Stripe for Non-US residents: How to accept global payments via a US LLC
Stripe is not available in many countries, including Serbia, which makes it difficult for non-US residents to accept online payments from international clients.
For freelancers, digital service providers, SaaS founders, and online businesses, this often becomes a major obstacle to scaling globally. One proven and fully legal solution is using Stripe through a US-based LLC.
By forming a US Single-Member LLC, non-US residents can access Stripe, open a US business bank account, and accept payments from customers worldwide — even if they live and operate outside the United States.
This page explains how non-US residents can use Stripe via a US LLC, which states work best (such as Wyoming or New Mexico), whether an SSN is required, how banking works, and what you should know about taxes and compliance before getting started.
Use the sections below to understand how Stripe works for non-US founders
Can non-US citizens use Stripe?
Yes — non-US citizens can use
Stripe, but only under specific conditions. Stripe does not restrict accounts based on citizenship. Instead, eligibility depends on whether your business is registered in a supported country and meets Stripe’s compliance requirements.
For non-US residents living in countries where Stripe is not available (such as Serbia), the most common and reliable solution is operating through a US-registered company. By forming a US LLC, non-US citizens can legally open a Stripe account tied to that company and accept payments from international clients.
This setup is especially common among freelancers, digital service providers, SaaS founders, and online businesses who sell globally and need a payment processor that supports international cards, subscriptions, and multiple currencies.
While using a US LLC is not required for everyone, it becomes a practical option when Stripe is unavailable locally or when global payment capabilities are essential for business growth.
Is Stripe only for US citizens?
No — Stripe is not limited to US citizens.
Stripe does not determine eligibility based on nationality or citizenship. Instead, accounts are approved based on where the business is legally registered and whether it operates from a Stripe-supported country.
This is a common point of confusion for non-US founders. Many people assume that Stripe is only available to US citizens because it requires a company registered in an approved jurisdiction. In reality, non-US citizens can legally use Stripe as long as they operate through a qualifying business entity, such as a US LLC.
For entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital service providers outside the US, this often means forming a US company to gain access to Stripe’s payment infrastructure while continuing to live and work abroad.
In short, Stripe is not “US-citizens only” — it is company-and country-based, not passport-based. This distinction is what makes a US LLC a practical solution for many non-US residents who need reliable global payment processing.
Is Stripe available in Serbia?
No — Stripe is currently not available for businesses registered in Serbia.
Companies and sole proprietors operating solely through Serbian legal entities cannot open a Stripe account directly. This limitation is based on country eligibility, not on the type or size of the business.
Even if you provide digital services, work with international clients, or operate fully online, Stripe requires the business to be registered in a country it supports.
For Serbian residents who need access to Stripe, the most common and legally compliant solution is forming a US-based company. A US LLC allows Serbian founders to open a Stripe account under the US entity and accept payments from clients worldwide.
This approach does not change where you live or work, but it enables you to use Stripe’s global payment infrastructure despite local restrictions in Serbia.
What countries are eligible / not eligible?
Stripe availability is determined by the country where the business is registered, not by the owner’s nationality.
Stripe officially supports businesses registered in a limited number of countries, primarily in North America, Europe, and selected regions worldwide. If a business is registered in a Stripe-supported country, it can generally open a Stripe account and access the platform’s full payment features. This includes most EU countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several others.
Businesses registered in non-supported countries, such as Serbia, cannot open a Stripe account directly, even if they provide digital services or work with international clients.
In these cases, forming a company in a supported jurisdiction–most commonly a US LLC – allows founders from non-eligible countries to legally use Stripe by operating through that entity.
Stripe’s list of supported countries can change over time, so eligibility should always be checked against the official Stripe documentation.
How to open a Stripe account as a non-US founder
Non-US founders can open a Stripe account by operating through a business registered in a Stripe-supported country.
For founders living in countries where Stripe is not available locally, this most commonly means forming a US-based company, such as a Single-Member LLC.
The Stripe account is opened in the name of the company—not the individual. Stripe evaluates the business entity, its registration country, and compliance details, rather than the founder’s citizenship or place of residence.
To open a Stripe account as a non-US founder, you typically need:
- a US-registered LLC (most commonly Wyoming or New Mexico)
- an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- a US business bank account
- basic business information and identity verification for the owner
Once these requirements are met, non-US founders can create a Stripe account linked to the US LLC and begin accepting payments from customers worldwide, including card payments, subscriptions, and online invoices.
This setup allows you to run a global online business while remaining based outside the United States,
using Stripe as your primary payment processor despite local country restrictions.
How to use Stripe outside the US
Stripe does not require founders to live in the US, but it does require the business itself to be registered in a country that Stripe supports.
For non-US residents in countries where Stripe is not available locally, the most practical way to use Stripe is by operating through a company registered in a supported jurisdiction, most commonly a US-based LLC.
In this setup, Stripe is used by the company—not by the individual founder. Payments are processed through the US entity, while the business owner can continue living and operating from outside the United States.
This approach allows non-US founders to use Stripe globally, accept international card payments, manage subscriptions, and invoice clients worldwide, even if Stripe is not supported in their country of residence.
Do I need a US bank account for Stripe?
Yes — in most cases, a US bank account is required to use Stripe with a US-based company.
Stripe payouts are sent to a bank account that matches the country where the business is registered, which means a US LLC typically needs a US business bank account.
This requirement is related to payouts, not to where the founder lives.
Non-US residents can operate Stripe through a US LLC while living abroad, as long as the company has a qualifying US bank account linked to the Stripe account.
Many non-US founders successfully open US business bank accounts remotely, either through traditional US banks or fintech providers that support foreign-owned US LLCs.
Once the bank account is connected, Stripe can process payments from customers worldwide and settle funds directly to the US business account, regardless of the founder’s country of residence.
Can a non-US citizen open a US bank account?
Yes — a non-US citizen can open a US bank account, but typically through a US-registered company.
While opening a personal US bank account as a non-resident is difficult, business bank accounts for US LLCs owned by foreign founders are widely supported.
US banks and fintech providers focus on the company, not the owner’s citizenship.
As long as the business is properly registered in the United States and has the required documentation, non-US owners can open and manage a US business bank account while living abroad.
In most cases, opening a US business bank account requires:
- a US LLC
- an EIN
- company formation documents
- identity verification for the owner
Once the account is open, it can be used to receive Stripe payouts and manage international business income, even if the company owner never travels to the United States.
Using Stripe through a US LLC
For non-US residents, using Stripe through a US LLC is primarily about access, flexibility, and long-term business scalability.
When Stripe is not available in a founder’s home country, a US LLC provides a legal and practical way to access Stripe’s payment infrastructure.
While forming a US LLC is not required for every online business, it becomes highly relevant for founders who need to accept international payments, offer subscriptions, invoice global clients, or operate a fully online business using Stripe.
By operating through a US LLC, Stripe is used at the company level rather than personally.
This creates a clear separation between the individual and the business, simplifies payment processing, and aligns with Stripe’s compliance and country eligibility requirements.
The advantages of this setup reflect the most common reasons non-US founders choose a US LLC for Stripe, including global payment acceptance, operational clarity, and the ability to grow an online business beyond local payment limitations.
Can a non-resident start a business in the US?
Yes — non-residents can legally start and own a business in the United States.
US law allows foreign individuals to form and fully own US companies, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), without requiring US citizenship or residency.
This is especially relevant for non-US founders who need access to services like Stripe. By operating through a US LLC, non-residents can use US-based financial and payment platforms that are otherwise unavailable in their home countries.
The business is established and operated at the company level, not personally. This means the LLC can obtain its own EIN, open a US business bank account, and sign up for Stripe independently of the owner’s personal status.
As a result, non-residents can run online businesses globally, while remaining compliant with US regulations and using Stripe as their primary payment processor.
Can I set up an LLC in the US as a foreigner?
Yes — foreigners can set up and fully own a US LLC without being US citizens or residents.
US law allows non-residents to form LLCs remotely, without living in or traveling to the United States. This is one of the main reasons non-US founders use US LLCs to access Stripe.
Once the LLC is formed, it becomes the legal entity that opens the Stripe account, receives payments, and connects to a US business bank account. The LLC operates independently from the owner on a legal and operational level. It can obtain its own EIN, enter contracts, and use Stripe in the company’s name, rather than relying on the founder’s personal details.
For digital businesses and service providers outside the US, setting up a US LLC is often the most straightforward way to use Stripe while remaining compliant with both US and international requirements.
Why Wyoming or New Mexico (Disregarded Entity)
Wyoming and New Mexico are commonly chosen by non-US founders because they offer simple LLC structures that work well with Stripe.
Both states allow foreign owners to form Single-Member LLCs that are treated as disregarded entities for US federal tax purposes. For non-US residents, this structure is especially practical.
A Single-Member LLC classified as a disregarded entity does not pay US federal income tax on non-US-sourced income, while still being fully recognized as a US company eligible to use Stripe.
Wyoming and New Mexico are also known for low administrative burden and flexibility. They do not impose state-level income tax on the LLC itself, and the ongoing compliance requirements are relatively straightforward compared to many other states.
Because of this balance between simplicity, compliance, and Stripe compatibility, these two states are often the preferred choice for non-US founders who want to accept global payments through Stripe without unnecessary complexity.
Can I use Stripe without an SSN?
Yes — it is possible to use Stripe without an SSN, but it depends on how your business is structured.
Stripe may request an SSN when an account is connected to an individual, but this requirement is different when Stripe is used through a properly registered company.
For non-US founders using Stripe through a US LLC, the account is opened in the company’s name, not the individual’s. In these cases, Stripe typically relies on the company’s EIN and identity verification of the owner, rather than requiring a personal US Social Security Number.
This is especially relevant for non-US residents who do not have an SSN. By operating through a US Single-Member LLC, founders can meet Stripe’s compliance requirements without relying on personal US identifiers.
However, Stripe’s verification process can vary depending on the business model and risk profile. In some situations, additional documentation may be requested, but an SSN is not a universal requirement for non-US founders using Stripe through a US company.
Why Stripe asks for SSN
Stripe asks for an SSN as part of its identity verification and compliance requirements.
As a regulated payment processor, Stripe must comply with financial regulations designed to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
When Stripe accounts are connected to individuals, an SSN may be requested to verify the identity of the account holder and confirm who controls the business.
For company-based Stripe accounts, the purpose is different. Stripe uses personal information to identify the beneficial owner or authorized representative of the business, even though the account itself is opened in the company’s name.
For non-US founders using Stripe through a US LLC, this process is focused on transparency and regulatory compliance—not on citizenship or residency. In many cases, Stripe relies on the company’s EIN and alternative identity verification instead of a personal SSN.
When SSN is NOT required
An SSN is typically not required when Stripe is used through a properly structured company.
When a Stripe account is opened in the name of a US LLC, the relationship exists at the company level rather than with the individual founder. In these cases, payments are processed and settled through the business, not the person.
Stripe focuses on the company’s legal existence and uses the LLC’s EIN as the primary tax identifier, rather than relying on a personal US Social Security Number.
For non-US founders, this structure is especially important. It allows Stripe to verify and operate the account based on the business entity while avoiding the need for personal US identifiers that many foreign founders do not have.
This approach reflects how Stripe handles company-based accounts in general, where compliance and verification are tied to the entity and its ownership structure, not solely to an individual SSN.
What happens if I don’t provide SSN
If Stripe requests an SSN and it is not provided, the account may face limitations or delays.
Stripe uses identity information to complete its verification process, and missing required details can prevent the account from being fully activated. For company-based accounts, the outcome depends on the account structure and risk profile.
When Stripe is used through a US LLC, it may be possible to complete verification using the company’s EIN and alternative documentation instead of a personal SSN.
If sufficient information cannot be provided, Stripe may temporarily restrict payouts, pause account activation, or request additional documents to verify ownership and control of the business.
In practice, this means that not providing an SSN does not automatically block Stripe, but the account must still meet Stripe’s compliance requirements through other acceptable forms of verification.
Can I use Stripe without a website?
Yes — it is possible to use Stripe without a traditional website.
Stripe does not strictly require a full public website at the time of account creation, but it does require a clear explanation of how the business operates and how payments will be used.
Many non-US founders use Stripe for digital services, invoicing, or app-based businesses, where payments are collected through invoices, checkout links, platforms, or embedded payment flows rather than a standard marketing website.
What matters most to Stripe is transparency, including a clear description of the product or service, pricing, refund policies, and how customers interact with the business.
In practice, this means that a simple landing page, app, or platform presence is often sufficient, as long as Stripe can understand the business model and verify that it complies with their policies.
What Stripe accepts instead of a website
Stripe does not require a full traditional website, but it does require a clear online presence.
Instead of a website, Stripe may accept other forms of visibility that explain how the business operates and how customers are charged. This can include a simple landing page, an app, a platform profile, or a checkout or invoice flow, as long as the information clearly describes the product or service, pricing, refund policy, and customer journey.
For service-based and digital businesses, Stripe often reviews invoices, payment links, app screenshots, or platform URLs to understand how payments are initiated and fulfilled.
What matters most is clarity and transparency, not the format. If Stripe can verify what is being sold, who the customers are, and how disputes or refunds are handled, a traditional website is not strictly necessary.
Common mistakes to avoid
One of the most common mistakes is assuming Stripe works the same everywhere.
Many non-US founders expect to open and use Stripe in the same way as US residents, without accounting for country restrictions, verification requirements, or supported business structures.
Another frequent issue is incomplete or unclear business information.
Stripe reviews how a business operates, what it sells, and how customers are charged, and vague descriptions or missing details can lead to delays, additional reviews, or account limitations.
Using Stripe without understanding compliance requirements is also a risk. Skipping refund policies, unclear pricing, or inconsistent payment flows can raise red flags during Stripe’s verification or ongoing monitoring process.
Finally, many founders underestimate the importance of structure and preparation. Setting up Stripe before the business entity, banking setup, or documentation is properly aligned often creates friction that could have been avoided with better sequencing.
Stripe fees & payments
Stripe uses a transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing model.
There are no setup fees or monthly subscriptions, and charges are applied only when a payment is successfully processed. For most online card payments, Stripe charges a percentage-based fee plus a fixed amount per transaction.
The exact fees depend on factors such as the customer’s location, payment method, and currency used, with international and currency conversion payments typically carrying slightly higher costs.
Payments are automatically collected and settled to the connected business bank account. For non-US founders using Stripe through a US LLC, payouts are made to the US business account associated with the company, following Stripe’s standard payout schedule.
In practice, this means Stripe scales with your business. Costs increase only as payment volume grows, which makes it suitable for early-stage businesses as well as companies processing payments globally.
How much is the Stripe fee for $100?
For a standard online card payment, Stripe typically charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
On a $100 payment, this means the Stripe fee would usually be $3.20, and the business would receive $96.80.
The exact fee can vary depending on the payment method and customer location. International cards, currency conversion, or alternative payment methods may result in slightly higher total fees.
There are no monthly fees or minimum charges.
Stripe only charges when a payment is successfully processed, which makes costs predictable and directly tied to revenue. In practice, this allows non-US founders to easily estimate processing costs and understand how Stripe fees scale as payment volume grows.
Accepting international payments for digital services
Stripe is designed to support international payments for digital services from the start.
It allows businesses to accept payments from customers around the world using major credit and debit cards, as well as locally preferred payment methods in many regions.
For digital service providers, this means charging clients globally without managing separate payment systems.
Stripe handles currency conversion, localization, and payment processing behind the scenes, allowing businesses to focus on delivering their services rather than payment infrastructure.
Non-US founders using Stripe through a US LLC can bill clients worldwide under a single business entity. This setup simplifies invoicing, subscription billing, and one-time payments for services such as consulting, SaaS, digital products, and online work.
In practice, Stripe makes it possible to scale digital services internationally by providing a unified payment platform that works across borders, currencies, and customer locations.
Typical costs for a non-resident US LLC setup
The costs below are shown to provide transparency and context while you evaluate your options. Final pricing depends on your state selection and which optional services are relevant to your situation. No commitment is required at this stage.
Core service
This service is required to establish a US LLC. All other services are optional and depend on how you plan to use your company.
US LLC Formation
Form a US LLC as a non-resident – fully remote and compliant
$299
Optional services
Not every non-resident needs these services. They depend on how you plan to use your US LLC.
Fintech Account Setup
Open and use a US business account remotely for your LLC
$69
DHL Forwarding
Secure delivery of US business debit cards worldwide
$199
Stripe Account Setup
Stripe preparation and verification for non-resident LLCs
$399
Interactive Brokers Setup
Invest US LLC funds through a corporate brokerage account
$299
Setting up Stripe for a US LLC as a non-US founder
Understand how Stripe works for non-US founders, what’s required to get approved, and how to accept global payments through a US LLC.
Account requirements
Learn which business details and documents Stripe typically requires when opening an account for a US LLC, including company information, ownership structure, and verification requirements.
Eligibility & business structure
Understand who can use Stripe, how non-US ownership is reviewed, and why using a US LLC enables access to Stripe even when it’s not available in your home country.
Stripe account setup explained
Explore how Stripe accounts are configured for US LLCs, how payouts and payment flows work, and what to expect during Stripe’s review and approval process.
Next steps & scaling payments
See how businesses typically start with Stripe, how payment setups evolve over time, and what to prepare as you begin accepting international payments for digital services.
Platforms we use to run US LLCs remotely
We work with established platforms commonly used by non-resident founders to support US LLC operations, payments, and remote business management.
Frequently Asked Questions about US LLCs for nonresidents
Starting and running a US LLC as a non-resident often raises practical and legal questions. Below you’ll find clear answers to the most common concerns around ownership, taxes, residency, and compliance, so you can move forward with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Yes, non-US citizens can use Stripe, but availability depends on the country and business structure. When Stripe is not supported in a founder’s home country, using a US LLC allows non-US founders to legally access Stripe and accept payments.
No, Stripe is not directly available to businesses registered in Serbia. However, Serbian residents can use Stripe by operating through a US LLC, which enables access to Stripe’s payment infrastructure.
Yes, in many cases Stripe can be used without a personal US Social Security Number. For US LLCs owned by non-US founders, Stripe may verify the account using the company’s EIN and business documentation instead of an SSN.
Yes, Stripe does not strictly require a traditional website. Stripe may accept alternative online presence such as a landing page, app, platform profile, checkout links, or invoices, as long as the business model and payment flow are clear.
Yes, Stripe payouts are sent to a bank account that matches the business entity. For a US LLC, this typically means a US fintech business account connected to the company.
Yes, non-US citizens can open and own a US LLC. There is no requirement to be a US resident or citizen to form a US LLC and operate it as a business owner.
Non-US residents typically open a Stripe account by first forming a US LLC, obtaining an EIN, setting up a US business bank account, and then applying for Stripe using the company’s details.