Stripe in Colombia
UnavailableHow to Get Stripe in Colombia with a US LLC
Stripe does not support Colombia. The proven workaround used by thousands of Latin American founders: form a US LLC, get a US bank account, and sign up for Stripe with your US business credentials.
Quick Answer
Stripe is not available in Colombia. Colombian entrepreneurs can access Stripe by forming a US LLC ($599), obtaining an EIN (Tax ID), and opening a US business bank account. The entire process takes 4-6 weeks and is done 100% online from Colombia.
Is Stripe Available in Colombia?
No. Stripe has never supported Colombia as a business country. Despite Colombia's growing tech ecosystem and startup scene, Stripe has not expanded to the Colombian market. Colombian entrepreneurs cannot create a Stripe account with a Colombian address, cedula, or local bank account.
Colombia has its own payment processors like PayU, Mercado Pago, and Bold, but none match Stripe's developer tools, international reach, or subscription billing capabilities. For Colombian SaaS founders, e-commerce sellers, and tech companies targeting international markets, a US LLC with Stripe remains the standard approach.
The workaround is straightforward: form a US LLC (Wyoming is most popular), get an EIN, open a US bank account, and register for Stripe with your US business credentials.
Last verified: 2026-03-31
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Access Stripe from Colombia
Form a US LLC and use your US business credentials to open a Stripe account. StartGlobal handles the first three steps.
Form a US LLC from Colombia
Register a Wyoming or Delaware LLC through StartGlobal. The process is 100% remote and takes 3-7 business days. You do not need a US visa or SSN.
Learn moreGet an EIN (Tax ID)
We apply for your Employer Identification Number with the IRS. No SSN required. Your EIN is typically issued within 2-4 weeks.
Open a US business bank account
Open a Mercury or Relay bank account online using your LLC documents and EIN. No US visit required. Most accounts are approved within 1-2 weeks.
Sign up for Stripe with your US LLC
Create a Stripe account at stripe.com using your LLC name, EIN, US registered agent address, and US bank account. Verification typically takes 1-2 business days.
Start accepting payments globally
Accept credit cards, debit cards, and 135+ currencies. Transfer funds to Colombia via Wise for competitive COP conversion rates.
Requirements
What Colombian Founders Need for Stripe
Valid Passport
Your Colombia passport for identity verification during LLC formation and bank account setup.
US LLC
A registered US LLC in any state. Wyoming is recommended for international founders due to low fees and strong privacy.
EIN (Tax ID)
An Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This is your business tax ID, required for banking and payment platforms.
US Business Bank Account
A US bank account connected to your LLC. Mercury is the most popular choice for non-resident founders.
Colombian Cedula or Passport
Your cedula de ciudadania or Colombian passport for identity verification during the Stripe onboarding process.
Comparison
Stripe Alternatives in Colombia vs. US LLC
PayU
Available in Colombia but focused on the domestic market. Limited international payment support, fewer developer tools, and no subscription billing comparable to Stripe Billing.
Mercado Pago
Primarily for Mercado Libre marketplace. Limited standalone payment processing, COP-focused, and not suitable for international SaaS or global e-commerce.
Bold
Colombian payment processor for POS and online payments. COP only, domestic market focus, limited API capabilities compared to Stripe.
Payoneer
Available for receiving international payments but no storefront integration, no subscription billing, higher fees, and limited payment methods compared to Stripe.
US LLC + Stripe
A US LLC with Stripe gives you the full Stripe ecosystem: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, 135+ currency support, Stripe Billing for subscriptions, Stripe Connect for marketplaces, and the complete developer API. Ideal for Colombian founders selling internationally.
Common Concerns
Questions Colombian founders ask about Stripe
Is Stripe really unavailable in Colombia?
Yes. Stripe does not support Colombia as a business country. You cannot create a Stripe account with a Colombia address or bank account. A US LLC is the legitimate workaround used by thousands of founders worldwide.
Is it legal for Colombian citizens to own a US LLC?
Yes. US LLCs are open to non-citizens and non-residents from Colombia. You do not need a US visa, Green Card, or Social Security Number. This is a standard business structure used by international entrepreneurs.
What is the total cost?
StartGlobal charges $599 for LLC formation, which includes registered agent (1st year), EIN application, and bank account setup assistance. There are no hidden fees. Ongoing costs are the state annual report ($50-60/year) and registered agent renewal.
How long does the entire process take?
From Colombia, the typical timeline is: LLC formation (3-7 business days), EIN (2-4 weeks), bank account (1-2 weeks). Most founders are fully operational within 4-6 weeks.
Simple Pricing
One price. Everything included.
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Just everything you need to start.
What's included
- LLC Formation (any state)
- Registered Agent (1st year free)
- EIN / Federal Tax ID
- Business Bank Account Setup
100% Refund Guarantee
Not satisfied? Get a full refund, no questions asked.
Accuracy Guaranteed
If we make an error, we'll fix it at no cost.
24-Hour Response
Our support team responds within 24 hours.
Everything you need to form your LLC and start your business.
After the first year, registered agent service is $99/year. Annual compliance starts at $299/year.
FAQ
Stripe in Colombia: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Colombian founders need to know about accessing Stripe
Yes. With a US LLC and Stripe account, you can accept payments from customers in any country, including Colombia. Stripe supports COP pricing and Colombian credit cards. Your funds are deposited to your US bank account.
Stripe deposits to your US bank account (Mercury, Relay, etc.). Transfer to Colombia using Wise (best COP rates), direct wire transfer, or services like Remitly. Transfers typically take 1-3 business days.
Yes. As a Colombian tax resident, you must report worldwide income to the DIAN (Direccion de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales). The US-Colombia tax treaty helps prevent double taxation. Consult a Colombian tax professional for specific guidance.
Not directly. Stripe does not support Colombia as a business country. However, Colombian founders can access Stripe by forming a US LLC, which gives them a legitimate US business entity to open an account with.
Yes. Forming a US LLC is a legitimate business practice used by international entrepreneurs worldwide. Your US LLC is a real US business entity, and Stripe accounts opened with valid US LLC credentials are fully compliant with their terms of service.
The typical timeline is 4-6 weeks: LLC formation (3-7 business days), EIN (2-4 weeks), bank account (1-2 weeks), then Stripe signup (1-2 business days). StartGlobal handles steps 1-3, then you sign up for Stripe directly.
Stripe typically requires your LLC Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation letter (IRS Letter 147C or CP575), operating agreement, and a US bank account. All of these are included in the StartGlobal formation package.
Form Your US LLC from Colombia
Get access to Stripe, US banking, and global payment processing. Join thousands of Colombian entrepreneurs who trust StartGlobal.
Get Started for $599