Is Stripe Available in the Philippines? Here’s How to Open an Account

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

The good news is that while Stripe does not officially list the Philippines as a supported country, it is still possible to create an account. In this article, I’ll explore the requirements and steps to open a Stripe account in the Philippines.

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

Does Stripe Work In The Philippines?

If you are a business owner in the Philippines and looking for a reliable and secure payment gateway, you might be wondering if Stripe is available in the Philippines. The good news is that Stripe is not officially listed as a supported country by Stripe, but it is still possible to create an account by following some simple steps.

Stripe is currently supported in 46 countries, and the Philippines is not one of them.

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

Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In The Philippines For Your Business

To open a Stripe account in the Philippines, you must meet certain requirements.

Here are the requirements and where you can get them:

Requirements	Where to Get
Business Registration	Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID	Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
U.S. Business Address	Virtual mailbox service
U.S. Phone Number	Virtual phone service
Government-Issued ID	Easy to get from your home country
Working Website/Service Page (optional)	This is optional
U.S. Bank Account	Mercury, Wise & Payoneer

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

1. A Business Formation in the U.S (LLC)

If you plan to open a Stripe account in the Philippines, forming an LLC in the United States is necessary.

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a type of business structure that offers many benefits to its owners, including limited liability protection, pass-through taxation, and flexible management.

By forming an LLC, you can provide Stripe with a U.S. bank account (more on this later) and the business address required to open an account. Also, having an LLC can help establish credibility and legitimacy for your business, which can be critical when dealing with financial transactions.

To form an LLC, you have several options.

You can do it yourself, use an online formation service, or hire an attorney.

While doing it yourself may seem like the cheapest option, it can be time-consuming, resulting in errors that could cost you more in the long run. Online formation services, on the other hand, can provide a more streamlined process and may be more affordable than hiring an attorney.

When forming an LLC, having a registered agent is essential.

A registered agent is a person or company authorized to receive legal documents for your business. This can be beneficial if you cannot always receive important documents.

One of the best options for a registered agent is Northwest Registered Agent.

They offer reliable service and have been in business for over 20 years. With their 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

An EIN is a unique nine-digit number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to businesses for tax filing and reporting purposes. In the Philippines, the equivalent of an EIN is the Tax Identification Number (TIN).

An EIN is necessary for your LLC because it identifies your business entity and is required for tax purposes. It is also required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and apply for business licenses and permits.

After forming your LLC, you can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website, mail, or fax. You must provide your business name, mailing address, and other information about your business. A registered agent can also help with this process.

Another option is to apply for an EIN through a third-party service provider. These providers can help you obtain an EIN quickly and easily, usually within 24 hours. However, they may charge a fee for their services.

3. U.S Business Address

As a non-resident business owner based in the Philippines, you may wonder why you need a U.S. business address to open a Stripe account.

The answer is simple: Stripe requires a U.S. business address to verify your identity and ensure your business is legitimate.

As a non-resident, you have a few options for getting a U.S. business address.

One option is to use a mail forwarding service that provides a U.S. address for your business. This service will receive your mail and forward it to your Philippine address.

Another option is a virtual office service (like ipostal1) that provides a U.S. address and other office services, such as a receptionist and meeting rooms, for a monthly fee.

Once you have a U.S. business address, you can use it to open a Stripe account and start accepting payments.

4. A U.S Phone Number

You will need a U.S. phone number to create a Stripe account in the Philippines. Stripe requires a phone number from the country where your business is registered.

Stripe does not yet support the Philippines, so a U.S. phone number is necessary for account creation and verification.

You can easily obtain a U.S. phone number using apps and services like Dingtone and Skype.

These services allow you to make and receive calls and messages using a U.S. phone number. This will enable you to complete the verification process for your Stripe account.

Having a U.S. phone number also ensures that you can easily communicate with Stripe’s customer support team if you encounter any issues or have questions about your account. You can easily contact Stripe’s support team with a U.S. phone number without incurring international call charges.

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

You must have a U.S. bank account to use Stripe in the Philippines. This is because Stripe only allows bank accounts in countries where it operates. Fortunately, there are several ways to get a U.S. bank account.

One way to get a U.S. bank account is through Wise.

Wise is a money transfer service that allows you to open a U.S. bank account remotely. You can then use this account to receive payouts from Stripe. Wise also offers low fees for international money transfers, making it a cost-effective option.

Another way to get a U.S. bank account is through Payoneer.

Payoneer is a financial services company that provides online money transfer and digital payment services. You can open a U.S. bank account with Payoneer and link it to your Stripe account for payouts.

Lastly, Mercury is another option for getting a U.S. bank account. Mercury is a digital bank that offers U.S. bank accounts to businesses. 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 the Philippines?

As a foreigner looking to form an LLC in the United States, I have several states to consider.

Each state has unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on your business needs. New Mexico, Delaware, and Wyoming are the three most popular states to consider.

New Mexico

New Mexico is a great option for those seeking a low-cost and low-maintenance option.

The filing costs are low, and you do not have to file an annual report. Also, 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. This level of privacy makes New Mexico attractive to foreign business owners.

Delaware

Delaware is a popular option if you plan to raise money from investors. 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, it is worth considering if you plan to raise capital from investors.

Wyoming

Wyoming is a popular low-cost option for forming an LLC. It only costs around $150 to file an LLC and an annual report. 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.

Understanding each state’s filing and maintenance requirements is essential before deciding. 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

Here are the steps you need to take 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.

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.

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.

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 Philippine address, phone numbers, etc.

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 proffered 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)

You must provide your EIN and LLC information to create your Stripe account. The one you processed through Northwest.

Once you’ve done so, you can start accepting payments through Stripe. However, businesses operating in the Philippines may have additional requirements or restrictions, so be sure to research and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

Basic Requirements

Before you can create 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 the Philippines – 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 the country where your business is located and enter your business name.
4. Enter your EIN in the Tax ID field (gotten from Northwest)
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 USD payments.

However, Stripe may require additional information to verify your account and prevent fraud. Therefore, make sure to check your email regularly and respond promptly to any requests from Stripe.

Why I Prefer Northwest Registered Agent For My LLC Formation?

In 2020, when I needed to set up a bank in the United States as a foreigner, I stumbled upon many options. But after a day of intense research (reading blogs and asking in forums and groups) – Northwest stood out for me. I went with them, and I have never looked back.

Here’s a snapshot of my first Northwest invoice payment:

I paid $79 for their service and $125 for Florida state filing. Yeah, I chose Florida!

So, as a client/user, I can confidently say that Northwest Registered Agent is the best option.

Below are some of the reasons why:

Affordable Pricing

Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services for $39—less than $500, significantly cheaper than other registered agent services that charge over $1000.

This low price appeals to new business owners trying to keep their expenses down.

Free One-Year Registered Agent

You get a free one-year registered agent service when you hire a Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC. 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. This critical document outlines your LLC’s ownership and management structure. A free operating agreement saves you time and money; 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.

Transparent Pricing

Northwest Registered Agent has a transparent pricing structure with no annoying upsells or recurring monthly fees. Everything is optional, so you only pay for the services you need.

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

When you form your LLC with them, Northwest Registered Agent offers 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.

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

If you are a business owner in the Philippines and looking to open a Stripe account, forming a US Limited Liability Company (LLC) can offer several benefits.

Here are some of the advantages of forming an LLC for a Philippine Stripe account:

Limited Liability Protection

One of the primary benefits of forming an LLC is that it provides limited liability protection to its owners. This means that the owners’ assets are protected from any liabilities or debts incurred by the business. In case of any legal issues or debts, only the assets of the LLC are at risk, 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.

Credibility

Forming an LLC can also 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 also 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.

Overall, forming a US Limited Liability Company (LLC) can offer several benefits for a Philippine Stripe account. It provides limited liability protection, tax flexibility, credibility, and easier access to funding. However, it is important to consult with a legal and tax professional to ensure that forming an LLC is the best option for your specific business needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Stripe Not Available In The Philippines?

Stripe is not available in the Philippines due to regulatory and compliance issues. Stripe is currently supported in 46 countries, but the Philippines is not one of them.

How Do I Use Stripe In the Philippines?

Unfortunately, Stripe is not available in the Philippines. You must set up an LLC in the United States and get an EIN before creating your Stripe account.

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

As a Philippines resident, you can obtain an EIN by filling out an SS-4 form with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can apply for an EIN online (through an agent), by mail, or by fax. However, you may not need an EIN if you use an alternative payment processor that does not require one.

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

Yes, you can get a U.S.-based address for your business through Northwest Registered Agent. They offer a registered agent service that includes a U.S. address.

How Can I Get A U.S Phone Number For My Stripe Verification? (Dingtone)

You can get a U.S. phone number through Dingtone for your Stripe verification. Dingtone is a mobile app that allows you to get a U.S. phone number at a small cost.

What Are Alternative Payment Processors For The Philippines?

Several alternative payment processors exist in the Philippines, including PayPal, Payoneer, and 2Checkout. These processors offer a similar service to Stripe and can be used to accept payments online, but they are not as sophisticated as Stripe.

Is there a specific pricing structure for Stripe users in the Philippines?

Since Stripe is not available in the Philippines, there is no specific pricing structure for Stripe users. However, alternative payment processors have their pricing structures.

Are there any country-specific limitations for using Stripe in the Philippines?

Stripe is unavailable in the Philippines, so there are no country-specific limitations for using it there.

How Long Does It Take For Funds To Reach A Bank Account In The Philippines Through Stripe?

When setting up a Stripe account with your LLC information and connecting your U.S. bank account, the typical timeframe for Stripe to deposit funds into your bank account applies.

Final Thoughts on Stripe Account Set up in the Philippines

Opening a Stripe account in the Philippines can be quite challenging because Stripe does not officially list the Philippines as a supported country. However, it is still possible to create an account by registering a business entity in one of the supported countries, such as the USA or UK.

To do so, you must form a business entity in the USA, such as an LLC, and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID. You will also need a US business address, a US phone number, and a US bank account to be linked to Stripe for payouts.

Once you have all the requirements, you can follow the steps outlined in this guide.

Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions about setting up a Stripe account in the Philippines.