Stripe is a leading payment gateway used by businesses worldwide for its ease of use, robust security, and global reach. However, access to Stripe varies based on your location, as it is only available in certain countries. This guide provides a detailed overview of Stripe’s supported and non-supported countries, offering solutions for businesses in unsupported regions to legally access Stripe’s services.
1. Stripe-Supported Countries in 2025
As of 2025, Stripe is available in a growing number of countries, enabling seamless payment processing for businesses in these regions.
a. Full List of Stripe-Supported Countries
Here is the complete list of Stripe-supported countries:
- North America:
United States, Canada, Mexico. - Europe:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. - Asia-Pacific:
Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand. - Latin America:
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru. - Middle East:
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar. - Africa:
South Africa, Egypt.
b. Benefits of Being in a Stripe-Supported Country
- Seamless Integration: Businesses can create accounts with ease using local banking and tax details.
- Multi-Currency Support: Accept payments in multiple currencies with automatic conversion.
- Compliance: Stripe handles tax and regulatory requirements for the local market.
2. Non-Supported Countries
Stripe is unavailable in several countries due to regulatory restrictions or insufficient infrastructure. Commonly unsupported regions include:
- Asia: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal.
- Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Algeria, Morocco.
- Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen.
- Europe: Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine (partially supported due to restrictions).
- Latin America: Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia.
Challenges for Businesses in Non-Supported Countries
- No Direct Access: Businesses cannot register Stripe accounts directly.
- Limited Alternatives: Local payment gateways may lack Stripe’s features.
- Regulatory Barriers: Stringent local laws restrict access to global platforms.
3. Legal Solutions for Accessing Stripe in Non-Supported Countries
Businesses in unsupported regions can still legally access Stripe by establishing a presence in a supported country. Here’s how:
a. Register a Business in a Stripe-Supported Country
- Choose the Right Location:
- For U.S.-based Stripe accounts: Register an LLC in states like Delaware or Wyoming.
- For UK-based Stripe accounts: Register a Ltd. company through Companies House.
- Obtain a Tax ID:
- U.S.: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) via the IRS.
- UK: Register for VAT with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
- Set Up a Business Address:
- Use virtual address services like Regus or Servcorp to meet local requirements.
b. Open a Business Bank Account
A business bank account in a supported country is required to receive Stripe payouts. Options include:
- Mercury (U.S.): A digital banking solution ideal for non-residents with U.S.-based LLCs.
- Wise: Offers multi-currency accounts for global businesses.
- Payoneer: Provides virtual accounts for receiving payments in multiple regions.
c. Create and Verify Your Stripe Account
- Sign Up:
- Use the business details from your registered entity in a supported country.
- Upload Documentation:
- Provide proof of business registration, tax ID, and banking details.
- Complete Verification:
- Submit personal identification (passport or driver’s license) and comply with Stripe’s KYC regulations.
4. Alternatives to Stripe for Non-Supported Countries
If establishing a business in a Stripe-supported region is not feasible, consider these trusted alternatives:
a. PayPal
- Features: Global reach, ease of use, and support for freelancers and small businesses.
- Best For: Accepting international payments.
b. 2Checkout (Verifone)
- Features: Recurring billing, global support, and advanced fraud protection.
- Best For: SaaS and e-commerce businesses.
c. Flutterwave
- Features: Designed for African businesses with mobile money integration.
- Best For: Cross-border payments in Africa.
d. Payoneer
- Features: Multi-currency accounts and marketplace integration.
- Best For: Freelancers and remote teams.
5. Benefits of Legally Accessing Stripe
Choosing legal methods to access Stripe ensures long-term business success and compliance with regulations:
- Global Payment Processing: Accept payments from customers worldwide in multiple currencies.
- Advanced Features: Leverage Stripe’s tools for subscription billing, fraud detection, and analytics.
- Compliance: Avoid legal risks and account suspensions.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in a Stripe-supported country or navigating challenges from an unsupported region, accessing Stripe legally is both achievable and beneficial. By registering a business in a supported country or exploring trusted alternatives, you can unlock the full potential of global e-commerce. Use this guide to make informed decisions and scale your business confidently in 2025.