Payment Gateways

US PayPal Setup for Non-Residents

Operate a legitimate US PayPal business account to accept global payments and run your e-commerce store with zero geo-restrictions.

Things Needed For US PayPal:
US Company + EIN
ITIN of LLC owner
US Phone Number
Working US Address
Working Website and Fully compliant with PayPal Policies

Setting up a US PayPal account as a non-resident requires precise setup to ensure you remain fully compliant and avoid unexpected fund holds. The single most important requirement is an ITIN number. Apply for your ITIN here if you don't have one yet.

Questions & Answers:

Q. What to enter when PayPal asks for SSN?

A. You need to enter the ITIN of the LLC owner.

Q. Should I sign up for business PayPal account or personal?

A. For the US, your LLC is the main entity and representative, so you should only open a Business PayPal account.

Q. I do not have an ITIN number right now. Can I still open it?

A. ITIN is mandatory to open a US PayPal account. If you want to apply for an ITIN, contact our team or purchase our ITIN package.

Q. How long does an ITIN number take if I apply through Smartbizowner?

A. We have the most expedited timeline of ITIN delivery: 7-9 weeks (IRS processing time applies). Other companies take anywhere from 6-8 months.

Q. What exactly is an ITIN?

A. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a United States tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. For non-residents, it acts as an equivalent to an SSN.

Q. I am not receiving the OTP sent by PayPal. What do I do?

A. Many online phone number providers' VOIP numbers are not acceptable by US PayPal. Try to test multiple companies, or best, use a physical SIM/eSIM phone number for the US.

Q. Can I use my relative's phone number living in the USA?

A. Yes, you can use a relative's phone number. Just make sure to turn on the authenticator app method so in the future you don't have to ask them for an OTP every time you log into your PayPal.

Q. What if PayPal puts a hold on my funds?

A. It is possible that PayPal may temporarily hold funds to verify your business. To solve the issue, simply submit the relevant LLC information and ITIN as laid down in the email sent by PayPal to swiftly restore your account.

Need your ITIN for PayPal First?

Get end-to-end assistance with document preparation and IRS submission.

Go to ITIN Application →