How to Set Up Stripe with a US LLC (Non-Resident Guide)

For most non-US founders, "get a US LLC" really means "get Stripe." If Stripe doesn't support businesses in your country — or supports them with limits — a US LLC is the clean, legitimate path to a full Stripe account. Here's the exact setup.

What Stripe needs from you

Stripe US onboards US businesses. To register as one, you need three things:

• A US LLC (your legal entity)
• An EIN (your business tax ID)
• A US bank account for payouts

You do not need US citizenship, residency, or an SSN. As a non-resident owner you provide your own passport/ID and foreign address as the business owner during Stripe's identity verification.

Step 1 — Form your LLC and get the EIN

Set up the US LLC and obtain your EIN. Stripe asks for the EIN during signup, so you need it in hand first.

Step 2 — Open a US bank account

Stripe pays out to a US bank account. Open one remotely with Mercury, Relay, or Wise Business — see the US banking guide. Have the account details ready before you finish Stripe onboarding.

Step 3 — Create the Stripe account

Sign up at Stripe, choose United States as the country, and enter your LLC's legal name, EIN, and US registered-agent/business address. For the representative, use your real details and passport. Connect your US bank account for payouts, and complete Stripe's identity verification.

Common reasons Stripe holds an account

• Mismatched details — the legal name and EIN must match your IRS records exactly.
• No real website — Stripe wants to see what you're selling; have a live site with clear products, pricing, and policies.
• Using a personal bank — always connect the LLC's US business account, not a personal or foreign one.

Get the foundation right

Stripe works when the LLC, EIN, and bank line up cleanly. Form your US LLC with the EIN and documents handled, and you'll have everything Stripe asks for. Selling online? See also our guide to dropshipping with a US LLC.