Setting Up Stripe for Indie Hackers in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

In India, setting up Stripe, especially for indie hackers, can be a challenging task, particularly if you are not an established business. Here’s a guide to simplify the process for you.

The Challenges

Firstly, it's important to understand the challenges. Stripe does not allow international payments for individual users in India. So, to use Stripe, you must establish yourself as a sole proprietor.

Setting Up a Sole Proprietorship

To set up a sole proprietorship, you need to choose a proper name for your company. This can be an important step as it will serve as your brand identity moving forward.

Compliance with Stripe’s Mandates

@Stripe has mandated a few requirements for all businesses. These include setting up a privacy policy page, a terms and conditions page, and a support page. The support page must contain a proper address and phone number. You can use your personal contact number here.

Business Verification: The Hardest Step

The hardest step in this process is business verification. Stripe doesn't accept personal PAN or income tax returns for this purpose. But there's a solution to this problem.

The Solution: Udyam Registration

You can head over to the Udyam registration website and get your Udyam Certificate. The process is simple and doesn't require any physical verification. The most important step while filling out the form is to be accurate about the NIC Code.

As for the Plant Name or Office Address, you can use your home address. Once you submit the form, you will receive a registration certificate. This document can be used as a certificate of registration in Stripe.

Additional Setup for Recurring Payments

Please note that additional setups are required for recurring payments due to the new RBI e-mandate guidelines. However, if you are using Stripe Checkout, it works out of the box.

A Note on Stripe Checkout

As of 30th December 2023, Stripe Checkout does not allow custom domains in India.

By following these steps, you can set up Stripe for your indie hacker business in India. It may seem complicated, but with careful planning and execution, the process can be straightforward.