Is Stripe Available in Ukraine? (Account Opening Guide)
Are you a business owner in Ukraine looking to expand your payment options? You might be wondering if Stripe is available in your country.
Unfortunately, the answer is no—Stripe doesn’t currently support users based in Ukraine. I know, it’s a bit disappointing. But don’t worry, there’s still a way to access and use Stripe from Ukraine through a simple and legal pathway.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including the requirements and the steps for opening a Stripe account in Ukraine. So, if you’re ready to unlock more payment options for your business, let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Stripe is not available in Ukraine.
- However, you can work around the limitations of using Stripe in Ukraine, such as forming a US LLC and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), using a registered agent.
- Use Northwest’s registered agent service for seamless setup.
Does Stripe Work in Ukraine?
If you’re a business owner in Ukraine, you may wonder if Stripe is available in your country.
The good news is that negotiations are underway to bring Stripe to Ukraine. This means that it may soon be possible for Ukrainian businesses to use Stripe for online payments.
Currently, Stripe is not yet available in Ukraine. However, it is supported in 46 countries globally, including Asian countries like Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
However, if you are looking to open a Stripe account in Ukraine, follow these steps:
- Create/form an LLC in the United States (use Northwest).
- Visit the Stripe website and create an account.
- Enter your business information, including your name, address, and phone number.
- Provide your EIN (with the help of Northwest).
- Provide your tax ID and government-issued ID.
- Verify your email address and phone number.
- Add a bank account where Stripe supports processing payments (Use Wise or Mercury).
- Start accepting payments.
Stripe is a flexible global payment solution that facilitates businesses in accepting payments across more than 135 currencies worldwide.
Requirements To Open A Stripe Account In Ukraine For Your Business
Ready to get your Stripe account up and running from Ukraine? Here’s what you need.
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)
Your first task is to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States. This LLC will be the backbone of your Stripe account setup.
Start by registering with the state government of your choice.
Do you prefer a hands-on approach or need expert assistance? Registered agent services like Northwest Registered Agent can smooth the process, offering quick LLC formation and acting as your registered agent for receiving important legal documents.
2. Obtain An Employer Identification Number (EIN) Or Tax ID
Next, you must secure an EIN or Tax ID from the IRS. This unique number is essential for activating your Stripe account.
You must provide your LLC’s name, address, and details about the LLC’s responsible party.
For a hassle-free experience, services like Northwest Registered Agent can handle this, often obtaining your EIN within 24 hours, saving you from dealing directly with the IRS.
Non-US entities without a Social Security Number (SSN) can use Northwest to obtain an EIN from the IRS. However, the service costs $200.
3. A U.S. Business Address
A U.S. business address is a must for forming your LLC and obtaining your EIN or Tax ID.
A registered agent service like Northwest can provide a U.S. address, forward mail, and handle legal documents. This ensures your business maintains a professional presence in the U.S.
Having a U.S. business address does not mean you must be physically present in the U.S. to use Stripe.
4. A U.S Phone Number
Stripe requires a U.S. phone number to verify your account.
Make this easy with virtual phone services such as Skype or Dingtone, which offer virtual U.S. numbers that can seamlessly receive SMS messages. This is a convenient solution for staying in touch with your American customers.
Note that the phone number used to open your Stripe account must be a valid and active US-based phone number. But it doesn’t matter how you get as long as it can receive verification texts and calls.
5. A U.S Bank Account (To Be Linked To Stripe For Payouts)
Finally, you must link a U.S. bank account to your Stripe account to receive payments.
Stripe only supports payouts to bank accounts in supported countries. As a non-U.S. resident, consider virtual bank account services like Wise or Mercury.
Wise offers a borderless account with U.S. routing and account numbers, making it easy to receive payments from Stripe and other U.S.-based sources.
Alternatively, Mercury provides a dedicated U.S. bank account that integrates smoothly with Stripe and various payment processors, perfect for startups and entrepreneurs.
What’s the Best State to Form Your LLC as a Foreigner in Ukraine?
If you are a Ukrainian entrepreneur looking to form a US-based LLC, there are several states to consider.
Here are the best states to form your LLC as a Non-Resident in Ukraine:
Wyoming
Wyoming is among the best states in which to form an LLC, especially for foreigners.
It has no personal or corporate income tax or a low gross receipts tax. This makes it particularly advantageous to operate an LLC in this state.
Additionally, Wyoming has strong privacy laws, which can benefit foreign entrepreneurs who want to keep their personal information private.
Delaware
Delaware is another popular state for foreigners to form an LLC. It has a well-established legal system and a business-friendly environment. Delaware has no sales tax and a low corporate income tax rate.
New Mexico
New Mexico is a great option for foreigners looking to form an LLC. It has a low filing fee of $50 and does not require annual report fees.
Additionally, New Mexico is one of the few states that doesn’t require the member or manager’s name to be included in the filing of the certificate of formation.
This can benefit foreign entrepreneurs who want to keep their personal information private.
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.
You don’t have to scramble for a U.S. contact detail to create your Northwest account. Your local details will work just fine as your point of contact with Northwest.
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 it’s also great if you’d like to include it in your order!
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 Ukraine – Step-by-Step
To create a Stripe account in Ukraine, follow these simple steps:
- Go to the Stripe registration page at https://dashboard.stripe.com/register and click the “Sign Up” button.
- Enter your email address and create a password.
- Click on “Create your Stripe account” to proceed.
- Fill in your business information, including your name, address, and phone number, and click “Continue”.
- Enter your personal information, including your name and date of birth. Click on “Continue” to proceed.
- Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to your email.
- Provide your government-issued ID for verification purposes.
- Provide your EIN and LLC information.
- Connect your bank account to your Stripe account to receive payments.
Once you have completed these steps, you can start accepting payments through Stripe.
Please ensure the country you selected where your business is incorporated, is the United States, not Ukraine.
Why I Prefer Northwest Registered Agent For My LLC Formation?
Northwest Registered Agent is a great option if you want to set up an LLC in the United States.
Here are a few reasons why:
Straightforward Approach
Northwest Registered Agent has provided LLC formation and registered agent services since 1998.
The company is renowned for its straightforward approach, ensuring a seamless experience for businesses aiming to incorporate. It offers a simple online ordering process and an easy-to-navigate website.
Affordable Pricing
Northwest Registered Agent offers affordable pricing for their LLC formation and registered agent services.
They charge $39 plus state fees to form an LLC, including a free year of registered agent service ( otherwise $125 per year). After the first year, their registered agent service is relatively affordable.
Excellent Customer Support
One of the standout features of Northwest Registered Agent is their excellent customer support. They offer phone and live chat support, and real people handle all of their support.
They have a personalized dashboard that makes managing your LLC and registered agent service easy.
Additional Legal Services
In addition to LLC formation and registered agent services, Northwest Registered Agent offers many other legal services geared toward businesses. These services include filing annual reports, obtaining foreign qualifications, and more.
Related Post: How to Create a Stripe Account for Non-US Residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stripe Available in Ukraine?
No, Stripe is not currently available in Ukraine. Stripe is available in 46 countries but Ukraine is not one of them.
How can one open a Stripe account from Ukraine?
To open a Stripe account from Ukraine, businesses must first form a US-based Limited Liability Company (LLC) and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID.
What currencies does Stripe support for Ukrainian users?
Stripe supports multiple currencies for Ukrainian users, including USD, EUR, GBP, and more. However, businesses should note that Stripe may charge additional fees for currency conversion.
Are there any restrictions for Ukrainian businesses using Stripe?
While Ukrainian businesses can use Stripe’s services, they must comply with certain regulations and laws. For example, businesses must ensure that their products and services are legal and not violating any sanctions or embargoes.
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Disclosure: We may earn commissions if you buy via links on our website. Commissions don’t affect our opinions or evaluations. We’re also an independent affiliate of many platforms, including ClickFunnels, Kartra, GoHighLevel, Podia, Northwest Registered Agent, and others. We’re not employees of these services. We receive referral payments from them, and the opinions expressed here are our own and are not official statements of these companies.