How to Set Up a US LLC & Stripe from South Africa |
Want to sell digital products globally and accept payments in US dollars, pounds or euros? Here’s how I approached one of the biggest challenges facing South African online entrepreneurs.
As the founder of Modern Web Presence, a South African digital agency, I’ve spent years helping businesses grow online.
But recently, I decided to take another exciting step in my own entrepreneurial journey.
I wanted to establish a business structure that would allow me to sell digital products internationally, reach customers around the world and use payment platforms such as Stripe.
There was just one challenge.
Stripe doesn’t currently support businesses registered solely in South Africa for standard direct account creation.
So I started exploring an alternative: establishing my own US Limited Liability Company (LLC).
And after going through the process myself, I realised something.
There must be thousands of entrepreneurs in South Africa and other countries who would love to explore this opportunity but simply don’t know where to start.
That’s why I created the Geo Arbitrage Playbook.
Geo arbitrage is the concept of taking advantage of opportunities across different geographical markets.
For online entrepreneurs, this might mean operating from South Africa while selling digital products and services to customers in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and beyond.
Imagine creating a digital product once and making it available to customers around the world.
Your business operates online, your customers can purchase internationally, and you have the potential to generate revenue in different currencies.
Of course, success still depends on having a valuable product, finding customers and managing your business effectively.
I decided to go through the process myself instead of simply reading about it.
Here are the main steps I followed.
I used Privatily, an online service that helps entrepreneurs with US company formation.
I selected New Mexico as my preferred state and followed the registration process.
After completing the required steps, I received my LLC formation documents.
The next step was obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
An EIN is a federal tax identification number used for various US business and tax purposes.
For my setup, it was an important part of preparing to apply for business banking.
Once my company documentation was in place, I explored international banking solutions.
Two services worth investigating are Mercury and Wise.
I chose Mercury for my business setup and particularly liked its online banking experience, app and payment card functionality.
Eligibility and approval requirements vary, so entrepreneurs should check each provider’s current policies before applying.
This was one of the most important parts of my journey.
Stripe is a leading online payment platform that enables eligible businesses to accept payments from customers around the world.
I worked through Privatily’s assistance process to establish my Stripe setup using my US business information.
An important point: having a US LLC doesn’t automatically guarantee Stripe approval. Stripe independently verifies businesses and their owners.
With my international business setup in place, I could focus on something I’m passionate about — creating and selling digital products.
And that brings me to my latest launch!
I’ve taken the steps I personally followed and turned them into a simple, affordable digital guide.
The Geo Arbitrage Playbook is designed for entrepreneurs who want to explore establishing a US business structure and selling digital products internationally.
Inside the guide, you’ll discover:
The guide is based on my personal experience, with practical tips to help you understand the process before getting started.
And the best part? It’s only $7!
The Geo Arbitrage Playbook is officially LIVE on Whop!
BUY THE GEO ARBITRAGE PLAYBOOK — JUST $7
I’ve always believed that entrepreneurship is about finding opportunities, learning new skills and sharing knowledge.
Having built Modern Web Presence over many years, I know that getting started can often be the hardest part.
Sometimes all you need is someone who has already walked the road to show you where to begin.
That’s exactly what I hope this guide will do.
Whether you’re a freelancer, digital creator, consultant, marketer or aspiring online entrepreneur, the global marketplace offers exciting possibilities.
You don’t necessarily need to relocate to another country to explore international business opportunities.
You need the right information, a suitable business structure, a product people want and the determination to get started.
Think Global. Build Digital. Create Opportunities.
Modern Web Presence — Helping Entrepreneurs Grow Beyond Borders.
Important information: This article and guide are educational and reflect my personal experience. LLC formation, banking, Stripe approval and international selling are subject to eligibility, verification, legal and tax requirements. Establishing a US LLC can create US filing obligations even if you live elsewhere. Some recommended links may be affiliate links, meaning Modern Web Presence may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
