Based on the MANY questions here of “How can I use Shopify Payments as a non-resident”, I believe the answer is; you basically can’t, unless you can provide a real local address (utility bill, rent contract, warehouse, etc). It’s a more recent requirement, but now there’s no way around it
Shopify’s template suggestion is then usually “You need to get set up with a payment provider in your own country”.
But what they don’t answer is; Will Shopify allow that 3rd-party provider to integrate with my store in the country I’m selling to?
In my case, I am a UK citizen (but no UK address) living in Hong Kong, setting up a store in UK. Both HK and UK have Shopify Payments, but as far as I’m aware, HK Shopify Payments won’t integrate with my UK Shopify store to allow me to sell in UK, while UK Shopify Payments won’t accept me without a real UK address. Correct me if I’m wrong on either of these ideas, PLEASE!
So, if Shopify Payments really is a dead end, does anyone know:
a) Of any UK-based 3rd-party providers which don’t require proof of UK residence?, or
b) Whether Shopify will allow my UK store to integrate with a 3rd-party provider from another country (i.e. HK)?
I’m sure the answer to this will apply to so many of the questions before me - not just UK but US as well - so, many thanks in advance to the Shopify Team if they can answer it.
You’re right about the fact that Shopify Payments as a non-resident typically not possible without local proof of address.Some global providers like PayPal may offer solutions without stringent residency requirements. You can integrate these with your UK Shopify store from Hong Kong.
However, you should reach out to payment providers and Shopify support for tailored advice.
But I have a question about entering information for Shopify Payments, which I find a bit weird:
It actually allows me to input separate Director residence details (Hong Kong) - phone, address, country - different from my registered business details (UK). It’s only when I try to hit the Save button, nothing happens. It only completes the save if the two countries are the same.
Shouldn’t it provide some warning of the problem? e.g. “Your residential details must match that of your bsuiness”
Shopify Payments Requirements (UK):- Must have a UK address
Proof of identity (UK ID/passport)
Proof of UK business presence (utility bill, lease, etc.)
Without these, Shopify Payments UK will deny access, even if you’re a UK citizen living abroad.
Shopify Payments from another country (e.g., HK) for a UK store:- Shopify does not allow you to connect Shopify Payments from one region (e.g., Hong Kong) to a store set in another (e.g., United Kingdom).
So your HK-based Shopify Payments account can’t be used on a UK store.
What can you do instead?
Use a third-party payment provider that doesn’t require UK residency.
One great solution is:
Instant withdrawals (no long payout holds like Shopify Payments)
Accepts cards & alternative methods
Supports global founders with UK LTDs
To answer your questions directly:
a) Yes — WallidPay is a UK-compliant provider that doesn’t require UK residency.
b) Yes — Shopify allows third-party gateways to be used regardless of your personal residence, as long as they are Shopify-compatible and approved for your store’s location.
I’m not sure that’s entirely true - at least, according to the documentation. For Shopify to accept the Stripe account as payment gateway, it must be set up in the same country as your business operates.
However, I just tried and was able to open a UK Stripe account using my registered UK office address, even though the “responsible person’s” residential address was Hong Kong. In the past I had to provide a UK utility bill as proof of address.
