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Bank account and personal information requirements for using Shopify Payments in Gibraltar

Before using Shopify Payments in Gibraltar, you need to understand the requirements that are in place to comply with regulations and to prevent financial crimes. When setting up Shopify Payments, you're required to provide personal information for verification, submit accepted types of documentation, and ensure that your submissions meet specific compliance criteria.

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Requirements for using Shopify Payments in Gibraltar

Before you use Shopify Payments in Gibraltar, ensure that you meet the following requirements:

  • Eligible business types: Certain types of businesses and services aren't permitted to use Shopify Payments. To determine whether your business is eligible, refer to the list of prohibited business types for Gibraltar in the Shopify Payments Terms of Service.
  • Bank account requirements: Your bank account must meet the following requirements before you can connect it to Shopify Payments:
    • The bank account must be in GBP currency.
    • The bank account must be eligible for Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) transfers.
    • The bank account must have an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) that starts with any of the following country codes: AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GI, GR, HR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, or SI.

Unsupported bank account types

Certain bank account types aren't compatible with Shopify Payments. The following account types aren't supported:

  • Checking accounts that accept only wire transfers: These accounts don't work with Shopify Payments.
  • Savings accounts: Savings accounts can't be used for Shopify Payments payouts.
  • Flex-currency accounts: Accounts that support multiple currencies simultaneously aren't supported.
  • Money transfer services: Services that mimic bank accounts, such as some fintech platforms, can't be used with Shopify Payments.

Although non-Shopify virtual accounts are supported, you can experience more payout failures with these accounts.

To confirm whether your account can accept the transfer type listed for your region, contact your bank.

Purpose of collecting information

Shopify and its banking partners are required to collect and verify information about you and your business to comply with regulations in Gibraltar that are designed to prevent financial crimes. As local rules and regulations evolve, you might be contacted by Shopify and its banking partners to provide additional information throughout the lifespan of your Shopify Payments account.

The information that's collected is used to confirm the identity of the business, the identities of individuals linked to the business, and the nature of the relationship between the two.

Shopify never physically mails documentation to you. Any important documents or communications are emailed, or made digitally available to the store owner in the Settings > Users page of your Shopify admin.

Review Shopify's Privacy Policy to learn about how your information is kept confidential and safe.

Required personal and business information for activating Shopify Payments in Gibraltar

You must correctly identify your business type because it determines the information that you need to provide.

If you haven't registered with any government agency, or you have registered but run the business as a sole trader, then select the Individual / Sole trader business type.

If you have registered your business and have an incorporation number, then select your business type based on the following guidance:

  • Partnerships with incorporation numbers, such as LLP or LP, must select the Incorporated partnership business type.
  • Non-profit organizations with incorporation numbers must select the Incorporated non-profit business type.
  • All other businesses with incorporation numbers, such as LTD, must select the Private corporation business type.

If you have a registered business, but don't have an incorporation number, then select your business type based on the following guidance:

  • Partnerships without incorporation numbers must select the Unincorporated partnership business type.
  • Non-profit organizations and charities who don't have incorporation numbers must select the Unincorporated non-profit business type.

If you're not sure what business type to pick, then contact Shopify Support for help with selecting the right one.

Individuals / Sole trader

Individuals are single owner businesses that haven't registered with the government and are doing business privately. Sole traders are single owner businesses who are registered with the government under their personal information. Both are businesses that are owned and controlled by one individual living in Gibraltar. This includes freelancers and self-employed small business operators.

These business types are treated the same way and need to provide the same information. Individuals and sole traders need to provide:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address in Gibraltar: Your home address, matching your documentation.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Private corporations (LTD)

A private corporation is a business whose equity is divided into shares, owned by shareholders. A corporation is considered its own legal entity, separate from the people who run it. They typically also have a board of directors.

Private corporations must assign either a beneficial owner or an executive with decision-making power as their account representative. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Private corporations also need to provide the following details about the business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as recorded in Companies House.
  • Incorporation number: The business's incorporation number as recorded in Companies House.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) number: Your VAT registration number, if applicable.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as recorded in Companies House.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Gibraltar. Ensure that you use the correct letter case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, incorporation number, and business address listed in your account match exactly with the information on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

If you're a beneficial owner of the company, then you also need to list any other people who are beneficial owners. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as recorded on their government documents. If their identities can't be verified automatically, then they might need to provide photo ID or proof of address.

Incorporated partnerships (LLP, LP)

An incorporated partnership is a business owned by at least two partners, who have registered for commercial activity and obtained an incorporation number. Incorporated partnerships have equity, and the partnership is its own entity, separate from the owners.

Incorporated partnerships must designate an owner or partner as the account representative of their Shopify Payments account. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Incorporated partnerships also need to provide the following details about the business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as recorded in Companies House.
  • Incorporation number: The business's incorporation number as recorded in Companies House.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) number: Your VAT registration number, if applicable.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as recorded in Companies House.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Gibraltar. Ensure that you use the correct letter case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, incorporation number, and business address listed in your account match exactly with the information on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

If you're an owner or partner, then you also need to list any other people who are owners or partners. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as recorded on their government documents. If their identities can't be verified automatically, then they might need to provide photo ID or proof of address.

Unincorporated partnerships

An unincorporated partnership is a business owned by at least two partners, who haven't registered for an incorporation number, but who have a partnership agreement. The owners are considered the legal entity in this case, and the business is not a separate entity.

Unincorporated partnerships must designate an owner as the account representative of their Shopify Payments account. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Unincorporated partnerships also need to provide the following details about the business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as listed on documentation.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) number: Your VAT registration number, if applicable.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as listed on documentation.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Gibraltar. Ensure that you use the correct letter case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name and business address listed in your account match exactly with the information on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

If you're an owner or partner, then you also need to list any other people who are owners or partners. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as recorded on their government documents. If their identities can't be verified automatically, then they might need to provide photo ID or proof of address.

Incorporated non-profits

A non-profit (NPO) is an entity that's established for purposes other than generating profit for its shareholders. Its primary mission is to serve a public or community benefit. Incorporated non-profits have registered for commercial purposes and obtained an incorporation number.

Incorporated non-profits must assign either a director or an executive with decision-making power as their account representative. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Incorporated non-profits also need to provide the following details about the business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as recorded in Companies House.
  • Incorporation number: The business's incorporation number as recorded in Companies House.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) number: Your VAT registration number, if applicable.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as recorded in Companies House.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Gibraltar. Ensure that you use the correct letter case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, incorporation number, and business address listed in your account match exactly with the information on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

If you're on the board of directors, then you also need to list any other people who are on your board of directors or who are key decision makers. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as recorded on their government documents. If their identities can't be verified automatically, then they might need to provide photo ID or proof of address.

Unincorporated non-profits

A non-profit (NPO) is an entity that's established for purposes other than generating profit for its shareholders. Its primary mission is to serve a public or community benefit. An unincorporated non-profit doesn't have an incorporation number, but has registered with local courts and has non-profit status.

Unincorporated non-profits must assign a key decision maker or organizer as their account representative, and mark that person as an executive. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Unincorporated non-profits also need to provide the following details about the business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as listed on documentation.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) number: Your VAT registration number, if applicable.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as listed on documentation.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Gibraltar. Ensure that you use the correct letter case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name and business address listed in your account match exactly with the information on the document, and update the information in your account to match the document. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

If you're on the board of directors, then you also need to list any other people who are on your board of directors or who are key decision makers. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as recorded on their government documents. If their identities can't be verified automatically, then they might need to provide photo ID or proof of address.

Acceptable document types

This section explains which documents you can use to verify your identity and business details.

Identity documents

The name and date of birth on your Shopify Payments account must be updated to match the information in the identity document that you're providing. The documents must be valid and must not be expired. The following documents are accepted as proof of identity:

  • Passport
  • Driver's license
  • Identity card

Address documents

The name and address on your Shopify Payments account must be updated to match the information in the address documents that you're providing. Photo ID cards (such as a driver's license) can be submitted only once as either an identity document or an address document. If you've already submitted your driver's license as proof of identity, then you can't use it a second time as proof of address and you must select a different document from the list.

All documents must include an issuance date within the past 6 months, apart from documents with a unique expiry date. The following documents are accepted as proof of address:

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Driver's license

Business verification documents

The following documents are accepted for business verification. They must clearly include the legal entity name, incorporation number, and address of your business. The details on your Shopify Payments account must be updated to match the information in the documents that you're providing:

  • Companies House document
  • Certificate of Incorporation

Ensuring documentation compliance

When providing your documents, ensure that they meet the necessary criteria. Review the following guidelines to ensure compliance:

  • Accuracy: Ensure that the information on your documents matches what you've entered in your Shopify Payments account. Update your account to match your documents, if necessary.
  • Clarity and legibility: Make sure that your documents are clear and large enough to read. Ensure the entire document is visible in the photograph.
  • Completeness: Ensure all the necessary details are visible on your document. Review the acceptable document types listed on this page to understand what details must be included on the document.
  • Original documentation: Take an original photograph of your document using a camera. Don't photocopy, scan, or screenshot your documents. Don't paste photos of documents into other documents. Don't take photos of computer screens or printouts.
    • If your document was issued to you digitally, then provide the PDF file with all pages as it was originally given to you, with no alterations.
  • Validity: Ensure photo IDs aren't expired and that proof of address is recently issued. If providing proof of business registration, then your business should still be actively registered and in good standing.

Troubleshooting common issues

Before contacting Shopify Support, review these common onboarding issues and their solutions.

My document was rejected.

Make sure the information on your account matches the information in the document you're submitting, and update your account to match your documentation if needed. If your documents are still being rejected, then refer to the following sections on this page:

  • Acceptable document types: Which documents are accepted and what details they must include. Screenshots, printouts of online searches, and registry screenshots aren't accepted.
  • Ensuring documentation compliance: Requirements for accuracy, clarity, completeness, original documentation, and validity.
My bank account information isn't working.

Bank account issues can be caused by unsupported account types or incorrect formatting.

Unsupported account types:

Certain bank account types can't be used with Shopify Payments in Gibraltar:

  • Savings accounts: Only checking or current accounts can be used for payouts.
  • Virtual bank accounts: Although virtual accounts are technically supported, they have a significantly higher payout failure rate. It's recommended to use a traditional bank account when possible.
  • Flex-currency accounts: Accounts that support multiple currencies simultaneously aren't supported.
  • Accounts that accept only wire transfers: Your account must be eligible for Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) transfers.

Format requirements:

When entering your bank account details, ensure they're formatted correctly:

  • IBAN: Must start with one of the following country codes: AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GI, GR, HR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, or SI.
  • Currency: Your account must be in GBP.

If your payout fails, then verify that you've entered your account information in the correct format and are using a supported account type.

My payouts are on hold after updating my bank account.

When you update your bank account details in Shopify Payments, an automatic 3-5 business day security hold is placed on new payouts. This is a security feature to protect your account from unauthorized changes.

During this period:

  • Any payouts already scheduled at the time of the update are sent to your previous bank account.
  • New payouts created after the update are held for 3-5 business days.
  • After the hold ends, new payouts start processing to your updated bank account according to your payout schedule.

This hold can't be removed and applies to all bank account changes.

My business information isn't being verified.

When entering your business information, ensure that your business name, incorporation number, and address match exactly as they appear in Companies House. This includes:

  • Correct letter case (uppercase and lowercase)
  • Correct punctuation and spacing
  • Complete business name as registered

Shopify banking partners verify your information automatically by comparing it against official registries. Even small differences can cause verification to fail. Ensure the documentation you're submitting lists your legal name, incorporation number, and business address, and that these details match what's listed on your account. Update your account to match your document, if necessary.

My address can't be automatically verified.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you're asked to provide a proof of address document. Proof of address documents must list your full name and home address, and must be one of the accepted document types. You should also ensure the following:

  1. The address you entered in your Shopify Payments account matches exactly with the address on your proof of address document.
  2. Update your information in your account to match your document if necessary.
  3. Upload a clear photograph of your proof of address document.
  4. The document you're uploading lists your own full name. If, for example, you have a utility bill in someone else's name, then you need to provide a different document.

Photo ID cards (such as a driver's license) can be submitted only once as either identity verification or address verification. If you've already used your driver's license as your photo ID, then select a different document from the accepted address documents list.

I was asked for an incorporation number, but I don't have one.

If you're being asked for an incorporation number but you don't have one, then you might be set up as the incorrect business type.

If you're in the process of setting up the account, then go back to the business type selection screen and select Unincorporated partnership or Unincorporated non-profit, depending on your business structure.

If you've already set up the account and are being asked for an incorporation number as part of your verification process, then contact Shopify Support for assistance with updating your business type.

If you don't have an incorporation number and neither of these business types fits your business, then select Individual / Sole Trader and assign a key decision maker or owner as the account representative.

Frequently asked questions

Review these frequently asked questions about Shopify Payments requirements in Gibraltar.

Why do you need my photo ID or proof of address if I'm a company, partnership, or non-profit?

Even if you're registered as a company, partnership, or non-profit, Shopify banking partners are required by regulatory laws in Gibraltar to verify the identities of the people associated with the business, including their identities and where they're located.

Can I use Shopify Payments Gibraltar if I don't live in Gibraltar?

If your business type is individual, then you're required to live in Gibraltar to be eligible for Shopify Payments Gibraltar. If you don't currently live in Gibraltar, then you need to create a Shopify Payments account for the region you do live in.

Update your store address to your current location. If your location is eligible for Shopify Payments, then you can create a Shopify Payments account for that region instead.

If you're a type of partnership, company, or non-profit, then you're not required to personally live in Gibraltar, but your business is required to be registered there and have a Gibraltar business address. If you need help, then contact Shopify Support.

I'm a sole trader. How do I enter my business information?

For the purposes of business and identity verification, Shopify is only required to collect and verify the personal information of the owner if you're a sole trader. Select the business type Individual / Sole Trader accordingly.

If you're a sole trader, then don't attempt to sign up as a different business type. You might have difficulty passing verification.

I'm a publicly traded company in Gibraltar. Which business type should I pick?

Select Private corporation. For the purposes of business and identity verification, the process for public and privately owned companies is identical.

You can skip past the section of the account setup form that requests that you add owners. If you've already set up the account and are being asked for ownership information as part of your verification process, then contact Shopify Support for assistance with updating your business type.

My account was already verified. Why am I being asked to provide new information?

Over time, regulatory changes and updates to the requirements from Shopify's financial partners might require collecting additional information from account holders. These reviews help keep financial services safe and secure.

When these changes happen, you'll be notified through a banner or alert in your Shopify admin, and through a corresponding email. You must complete these requests to continue using Shopify's financial services.

Before you contact Shopify Support about Shopify Payments in Gibraltar

Before reaching out to contact Shopify Support, gather this information to help resolve your issue faster:

  • Screenshots of any error messages you received (censor sensitive information like bank account numbers)
  • The business type you selected during setup
  • Your incorporation number, if applicable
  • The specific step where you encountered the issue
  • The browser and device you're using
  • Your bank account details (IBAN country code, account type, currency) without sharing the full account number
  • Any documents you've uploaded and when you uploaded them

Having this information ready helps Shopify Support assist you more efficiently.