Crafting your own products and selling them on a platform like Etsy can be an exciting venture for Pakistani entrepreneurs. However, due to geographical constraints, creating an Etsy seller account directly from Pakistan might pose some challenges. But don’t worry, there’s a workaround. This blog post will guide you through the step-by-step process of establishing a UK company, acquiring a UK address, setting up a UK-based bank account, getting a UK phone number, and finally, signing up for an Etsy seller account.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It’s recommended to consult with a legal professional before proceeding.
Acquire a UK Phone Number
A UK phone number is also required to set up an Etsy account. You can acquire a virtual UK phone number through services like Vyke.
- Download the Vyke app on your Android or IOS device.
- Sign up and choose a paid package that offers a UK phone number.
- Follow the instructions to set up your new phone number.
Buy a Virtual Private Server (VPS)
A VPS will allow you to access Etsy and other services as if you were browsing from the UK. This is necessary because Etsy may not allow sign-ups from Pakistani IP addresses.
- Choose a reputable VPS provider.
- Select a server location in the UK.
- Follow the provider’s instructions to set up your VPS.
Establishing a Company in the UK
Register Your Company
You can register a company in the UK using online formation services. Companies House is the official registrar of companies in the UK.
- Visit the Companies House website.
- Follow the instructions to fill out the necessary forms.
- Pay the registration fee.
Acquire a UK Address
If you don’t have a physical address in the UK, you can use a mailbox service or virtual office provider. These services provide you with a legitimate UK address that you can use for your business.
Set Up a UK-Based Bank Account
Setting up a UK-based bank account can be challenging if you’re not a resident. Some international banks offer services for non-residents.
- Research banks that offer non-resident accounts.
- Gather the necessary documentation (usually includes your passport, proof of address, and company registration documents).
- Apply for the account either online or by visiting a branch if possible.
Alternatively, you could consider using a service like Wise (formerly TransferWise) which offers borderless accounts. These accounts can hold multiple currencies including GBP, which is ideal for a UK-based business.
Sign Up for an Etsy Seller Account
With all the prerequisites in place, you can now sign up for an Etsy seller account using your UK company details, UK address and UK Wise bank account.
- Connect to your VPS.
- Visit Etsy’s website.
- Click “Sell on Etsy” and then “Open your Etsy shop”.
- Select your shop language, country, and currency.
- Choose your shop name.
- Stock your shop with at least one item (this can be a placeholder until you’re ready to start selling).
- Choose how you’ll get paid (enter your UK bank account details).
- Choose how you’ll pay your Etsy bills (this can be the same bank account). Wise provide you virtual cards that you can use as payment method in Etsy.
- Finish setting up your shop.
Remember to use your UK company details when signing up, but you can use your Pakistani passport for identification purposes.
Total Cost for Creating Etsy Seller Account from Pakistan
Creating an Etsy seller account from Pakistan involves various costs, including forming a UK company, acquiring a UK address, setting up a UK-based bank account, obtaining a UK phone number, and purchasing a Virtual Private Server (VPS). Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs associated with each step:
- UK Company Formation: The cost can vary depending on the service you choose, but on average, it’s around £12-£100. Companies House charges £12 for online registration.
- Acquiring a UK Address: Virtual office services can range from £20 to £50 per month, depending on the provider and the services included.
- UK-based Bank Account: Opening a UK bank account as a non-resident can be free, but some banks might charge a monthly fee. For instance, Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers free account setup but charges small fees for transactions.
- UK Phone Number: Services like Vyke offer UK phone numbers for about $5 per month.
- Virtual Private Server (VPS): The cost of a VPS varies based on the provider and the plan you choose. On average, it can range from $5 to $10 per month.
Conclusion
Creating an Etsy seller account from Pakistan does require some additional steps, but it’s definitely achievable. By establishing a company in the UK, acquiring a UK address, setting up a UK-based bank account, getting a UK phone number, and using a VPS, you can create your Etsy seller account and start selling to customers worldwide. As always, make sure to comply with all local and international laws when setting up and running your business.
