BeatPass uses Stripe-hosted onboarding, which means Stripe will guide you through the required steps for your specific country. However, knowing what to expect in advance helps you gather documents and avoid delays.
Supported Countries
BeatPass supports Stripe Connect in the following countries:North America (3 countries)
North America (3 countries)
Canada, Mexico, United States
Europe (32 countries)
Europe (32 countries)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Asia Pacific (7 countries)
Asia Pacific (7 countries)
Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand
Middle East (1 country)
Middle East (1 country)
United Arab Emirates
Your country is selected during onboarding and cannot be changed after your Stripe account is created. Choose carefully.
Quick Reference: What Every Country Needs
Regardless of your country, you will need at minimum:- Full legal name (as on your government-issued ID)
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Phone number and email
- Government-issued photo ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license)
- Bank account or debit card for receiving payouts
United States
The US has one of the simplest onboarding processes.| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) |
| ID Verification | Driver’s license, state ID, or passport |
| Bank Account | US bank account number + routing number, or a Visa/Mastercard debit card |
| Business Type | Individual (default for producers) |
Canada
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | Social Insurance Number (SIN) |
| ID Verification | Driver’s license, provincial ID, or passport |
| Bank Account | Canadian bank account (institution number, transit number, account number) or debit card |
| Address Verification | Stripe may request proof of address (utility bill or bank statement) |
United Kingdom
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | National Insurance Number (NINO) |
| ID Verification | Passport, UK driver’s license, or national ID card |
| Bank Account | UK bank account (sort code + account number) |
European Union Countries
EU requirements are broadly similar across member states, with minor variations.| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | Tax identification number specific to your country (e.g., TIN, NIF, Steuernummer) |
| ID Verification | Passport, national ID card, or driver’s license |
| Bank Account | IBAN (International Bank Account Number) |
| Address Verification | May be required — utility bill, bank statement, or tax letter |
| Business Verification | Some EU countries require additional documentation for unincorporated entities, partnerships, or non-profits |
Country-Specific Notes for EU
- France — Outlying territories (e.g., Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion) may have limited Stripe availability
- Germany — Tax ID (Steuernummer or Steuer-ID) is required
- Netherlands — Additional identity documents may be required beyond standard ID
- Estonia — E-residency companies are supported but may need extra documentation
- Ireland, Czech Republic, Latvia — Additional beneficial ownership documentation may be needed for business accounts
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Key Difference: Business Account Required
Unlike most countries where producers onboard as individuals, the UAE only supports business-type accounts. This means you need some form of business registration or freelancer permit to complete onboarding.Accepted Business Structures in the UAE
| Structure | Description |
|---|---|
| Sole Establishment | A single-owner business licensed by a local emirate authority |
| Free Zone Establishment | A single-owner business registered in a UAE free zone |
| LLC | Limited Liability Company registered on the mainland |
| Free Zone LLC | LLC registered within a UAE free zone |
Required Documents
Trade License
A valid Trade License (also called a Commercial License) issued by the relevant UAE authority. This is mandatory for all business types.
- Must be current and not expired
- Stripe monitors expiration and requires renewal within 28 days of expiry
- Freelancer permits from free zones (e.g., Dubai Creative Clusters, Sharjah Media City) count as trade licenses
Identity Documents
You need to provide multiple identity documents:
- Passport — Required for all individuals
- Emirates ID — Required for UAE nationals and UAE residents
- Residence Visa — Required for foreign nationals residing in the UAE
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Required for all business types except sole establishments and free zone establishments. This document shows the company’s ownership structure, including all shareholders and their ownership percentages.
Proof of Bank Account Ownership
A document proving that the bank account belongs to the business. This can be:
- A bank statement showing the business name
- A bank letter confirming account ownership
- A canceled cheque
Beneficial Ownership Disclosure
Stripe is required to verify all individuals who own 25% or more of the business. For each beneficial owner, you’ll need to provide:- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Passport and Emirates ID (or Residence Visa for non-residents)
VAT Considerations
- Stripe charges 5% UAE VAT on Stripe fees if you have not provided a valid UAE VAT ID
- If you provide a valid UAE VAT ID, Stripe fees are VAT-exempt but you may have self-assessment obligations
- Provide your VAT ID during onboarding to avoid unnecessary charges
How UAE Producers Can Get a Trade License
If you’re a music producer in the UAE without a trade license, here are common options:Freelancer Permit (Most Popular for Producers)
Freelancer Permit (Most Popular for Producers)
Several UAE free zones offer affordable freelancer permits suitable for music producers:
- Dubai Creative Clusters (formerly TECOM) — Offers freelancer permits for media and creative professionals
- Sharjah Media City (Shams) — One of the most affordable options, starting around AED 5,750/year (~$1,565 USD)
- Ajman Free Zone — Budget-friendly freelancer licenses
- RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) — Competitive pricing for freelancer permits
- Dubai South — Freelancer packages available
Instant/Virtual License
Instant/Virtual License
Some free zones offer instant or virtual licenses that can be obtained online in 24-48 hours:
- Dubai Economy & Tourism — Instant license for AED 1,070/year (~$291 USD) — note: limited activity types
- IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) — Quick online process
Full LLC Setup
Full LLC Setup
For producers earning significant income, a full LLC may provide additional benefits:
- Higher credibility
- Ability to sponsor visas
- More banking options
- Cost ranges from AED 15,000-50,000/year (~13,600 USD) depending on the free zone
Tip for UAE producers: A free zone freelancer permit is the fastest and most affordable way to get onboarded with Stripe. Many producers use Sharjah Media City (Shams) or Dubai Creative Clusters as they cater specifically to media and creative professionals.
Australia
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | Tax File Number (TFN) or Australian Business Number (ABN) |
| ID Verification | Passport, driver’s license, or Medicare card |
| Bank Account | Australian bank account (BSB + account number) |
| Address Verification | Stripe may request address verification documents |
Hong Kong
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | Hong Kong Business Registration Number (for companies) |
| ID Verification | HKID card or passport |
| Bank Account | Hong Kong bank account |
| Business Documentation | Additional requirements apply for HK-based businesses |
Japan
Japan has unique requirements due to language verification:| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | My Number (Individual Number) for individuals |
| ID Verification | Japanese residence card, driver’s license, or passport — documents must show residency status |
| Bank Account | Japanese bank account |
| Language | Information must be provided in both kana and kanji variations |
Japanese accounts require name and address in both kana (katakana/hiragana) and kanji scripts. The Stripe onboarding form will prompt you for both.
Singapore
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | NRIC (for citizens/PRs) or FIN (for foreigners) |
| ID Verification | NRIC, passport, or employment pass |
| Bank Account | Singapore bank account |
| Enhanced Verification | Singapore has enhanced identity verification requirements — you may be asked to complete a video selfie or additional document checks |
Malaysia
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | MyKad number (NRIC) or passport number |
| ID Verification | MyKad (national ID) or passport |
| Bank Account | Malaysian bank account |
Thailand
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | Thai national ID number or tax ID |
| ID Verification | Thai national ID card or passport |
| Bank Account | Thai bank account |
Thailand has some marketplace-specific restrictions with Stripe Connect. If you encounter issues during onboarding, contact [email protected] for assistance.
Mexico
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax ID | RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) |
| ID Verification | INE/IFE (voter ID), passport, or driver’s license |
| Bank Account | Mexican bank account (CLABE number) |
| Tax Information | You may need to update tax information specifically for Mexican accounts |
General Tips for All Regions
Prepare Documents First
Gather all required documents before starting the Stripe onboarding. The process goes much faster when you don’t have to pause and search for documents.
Use High-Quality Photos
When uploading ID documents, ensure photos are clear, well-lit, and show all four corners. Avoid glare and blur.
Match Names Exactly
Your name on Stripe must match your government ID exactly. Even small differences (like a middle name) can cause verification failures.
Keep Documents Current
Stripe monitors document expiration dates. You’ll be notified when documents need renewal. Failing to update them can pause your payouts.
Verification Timeline
| Scenario | Expected Time |
|---|---|
| Standard verification (US, Canada, UK, EU) | 1-2 business days |
| Additional document review | 3-5 business days |
| Complex cases (UAE, first-time accounts) | 5-7 business days |
| Manual review required | Up to 14 business days |
Need Help With Your Region?
If you’re having trouble with region-specific onboarding requirements:- Check Stripe’s help center at support.stripe.com for your specific country’s requirements
- Contact BeatPass support at [email protected] — include your country and a description of where you’re stuck
- Join the Discord community at discord.com/invite/N257QBkSeg to connect with producers in your region