agent is a company that will help you create 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 want 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 Serbian address, phone number, etc.

Step 6. Setup Your Account with Northwest Registered Agent

After entering all your information, 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, Northwest Registered Agent will obtain your EIN or Tax ID for a fee of $200. 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)

Follow the step-by-step guide below to create your Stripe account and accept 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 Serbia (Step-by-Step)

1. Go to the Stripe website/registration page (https://dashboard.stripe.com/register) and click the “Sign Up” button.
2. Enter your email address and create a password for your account.
3. Select Serbia as the country where your business is located and enter your business name.
4. Enter your EIN in the Tax ID field.
5. Provide your personal information, including your name and government-issued ID.
6. Agree to the Stripe terms of service and click “Authorize access to this account”.
7. Verify your email address by clicking on the link in the email that Stripe sends you.
8. Provide additional information about your business, including your website and business type.
9. 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.

Why I Prefer Northwest Registered Agent For My LLC Formation?

If you plan to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States – as a Serbian, you want to work with a reliable registered agent like Northwest Registered Agent.

Here’s why.

Nationwide Expertise

Northwest Registered Agent is a distinguished provider in the LLC formation and registered agent services industry, established in 1998.

The company has helped businesses in all 50 states, providing valuable guidance and expertise to ensure a seamless experience for businesses aiming to incorporate.

Privacy Protection

Privacy protection is essential when running a business, and Northwest Registered Agent values your privacy.

By using their address as your LLC address, you can keep your address off public records, adding an extra layer of privacy to your business operations.

Cost Savings

Northwest Registered Agent offers free Registered Agent Service and operating agreements for the first year, resulting in considerable savings. Similar services can cost upwards of $500 elsewhere.

Their pricing is straightforward, with all costs clearly explained upfront, and there are no hidden fees or annoying upsells. With Northwest, what you see is what you get.

Free Operating Agreement

Northwest Registered Agent provides a free operating agreement when you form an LLC with them.

This document outlines the ownership and operating procedures of your LLC, protecting your assets and ensuring your LLC operates smoothly. This valuable resource is free of charge, saving you time and money.

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 want to keep your home address private.

With this service, you can establish a professional business address without needing a physical office.

Free Domain, Website, Email & Business Phone

Northwest Registered Agent provides a free domain, website, email, and business phone when you form an LLC with them.

This valuable resource allows you to establish a professional online presence without the need for technical knowledge or additional costs.

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

Suppose you are a business owner in Serbia and planning to use Stripe. In that case, you might wonder if it is possible to form a US Limited Liability Company (LLC) and if there are any benefits.

The answer is yes, and there are several advantages to forming an LLC.

Limited Liability Protection

As an LLC owner, your assets, such as your home, car, and bank accounts, are separate from your business assets.

If your business is sued or has outstanding debts, your assets are protected from being seized to pay off those debts.

Tax Benefits

LLCs are pass-through entities, meaning the business does not pay taxes. Instead, the profits and losses of the business are passed through to the owners and reported on their tax returns.

This can result in lower tax rates for the business owners.

Credibility

Forming an LLC can also add credibility to your business.

If your business is registered as an LLC, customers and vendors may view it as more professional and legitimate. This can lead to increased trust and more business opportunities.

Flexibility

LLCs offer flexibility in terms of management and ownership. The owners, known as members, can choose to manage the business themselves or hire a manager.

Additionally, LLCs can have an unlimited number of members, which can make it easier to raise capital and expand the business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries are currently supported by Stripe?

Stripe is currently available in 46 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries.

Can businesses in Serbia use Stripe to process payments?

Yes, businesses in Serbia can use Stripe to process payments. However, you must meet certain requirements before using Stripe in Serbia. They include a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC) and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID.

Is Stripe available in Serbia?

No, Stripe is unavailable in Serbia. However, you can use Stripe in Serbia by forming a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC) and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID.

Are there any European countries where Stripe is not available?

Yes, Stripe is not currently available in a few European countries, including Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

What are the alternatives to Stripe for payment processing in Serbia?

Several alternatives to Stripe for payment processing in Serbia exist. These include PayPal, Skrill, and Payoneer. However, each service has its own set of requirements and fees.

Read Our Other Stripe-Related Posts