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

Before using Shopify Payments in Liechtenstein, you need to understand the requirements that are in place to comply with regulations and to prevent financial crimes. Personal information is collected to verify your identity and business details, and certain types of documentation are accepted for this purpose.

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Requirements for using Shopify Payments in Liechtenstein

Before you use Shopify Payments in Liechtenstein, 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 Liechtenstein 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 EUR currency or if the bank account is based in Liechtenstein, then it can be in CHF 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, LI, 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 Liechtenstein 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 Liechtenstein

Ensure that you 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 proprietorship (including einzelfirma, individual enterprise, and the self-employed), then select the Individual / Sole proprietor business type.

If you have registered your business and have a Commercial Registration Number (Handelsregisternummer), then select your business type based on the following guidance:

  • Partnerships with commercial registration numbers (KollG/OG, KG) must select the incorporated partnership business type.
  • Non-profit organizations with commercial registration numbers (Verein, Stiftung) must select the registered non-profit business type.
  • All other businesses with commercial registration numbers must select the private corporation business type. Common examples are GmbH, Anstalt, and Treuunternehmen.

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

  • Partnerships without commercial registration numbers must select the unincorporated partnership business type.
  • Non-profit organizations and charities that don't have commercial registration numbers must select the unregistered 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 proprietors

Individuals are single owner businesses that haven't registered with the government and are doing business privately. Sole proprietors 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 Liechtenstein. This includes freelancers and self-employed small business operators.

These business types are treated the same way and must provide the same information. Individuals and sole proprietors must 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 Liechtenstein: 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 need to provide a government-issued photo ID. You should update your name and date of birth to match what is shown on your 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Private corporation (GmbH, Anstalt, Treuunternehmen)

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 must 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 need to provide a government-issued photo ID. You should update your name and date of birth to match what is shown on your 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 if necessary. 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 shown in the government business registry.
  • Commercial Registration Number (Handelsregisternummer): The business's commercial registration number as shown in the government business registry.
  • 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 shown in the government business registry.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Liechtenstein. Pay careful attention to 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, commercial registration 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You must additionally list any other people who are beneficial owners of the company. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown 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 (KollG/OG, KG)

An incorporated partnership is a business owned by at least two partners, who have registered for commercial activity and obtained a commercial registration 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 must 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 need to provide a government-issued photo ID. You should update your name and date of birth to match what is shown on your 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

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

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown in the government business registry.
  • Commercial Registration Number (Handelsregisternummer): The business's commercial registration number as shown in the government business registry.
  • 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 shown in the government business registry.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Liechtenstein. Pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information 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, commercial registration 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You must additionally list any other people who are owners or partners. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown 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 a commercial registration 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 must 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 need to provide a government-issued photo ID. You should update your name and date of birth to match what is shown on your 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

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

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown on documentation.
  • 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 shown on documentation.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Liechtenstein. Pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

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

Registered non-profits (Verein, Stiftung)

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. Registered non-profits have registered for commercial purposes and obtained a commercial registration number.

Registered non-profits must assign either a director or an executive with decision-making power as their account representative. The account representative must 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 need to provide a government-issued photo ID. You should update your name and date of birth to match what is shown on your 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

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

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown in the government business registry.
  • Commercial Registration Number (Handelsregisternummer): The business's commercial registration number as shown in the government business registry.
  • 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 shown in the government business registry.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Liechtenstein. Pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information 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, commercial registration 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You must additionally 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 shown on their government documents. If their identities can't be verified automatically, then they might need to provide photo ID or proof of address.

Unregistered 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 unregistered non-profit doesn't have a commercial registration number, but has registered with local courts and has non-profit status.

Unregistered non-profits must assign a key decision maker or organizer as their account representative, and mark that person as an executive. The account representative must 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 need to provide a government-issued photo ID. You should update your name and date of birth to match what is shown on your 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

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

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown on documentation.
  • 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 shown on documentation.

Shopify banking partners verify your information by comparing it against government registries in Liechtenstein. Pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information 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 if necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

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

  • Reisepass (Passport)
  • Führerschein (Driver's license) - Photographs of the front and back are required.
  • Identitätskarte (Identity card) - Photographs of the front and back are required.

Address documents

The name and address on your Shopify Payments account must be updated to match the information displayed in the address documents that you're providing. The following documents are accepted as proof of address:

  • Betriebskostenabrechnung (Utility bill) - dated within the last 6 months
  • Kontoauszug (Bank account statement) - dated within the last 6 months
  • Staatsbürgerschaftsbestätigung/Wohnsitzbestätigung (Residence certificate)
  • Behördliches Schreiben (Government-issued letter) - dated within the last 6 months

Business verification documents

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

  • Handelsregisterauszug (Commercial register extract)

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 the following common onboarding issues and their solutions.

I'm a partnership in Liechtenstein being asked for a commercial registration number, but I don't have one.

If you're a partnership in Liechtenstein being asked for a commercial registration number, but you don't have one, then you're set up as the incorrect business type. If you're in the process of setting up your Shopify Payments account, then update the business type to unincorporated partnership.

If you've already set up the account and are being asked for a commercial registration number as part of your verification process, then contact Shopify Support for assistance.

My document was rejected.

Ensure the information on your account matches your document exactly, and update your account if needed. If your documents are still being rejected, then refer to the following sections on this page:

My address can't be automatically verified.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. Ensure the following:

  • The name and address on the document matches exactly with the name and address listed in your Shopify Payments account.
  • The document is dated within the past 6 months.
  • The document is one of the accepted address document types.

You need to provide a document that shows your own name. For example: If your own name doesn't appear on your utility bills, you should select and provide a different document from the option list.

My business information isn't being verified.

Shopify banking partners verify your business information by comparing it against government registries in Liechtenstein. If your business can't be verified, then check the following details:

  • Ensure that your registered business name matches exactly as it appears in government business registries, including letter case, punctuation, and symbols.
  • Ensure that your commercial registration number is correct.
  • Ensure that your business address matches the address listed in the government business registry.

If your information still can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. Ensure that the information on your document matches what you've entered in your Shopify Payments account.

I don't have a commercial registration number in Liechtenstein, and I'm not an individual or sole proprietor.

If you don't have a commercial registration number, then you can select only unincorporated partnership or unregistered non-profit as your business type. You must still provide documentation showing that your business is registered in Liechtenstein.

If neither of these business types fits your business, then you should select Individual / Sole proprietor and assign a key decision maker or owner as the account representative.

I'm a sole proprietor in Liechtenstein, how can I provide my business information?

If you're a sole proprietor, then only the personal information of the owner is required for verification. Select Individual / Sole Proprietor as your business type.

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

Frequently asked questions

Review the following frequently asked questions about Shopify Payments requirements in Liechtenstein.

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

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

I'm a citizen of Liechtenstein but don't currently live there. Can I use Shopify Payments Liechtenstein?

If your business type is individual, then you're required to live in Liechtenstein to be eligible for Shopify Payments Liechtenstein. If you don't currently live in Liechtenstein, then you should instead 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 Liechtenstein, but your business is required to be registered there and have a Liechtenstein business address. If you need help, then contact Shopify Support.

I'm a sole proprietor in Liechtenstein. How do I enter my business information and commercial registration number?

For the purposes of business and identity verification in Liechtenstein, only the personal information of the owner is required if you're a sole proprietor. Select the business type Individual / Sole proprietor as the processes are identical.

If you're a sole proprietor, 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 Liechtenstein. Which business type should I pick?

You should pick 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.

Before you contact Shopify Support about Shopify Payments in Liechtenstein

Before reaching out to Shopify Support, gather the following 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 Commercial Registration Number (Handelsregisternummer), if applicable
  • The specific step where you encountered the issue
  • The browser and device you're using
  • Your bank account details (country, currency, account type) without sharing the full account number

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