Can a non-resident sell in the USA using ecommerce?

[Ralf-L]

I have a question about opening an ecommerce through Shopify. I have no American address or documents.
My target audience will be mainly USA and Canada.
Does my Shopify account need to be in the USA (in the Store details settings) in Billing information?

If so, do I need a US LLC, address and bank account?

[Lee-Strong-SEO · Accepted solution]

You can set up a Shopify store targeting the USA and Canada without being based there or having an American address or documents. Shopify is used by merchants globally, and your account does not need to be registered in the USA in your store details or billing information. You do not require a US LLC, address, or bank account to start. Just ensure you have a reliable shipping strategy in place to deliver your products promptly to your customers in North America. Once your store is set up, focus on marketing to your target audience.

Happy selling!

[m0nsef]

and what about payment methods 

[bluish]

@Lee-Strong-SEO, I have set up shopify, I tried checking out but it only allows local addresses not US. I found throught the help page, that I need to change my region from local to US, but it requires Sales Tax ID. How do I get it a US Sales Tax ID when I am non-US? Thanks!

[Shay]

Hi @bluish 

Customers ability to check out is dependent on the settings you have in your store. Any Shopify account can ship internationally, you just need to set up your shipping rates and zones appropriately. 

Your business address should be wherever your business is officially located, that is usually going to be the country you are currently located in. You can then set up your shipping zones and rates to ensure customers can check out. Our authenticated chat support would be happy to help you set that up if you need further assistance. To access our authenticated support, please follow this link: Shopify Help Center. 

[Midson_Kunal]

and what about the tax obligations, do we need any sales tax number and any other thing and have to pay taxes in US??

[pabi198]

hi, @Ralf-L 

Setting Up Your Shopify Shop in America and Canada even if You Are Not a Resident
Great news—you can sell to the USA and Canada via Shopify even when you’re not living there, and do so without having to possess or use an American address or documents for anything.

With Shopify being a global hub, one is able to establish their shops anywhere with ease and target the North American population. So what’s the first step?

Don't Worry If You Don't Have US Docs: Just enter your email and particulars of origin — you will not have to identify yourself as American. You can operate your store while intending to sell in the USA/Canada from Pakistan (or wherever you are located).
Target North America: Utilize the Shopify Markets so that you can adjust the pricing at USD or CAD in your store and make it local for them- it does not matter about your customer location!
Store Settings: Under "store details," indicate that your home country is where the business is situated but not in the US—Shopify requires the US to be included there only if you operate it physically inside US territory (such as sending goods from US warehouse).

Payments and Legal Stuff – What’s Needed (or Not)
Starting out doesn’t require a US LLC, address, or bank account but let’s talk through some details about payments and growth:
You Don’t Need US LLC: Begin just like a sole proprietor from your native land; you’ll require United States legal entity if only there is need of Shopify Payments in US or going for larger future setup.
Choice of Address: At present, use address in your home nation; you don’t have to possess any in the US unless some payment gateway insists on it (then an online US mailing address might suffice).
Banks Available: Connect local bank via PayPal or Stripe (if those are usable at home) — no need of US account! Although for Shopify Payments in US you would normally require an LLC, EIN, and American bank but it can be avoided by using other third party gateways.
To Solve Shipping Problem Just Use Easy Solutions Available: Simply go for dropshipping or get a fulfilment partner who ships across North America!
Make sure that you put your home country as the billing information country setting of the store, get a . com domain, and start selling using PayPal.