Problem: Shopify Payments for US non-residents

Payments + Shipping & Fulfilment

Topic summary

Non‑US resident without a Social Security Number wants to enable Shopify Payments for a US‑targeted dropshipping store but is blocked at activation.

Proposed workaround steps:

  • Form a US LLC (limited liability company) and obtain an EIN (tax ID)
  • Get a US business address via iPostal1
  • Open a US bank account tied to the LLC
  • Unsure if proof of “physical activity” at the US address is required

Asks for confirmation that this setup works and specifically whether step #4 is necessary. Expresses concern about the complexity and viability for non‑residents.

No answers or decisions yet; key questions remain open and the thread is unresolved.

Summarized with AI on December 15. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hi! I’m not a US-resident and wants to start dropshipping targeting US customers. Basically, I don’t have SSN. I’m stuck with activating Shopify Payments for my store. I found out that there is another way:

  1. Form a US LLC and get EIN from that

  2. Get a business address from iPostal1

  3. Open a US bank account using the LLC

  4. There must be a physical activity going on in my US business address (not sure what proof would that be)

Can someone confirm? Is number 4 really necessary? Why does this have to be so complicated? I know it’s for the regulatory purposes or such, but didn’t expect it to be this hard. I was excited to start but now kind of down that this might be not viable for me.

TYIA :folded_hands:t2: