Stripe in Ukraine: how to connect, register and accept payments from all over the world
Doing international business from Ukraine today is not easy: banks request dozens of documents, may require personal presence abroad, and are too picky about the origin of funds. That is why entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to international payment services that allow them to work faster and without unnecessary bureaucracy. Stripe has already become the world leader in online payments, and although it is not officially available in Ukraine yet, there are legal ways to connect this service and accept payments from all over the world. In the article, I will explain in detail how Stripe works, what alternatives there are, and what connection options are actually available to Ukrainian businesses right now.
Running international business from Ukraine today is far from simple. When opening an account, banks often impose dozens of requirements — from explaining the origin of funds to being physically present in another country. That is why entrepreneurs increasingly look toward international payment services. Not only PayPal, Payoneer or Wise help conduct business without unnecessary bureaucracy — there is also another service that has recently gained attention and expectations — Stripe. Although the service is not yet officially available in Ukraine, there are already legal ways to connect it.
What is Stripe?
Stripe is an international payment platform that allows companies around the world to accept online payments, process transactions and manage finances.
Stripe supports more than 135 currencies and operates in 46 countries, and among its clients are global giants such as Google, Amazon, Netflix and Shopify. For Ukrainian businesses, this would be a real breakthrough: the service allows accepting card payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay, setting up subscriptions, billing, and thanks to the new Global Payment Links feature, receiving payments even without website integration. You simply provide a client with a unique link — and the money arrives literally in one click.
The main point: unfortunately, Stripe still does not officially operate in Ukraine. Negotiations are underway with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the National Bank of Ukraine and even Visa, but so far without results. To connect Stripe, you need to register a company abroad and open a bank account there. We can help you register a company in the USA, Poland or another country, assist with opening a bank account and then support the registration and verification process in Stripe. We also help with accounting and all legal matters.
Ukrainian entrepreneurs can already feel the difference when working with Payoneer or PayPal, but Stripe would provide even broader access to global marketplaces and speed up international transfers.
Stripe is not just “another payment service.” It is a global tool convenient for large companies, startups, online stores and freelancers.
You can integrate Stripe via API into your website or app, as businesses do worldwide, or work through simple payment links — without extra “technical magic.”
Alternatives to Stripe: what already works for Ukrainians
If Stripe doesn’t suit you yet or you’re not ready to register a company abroad, there’s no need to worry — there are plenty of alternatives.
| Service | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Payoneer | Receiving payments from international partners, debit card available | Not suitable for on-site e-commerce |
| PayPal | Popular among EU/US clients, easy transfers between users | Business account available only through a foreign company |
| Wise | Multi-currency accounts, convenient currency exchange | Does not support website payment integration |
For those working with Ukrainian or neighboring markets, services like Lokalpay, FONDY, or WayForPay are an excellent fit. They allow accepting payments in hryvnia and even in foreign currencies. These platforms work well for local businesses, but if you aim for the global market, they may be less flexible than Stripe.
Why Stripe is so popular and convenient
1. Stripe is very easy to integrate
Even if you are not a tech specialist, thanks to clear documentation and ready-made modules, you can quickly connect Stripe to your website or application. This is a real advantage for entrepreneurs who value their time.
3. Wide functionality
Stripe is not only about accepting payments. It offers detailed analytics, integration with various marketplaces and CRM systems, and even subscription support. This means you can manage your business globally, having all the necessary tools at hand.
2. Stripe ensures a high level of security
All payments go through reliable encryption systems, and your customers’ data is protected by international standards. This means less risk for you and peace of mind for your money.
4. Stripe supports modern payment methods
Bank cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, as well as local payment methods in various countries. Thanks to these advantages, Stripe has long been the number one choice for startups, online stores, and even giants like Google or Amazon.
Is Stripe available in Ukraine?
For entrepreneurs in Ukraine, Stripe is a real opportunity to work with clients worldwide, accept payments in different currencies, and expand their business. This is especially important for freelancers and those who work remotely with foreign clients. After all, the question of how to receive payments for projects without excessive fees or complicated schemes is still relevant.
However, there is still one nuance:
Stripe does not yet officially operate with Ukrainian companies. Therefore, to connect Stripe you often need alternative solutions.
How to connect Stripe from Ukraine
Option 1 – register a company in another country
You need to register a company in one of the countries where Stripe officially operates. The most popular options for Ukrainians are the USA, Estonia or the United Kingdom.
For example, you can open an LLC in the USA even remotely, and Stripe operates there 100%. Estonia offers the e-Residency program, which allows registering a company online and also connecting Stripe. Next, you open a corporate bank account for your company. This can be a traditional bank or a payment system such as Wise, Mercury, Airwallex or Paysera. You connect your Stripe merchant account to this bank account — and after that, Stripe will accept payments from all over the world. Simple and convenient.
BUT PAY ATTENTION! When choosing a country for company registration, it’s important to consider several factors:
- How easy and fast it is to register a company
- Which taxes you will need to pay
- How convenient it is to receive money on the account
- How much time and effort the paperwork will take
These points will help you find the optimal solution for your specific business.
Option 2 – the Stripe Atlas program
Stripe Atlas is a global initiative covering more than 140 countries, including Ukraine. This means you can legally create a company in the USA without leaving Ukraine and accept international payments through Stripe.
How does it work?
- You submit an application through Stripe Atlas.
- You pay a one-time fee of $500, and then only $100 annually for maintenance. Other costs are standard Stripe fees depending on your turnover and type of business.
Atlas helps you with everything necessary:
- registers a company in the state of Delaware (USA),
- covers government filing fees,
- registers your business with the tax authorities,
- prepares all required documents for fully legal operation.
The key point – you get a real American business with a bank account connected to Stripe. This allows you to accept payments from anywhere in the world, and clients will see your company as a US-based business.
However, keep in mind: until Stripe officially launches in Ukraine, this is the only fully legal and reliable way to work with the platform without risks or limitations.
The Atlas program operates according to US legislation, enabling you to freely create, develop and scale your business in the global market. So if you dream of using Stripe for your international clients, consider this option. Moreover, opening a business in the USA has become accessible for everyone today — regardless of the scale or industry of activity.
How to register in Stripe: step-by-step instructions
1. Prepare your documents and information
To create an account, you will need:
- a foreign passport or another ID with Latin characters (an ID-card is acceptable if the data is clearly readable);
- a verified physical address in a country where Stripe is officially available (USA, Canada, EU). The owner’s address may remain Ukrainian;
- a corporate bank account in the appropriate jurisdiction. The most convenient option is a Payoneer account with Global Payments details;
- company registration documents (for example, from the USA, the UK or Estonia).
2. Choose the jurisdiction for your company
Ukraine is not yet on the list of supported countries. Therefore, you must register a business in a jurisdiction where Stripe operates. The current list is available here: stripe.com/global.
The most popular options for Ukrainians are the USA, the United Kingdom and Estonia.
3. Create a Stripe account
- go to the Stripe website and fill out the registration form;
- enter accurate information about the company and its owner;
- upload documents that confirm your identity and business registration.
4. Complete verification
Stripe will review your information, documents and bank account. This may take from several hours to a few days.
5. Get access to payments
After successful verification, you will be able to accept payments from clients worldwide.
Stripe account registration
Once you’ve chosen the country for registration, the next step is creating your Stripe account. The process looks like this:
1. Go to the Stripe website
Click the “Start now” or “Sign up” button to begin the registration process.
2. Enter your email address
Use an active email address — all confirmations and future notifications from Stripe will be sent there.
3. Fill in your business details
In the Business details section, provide:
- the official company name;
- address;
- phone number (can be Ukrainian);
- company tax number;
- a short description of your activity (which does not violate Stripe’s policy).
Unlike PayPal, Stripe does not require the phone number to match the country of company registration.
4. Add the owners’ information
You will need: full name, date of birth, residential address, citizenship and copies of documents (passport or ID-card).
5. Enter your bank account details
Stripe will ask for payout information: Routing Number, IBAN, or SWIFT/BIC (depending on the country).
6. Be careful with your data
Even a small mistake in the company name or address may cause verification issues. Stripe conducts thorough account checks.
7. Verify your account
After registration you must:
- confirm your email;
- complete identity verification;
- if requested, provide additional documents (such as company registration papers according to KYC policy).
Main difficulties when connecting Stripe and how to solve them
If you still decide to work with Stripe, you may encounter certain obstacles. Let’s look at the most common ones and how to overcome them:
Lack of direct support for Ukrainian companies
Since Stripe is still not officially available in Ukraine, you must register a business in a country where the service operates and open a corporate bank account there.
Account verification
The system may request additional documents to verify the real existence of the company. To avoid delays, prepare in advance: statutory documents, lease agreements, bank statements and other proof of business activity.
Temporary freezing of funds
In case of sudden payment fluctuations or data inconsistencies, Stripe may temporarily hold transactions. To reduce the risk, ensure transparency: clear product or service descriptions on your website, accurate contact details and correct business information.
If you face similar difficulties, it’s worth consulting specialists who can help you follow the platform’s rules and minimize the risk of account blocking. Or consider choosing alternative payment systems.
Conclusion
Stripe is a tool that opens access to global markets, enables working with clients worldwide, and significantly simplifies processes that banks usually complicate with bureaucracy. Although the service has not yet launched officially in Ukraine, there are already real ways to connect it today.
Legal ways to connect Stripe:
- Registering a company abroad (USA, Estonia, United Kingdom) + a corporate bank account.
- The Stripe Atlas program – opening a company in the USA remotely with full legal support.
It is important to take into account taxes, the convenience of receiving funds, and the costs of maintaining a company abroad.
If you have any questions — contact specialists. This will help you avoid mistakes and financial risks.
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