Is Stripe Available in Tunisia?

So, you want to sell your amazing products or services online in Tunisia and accept payments from customers all over the world? Great idea! But there’s just one small problem…

Stripe isn’t available in Tunisia.

Yep, Stripe currently operates in 46 countries, and unfortunately, Tunisia isn’t on that list. But don’t worry—there’s a way around it!

In this guide, I’ll show you a simple and legal method to set up a business in a Stripe-supported country, so you can start accepting international payments without hassle. And guess what? It’s easier than you think!

Let’s dive in and get you set up for global success!

Does Stripe Work in Tunisia?

If you are a business owner or entrepreneur in Tunisia, you may wonder if Stripe is available in your country.

Unfortunately, Stripe is not currently supported in Tunisia.

Stripe is a popular payment gateway used by businesses around the world. It is currently supported in 46 countries, primarily in Europe and North America, with limited coverage in Asia, Oceania, and Africa.

Stripe is supported in several African countries, including South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya.

However, if you are looking to open a Stripe account in Tunisia, follow 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 where Stripe supports processing payments (Use Wise or Mercury).
8. Start accepting payments.

Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In Tunisia For Your Business

To open a Stripe account in Tunisia, you must fulfill certain requirements.

Requirement	Where To Get It
US-based LLC	Register with a registered agent (Northwest)
EIN/Tax ID	Apply through the IRS website or use a registered agent
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 (Use Wise or Mercury)

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

The first step in setting up a Stripe account for your Tunisian-based business is to establish a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC).

An LLC will serve as the official entity through which your Stripe account operations will be conducted.

You can initiate this process directly through the respective state government or engage the services of a registered agent, such as Northwest Registered Agent, to expedite the setup process and manage legal documentation on your behalf.

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

An EIN is a prerequisite for opening a Stripe account. This identifier is essential for tax purposes and facilitates business transactions associated with your LLC.

The application for an EIN can be completed online, by mail, fax, or through a registered agent.

Registered agent services like Northwest can streamline this process, often providing an EIN within 24 hours. However, Northwest charges a fee of $200 to acquire an EIN from the IRS.

4. A U.S. Business Address

A US-based business address is mandatory for LLC registration and acquiring an EIN.

Northwest offers a virtual US address service inclusive of mail forwarding and legal document handling, eliminating the requirement for physical presence within the US.

4. A U.S Phone Number

A valid US phone number is necessary to verify your Stripe account.

Virtual phone services like Skype or Dingtone provide the flexibility to establish and manage a virtual US phone number, enabling seamless account verification via SMS.

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

To receive payouts from Stripe, it is crucial to link a US bank account. While Stripe supports payouts to bank accounts in certain countries, non-US residents can opt for virtual bank account services such as Wise or Mercury.

Wise offers a borderless account with US routing and account numbers, facilitating the receipt of payments from Stripe and other US-based entities.

Mercury provides a dedicated US bank account seamlessly integrated with Stripe and various payment processors, catering specifically to startups and entrepreneurs.

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

If you are a foreigner looking to form an LLC in the US, you can choose any state to register your LLC. However, some states offer more advantages than others.

Here are the best states to establish a US LLC for Tunisian businesses:

Wyoming

Wyoming offers a budget-friendly option for foreign entrepreneurs.

Formation and maintenance fees are some of the lowest in the country, making it a cost-effective option. The state also has efficient processing times, which means your LLC can be up and running quickly.

Additionally, Wyoming is known for its business-friendly environment and strong legal protections for privacy.

Delaware

Delaware is a well-established powerhouse when it comes to legal expertise and support for foreign-owned LLCs. The state has a legal system specifically geared towards business needs, which translates to reliable support and guidance throughout the process.

Delaware streamlines the paperwork for foreign-owned businesses, ensuring a smoother LLC formation experience.

While formation and maintenance fees might be high, the legal expertise and established system Delaware offers can be invaluable for long-term business success.

New Mexico

New Mexico is a rising star for foreign-owned LLCs, particularly those in their early stages.

The state offers attractive tax breaks specifically designed for startups, which can significantly benefit new businesses and provide a financial boost during a critical growth period.

Compared to Delaware, New Mexico offers a more affordable option, keeping formation and maintenance costs manageable.

The state’s central location within the US can be advantageous, potentially reducing travel time if physical presence in the US becomes necessary.

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

Here are the steps you need to follow 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 to sign up for a registered agent service.

I recommend Northwest Registered Agent. This registered agent can help you with the entire process of forming your LLC.

To sign up for their services, go to their website at: https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com

Then click on the “LET’S GET YOU STARTED” button.

Step 2. Choose Your Business Entity and State

Once you’ve signed up for a registered agent service, choose your business entity and state. This will determine the type of LLC you’ll form and its location.

The total amount will depend on your chosen state and the processing time. For instance, forming an LLC in Alabama costs $334, while New Mexico costs $98.

Step 3. Enter Your New/Existing Details

Enter your new or existing details after selecting your business entity and state. This includes your name, address, and other essential information.

You can choose the physical and mailing addresses you want for the business.

Northwest Registered Agents provides the convenience of using their address as your business address, eliminating the hassle of securing a separate US address for your company.

Step 4. Enter The Management For Your LLC

You’ll need to enter the management for your LLC. This includes the members or managers who will run your business.

If you’re a one-person show in your business, stick with one member and use your name.

Step 5. Fill in Your Contact Details

Next, you’ll need to fill in your contact details, including your email address, phone number, and other information.

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. They will help you complete and submit the necessary forms to the IRS.

It’s pretty easy to get this on your own, but if you’d like to include it in your order, that’s also great!

Step 9. Checkout/Payment (Congratulations!)

Finally, you’ll need to check and make payment to complete the process of forming your LLC.

Congratulations! You can now open a Stripe account and start accepting payments.

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

To start accepting payments through Stripe, you must create a Stripe account. The process is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps.

Basic Requirements for Creating A Stripe Account

Before you start creating your Stripe account, ensure you have the following basic requirements ready:

• Your business name and email address
• Your government-issued ID
• Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Your Limited Liability Company (LLC) information

Creating a Stripe Account in Tunisia – Step-by-Step

To create a Stripe account in Tunisia, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the Stripe registration page at https://dashboard.stripe.com/register and click the “Sign Up” button.
2. Enter your email address and create a password.
3. Click on “Create your Stripe account” to proceed.
4. Fill in your business information, including your name, address, and phone number, and click “Continue”.
5. Enter your personal information, including your name and date of birth. Click on “Continue” to proceed.
6. Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to your email.
7. Provide your government-issued ID for verification purposes.
8. Provide your EIN and LLC information.
9. Connect your bank account to your Stripe account to receive payments.

Once you have completed these steps, you can start accepting payments through Stripe.

Why I Prefer Northwest Registered Agent For My LLC Formation?

If you’re planning to set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States, you’ll want to consider Northwest Registered Agent.

Here are some reasons Northwest is a great pick for setting up an LLC in the U.S.

Transparent Pricing

At Northwest, clarity is key. We offer upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for, and you can even tailor a custom package to fit your unique needs. This means that you can avoid any unwanted surprises and budget accordingly.

Professional Business Address

No office space yet? No problem! Northwest provides a professional business address solution.

This ensures a separate business address, protects your home address, and guarantees secure mail delivery. This is especially useful if you’re working from home or don’t have a physical office space yet.

Complimentary First-Year Service

Form your LLC with Northwest and enjoy a year of free registered agent service.

We handle all your legal documents and important mail, saving you time and stress. After the first year, continue this invaluable service at a competitive rate.

Free Operating Agreement

We understand the importance of a robust operating agreement. That’s why we provide one for free when you establish your LLC.

This document outlines your business structure, safeguards your assets, and promotes smooth operations. This means you can protect your business and personal assets while ensuring the business is running smoothly.

Tax Flexibility

Choose the most tax-efficient structure for your business with Northwest.

Whether it’s sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation, we empower you to maximize your profits. This means that you can minimize your tax liabilities and maximize your profits.

Budget-Friendly Solutions

Starting at just $39, our service packages are designed to be cost-effective compared to other registered agent services.

With a range of options available, you’ll find one that perfectly aligns with your budget and business requirements. This means you can save money while still getting the services you need.

Complimentary Business Essentials

Forming your LLC with Northwest also grants you complimentary essentials: a domain name, website, email address, and business phone number.

These tools are invaluable for establishing a professional online presence right from the start of your business journey. This means you can establish a professional online presence without additional costs.

Privacy by Default

Northwest ensures your personal information remains confidential and off public records, allowing you to focus on growing your business with complete peace of mind.

This means that you can focus on growing your business without worrying about your personal information being exposed.

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

If you are a Tunisian individual or entity looking to leverage Stripe for international payment processing, establishing a US Limited Liability Company (LLC) can offer several strategic advantages.

Limited Liability Protection

An LLC provides a crucial separation between personal and business assets, shielding owners (members) from personal liability related to the LLC’s debts and obligations.

This protection is valuable when managing a Tunisian Stripe account, ensuring personal assets remain secure during legal or financial challenges.

Enhanced Credibility and Trust

Forming a US LLC enhances credibility and trustworthiness, especially in international business contexts.

It signifies a commitment to legal compliance and transparency, reassuring clients and partners engaging with the Tunisian entity on platforms like Stripe.

Tax Flexibility and Optimization

LLCs provide flexibility in tax structuring.

Single-member LLCs are typically disregarded entities for tax purposes, simplifying tax reporting by flowing profits and losses through the owner’s individual tax return.

Multi-member LLCs can choose partnership taxation or elect S-corporation status, potentially optimizing tax advantages based on specific circumstances. This flexibility is beneficial for Tunisian entities earning income through Stripe.

Access to US Banking and Financial Services

Many US financial institutions prefer working with domestically registered entities.

Establishing an LLC facilitates easier access to US banking services, facilitating the management of funds received via Stripe and other financial transactions.

Operational Simplicity

Compared to corporations, LLCs have fewer operational requirements, such as minimal mandatory meetings and streamlined paperwork.

This simplicity makes LLCs an efficient choice for international businesses, including Tunisian entities utilizing Stripe for e-commerce or revenue generation.

Potential for Future Expansion and Investment

Operating through a US LLC structure sets the stage for future expansion initiatives. This may involve establishing physical offices, hiring US-based employees, or attracting investment from US sources.

The familiarity of the LLC structure among US investors can facilitate capital acquisition and partnerships.

Brand Protection in the US Market

Registering an LLC provides legal protection for the business name and brand within the US market. This recognition prevents others from using similar names, securing exclusive rights for the Tunisian entity operating through Stripe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stripe available in Tunisia?

Stripe is not yet available in Tunisia. However, Stripe is continuously expanding its global availability and may become available in Tunisia. You can check Stripe’s website for updates on new countries where Stripe is available.

Can businesses in Africa use Stripe for online transactions?

Yes, businesses in Africa can use Stripe for online transactions. Stripe is available in 46 countries worldwide, including several African countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.

What African currencies does Stripe support?

Stripe supports several African currencies, including the South African rand (ZAR), Kenyan shilling (KES), and Nigerian naira (NGN). Stripe supports other currencies worldwide, making it a versatile payment gateway for businesses with international customers.

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

Stripe is not currently available in Tunisia. However, several other online payment options are available like PayPal, Payoneer, and Skrill.

Is there a Stripe availability list for countries in North Africa?

Stripe provides a global availability list on its website but doesn’t include any North African country.

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