Can I use a virtual address for Shopify payments in the UK?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A UK-based user is planning to register a limited company using a virtual address and wants to know if Shopify will require physical mail verification or proof of address for Shopify Payments.

Key Concerns:

  • Initial virtual address service only accepts “statutory mail” (government correspondence), not business mail from Shopify or customers
  • Uncertainty about what documentation Shopify requires to verify a virtual business address
  • Found an alternative provider offering only payment receipts as proof of address

Guidance Provided:

  • Virtual addresses should typically support all business activities, including receiving business correspondence
  • Company incorporation documents listing the virtual address can serve as proof
  • Rental agreements or contracts with virtual address providers may be acceptable documentation
  • Physical mail received at the virtual address could be used for verification

Related Issue:
Another user reported Shopify requiring businesses to have “operations on Portugal soil” for dropshipping to the USA with a Portugal LLC, despite having virtual address proof, bank statements, and residence certificates.

The discussion remains open with no definitive answer about Shopify’s specific address verification requirements. One response promotes WallidPay as an alternative payment gateway.

Summarized with AI on October 28. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I am in the UK.

I will register a limited Company in Companies House and use a virtual Address for it.

There is a company which offers virtual addresses that can be used as the Registered address on Companies House.

However, they are saying, for that service, i can only receive government mail to that address.

Nothing from shopify or Customers.

So now if i use that virtual address as my Business address here in shopify.

and also use that for shopify payments.

will shopify send a letter to that virtual address to verify?

or will they ask me for any proof of address or something?

i just wanna clarify before i actually buy that virtual address.

2

If you pay for virtual address to register your company and conduct business activities, then you should receive business mails or letters. Virtual Address service is mainly provided by private entities. Why should it be limited to only Government mail?

You should explore other options which allow to conduct all necessary business activities without any restriction including but not limited to company incorporation.

3

That particular service provider is called “London office”.

they said only “statutory mail” can be sent to that address.

I will explore other companies offers.

but once I have an address and they allow all types of business mail , how can I prove that address to shopify. I wouldn’t have any letters with that address on

4

  1. Statutory mail could be of your company as well because the company itself is a legal entity.

    1. A virtual address doesn’t mean that it has no physical existence. A virtual address/office is what you rent out on a monthly or yearly basis. You may be required to make a rent agreement or a contract with the company that offers virtual addresses.

    After you sign up for a virtual address service, then you should be able to receive physical mail or letters to that particular address. Those letters or emails along with your company registered office address and documents could be used as proofs and submitted to Shopify if they ask you for such documents and details. In your company incorporation document, you will have the official address of the company which is a virtual address.

    Please do let me know if I could be more helpful to you.

    Best Regards
    Shubham Kumar

5

Hi

I found a company now which provides addresses for shopify users. But they are telling me that the only proof of address they provide will be my payment receipt. Can you tell me if this will be enough proof for Shopify or will they ask me for something else?

6

Hello Shubham,

I have a shopify store for dropshipping to USA and created an LLC company in Portugal. I was told that by shopify chat representative that the business should have operations of Portugal soil whereas I know many people who are dropshipping to USA with Portugal LLC company. I have all the proofs of virtual business address with mail and letters received on business name. Also I have all the other documents too like the business bank statement, residence certificate which is under 3 months old. Please tell me are all these documents insufficient or has the shopify dropshipping policies changed ? Thank you.

7

For a smoother payment processing experience, especially if you’re facing challenges with Shopify Payments, I highly recommend WallidPay. WallidPay is an excellent payment gateway that provides flexible solutions, which is particularly beneficial if you’re dealing with address verification issues or payment holds, common with services like Shopify Payments.

One of the standout features of WallidPay is instant withdrawals, meaning you don’t have to wait for lengthy payout delays or complicated processes. This makes it a great alternative for businesses looking to streamline their operations and ensure faster access to funds.

Additionally, WallidPay can be integrated with Shopify, providing a seamless checkout experience for your customers while ensuring a smooth transaction flow without the typical issues associated with other payment providers.

You can explore WallidPay here: [https://apps.shopify.com/wallidpay\](https://apps.shopify.com/wallidpay\).
https://wallid.co

It’s a reliable and efficient choice for businesses in need of a hassle-free payment gateway that ensures more flexibility and faster payments, allowing you to focus more on growing your business.