SaaS selling globally

Who this is for / not for

This page is for founders and operators of SaaS or software businesses selling to global clients and needing a company structure, banking, and payment processing that support recurring card and invoiced revenue. It is not for one-off project work only.

Decision summary

  • You need both a bank account and a payment processor (e.g. Stripe) that support your entity and client geography.
  • Processors want proof of delivery (e.g. login/access, contracts) and chargeback controls; have clear terms and evidence.
  • Shortlist jurisdictions that are bankable and processor-friendly for your profile; then choose partner type and request introductions when ready.

Banking & payments reality

Banks assess business model and source of funds; a clear SaaS narrative and predictable flows help. Payment processors focus on delivery evidence and chargeback risk: clear terms of service, login/access or usage evidence, and refund policies improve approval. High chargeback rates or unclear delivery hurt. See Payment processors readiness and Bank account opening checklist.

Costs & timeline

Typical ranges depend on jurisdiction: formation from hundreds to low thousands; banking and processor setup can add weeks to months. See Costs, timelines, hidden fees and Compare jurisdictions for side-by-side cost and timeline.

Docs & KYC checklist

Banks want: ID, proof of address, company docs, business narrative (what the product is, who clients are, expected volumes), and source of funds. Processors want similar plus website, terms of service, and often evidence of delivery (e.g. how you provide access). Use Bankability checklist.

Common failure points / red flags

Common failures: no clear delivery evidence for processors; high chargeback ratio; vague business description; jurisdiction or entity type the bank or processor does not serve. Address narrative and evidence before applying.

Alternatives

Alternatives include different jurisdictions (e.g. Estonia, Ireland, UAE) or invoicing plus bank transfer instead of card for some clients. See Compare jurisdictions.

FAQ

Which jurisdictions suit SaaS?
Many: UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, UK, Ireland, Estonia are often shortlisted for tech and recurring revenue. Compare banking difficulty, cost, and processor availability for your entity type.
What proof of delivery do processors want?
Evidence that the customer receives what they pay for: e.g. login/access, usage data, signed contracts or order confirmations. Clear terms of service and refund policy help.
How do I control chargebacks?
Clear billing descriptors, terms, and cancellation policy; good customer communication; evidence of delivery. Processors may hold reserves if chargeback rates are high.
Can I use Stripe with a non-US entity?
Stripe supports many jurisdictions; entity and country must be on their list. Check their documentation for your company’s incorporation country.

Next steps