Opening a TikTok Shop (Seller) account is straightforward when you prepare the right documents in advance. This guide explains the universal onboarding steps, then dives into country-specific requirements for the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. You’ll learn what IDs, tax numbers, and business details TikTok typically asks for, how payouts work, what to know about VAT/GST/sales tax, and how to avoid the most common verification mistakes.
Important: TikTok policies and availability evolve by region and product category. Treat this as a practical checklist, not legal advice. When in doubt, consult a licensed accountant/attorney in your jurisdiction.
Step-by-step: Open a TikTok Shop (universal flow)
- Create/convert your TikTok account. Use a business email you control, enable 2FA, and match the account holder name with legal documents.
- Go to Seller/Shop onboarding. Choose your country/region and seller type: Individual/Sole Trader or Registered Company.
- Submit KYC/KYB. Upload government ID of the owner/director and business registration proof. Ensure names and addresses match.
- Add tax information. Provide VAT/GST/sales tax details as required in your country (or confirm you are below thresholds where allowed).
- Connect a payout method. Add a bank account under the same legal name. Some regions allow Payoneer/Stripe-like options.
- Set shop profile. Add logo, description, customer service contact, and return/refund policy.
- List products. Provide accurate titles, attributes, pricing, stock, shipping templates, and compliance certificates where needed.
- Wait for approval. Most verifications clear in 1–3 business days if documents are clean.
Core documents you’ll need (all countries)
| Document/Detail | Why TikTok needs it |
|---|---|
| Government ID (passport/ID card) | Identity verification (KYC/AML). |
| Business registration (company certificate or sole trader proof) | Verify entity legitimacy and trading name. |
| Proof of address (utility bill/bank statement) | Confirm operating address matches account. |
| Tax numbers (VAT/GST/sales tax/EIN/UTR/TIN) | Marketplaces must collect/report taxes correctly. |
| Bank account details (matching legal name) | Enable payouts and reduce fraud risk. |
| Contact details (email, phone) | Notifications, support, dispute handling. |
Country checklists: requirements & documents
United States (US)
- Entity: Sole proprietor, LLC, or Corporation. State registration docs (e.g., Articles/Certificate) for companies.
- Tax IDs: EIN (business) or SSN (sole props). Complete marketplace tax forms (e.g., W-9/W-8 series as applicable).
- Sales tax: Determine nexus. You may need state sales tax permits where you have nexus (physical/economic). Many marketplaces collect/remit in marketplace states, but confirm obligations.
- ID: US passport/State ID/Driver’s licence of owner or responsible officer.
- Banking: US business bank account (name must match entity) or permitted payout provider.
- Address proof: Utility/bank statement (recent, same name/address).
- Compliance: Labeling (CPSIA, FCC, FDA for relevant categories), product liability considerations.
United Kingdom (UK)
- Entity: Sole trader or company (Companies House number).
- Tax: UTR required; VAT registration if you meet the UK threshold or use certain fulfilment models. EORI for imports.
- ID: Passport/UK driving licence for the account owner/director.
- Banking: UK bank account matching legal/individual name.
- Address proof: Utility/bank statement (last 3 months).
- Compliance: UKCA/CE where applicable; cosmetics notification, food contact/safety, electrical safety, toy safety, etc.
Ireland (IE)
- Entity: Sole trader or company (CRO Registration Number).
- Tax: VAT (IE VAT number) depending on activities/thresholds; EORI for imports. PPSN may be requested for individuals.
- ID & address proof: Passport/ID card + recent utility/bank statement.
- Banking: IE bank account or SEPA account under the same name.
- Compliance: EU product safety/CE marking where relevant.
Spain (ES)
- Entity: Autónomo (sole trader) or company (S.L., etc.).
- Tax: NIF/CIF and VAT (ES) where applicable. Social Security registration for autónomos.
- ID: DNI/NIE or passport for owner/director.
- Banking & address proof: ES bank account; recent proof of address.
- Compliance: CE marking, language/label requirements, eco-taxes for electronics/packaging where applicable.
Thailand (TH)
- Entity: Sole proprietor or company (company affidavit/registration).
- Tax: VAT (PP20) if required by turnover/category; local tax ID. Import licences for certain goods.
- ID: Thai National ID or passport of owner/director.
- Banking: TH bank account matching the entity/individual name.
- Compliance: Thai FDA for cosmetics/food, TISI for electronics, labelling in Thai for certain categories.
Indonesia (ID)
- Entity: OSS registration with NIB (Business Identification Number); company deed for PT, or individual merchant for sole trader.
- Tax: NPWP (tax number). VAT (PPN) obligations vary by turnover/category.
- ID: KTP (Indonesian ID) or passport for foreigners; director’s details.
- Banking: ID bank account under legal name.
- Compliance: BPOM (cosmetics/health), SNI standards for certain electronics/toys, Bahasa Indonesia labeling.
Malaysia (MY)
- Entity: SSM registration (enterprise/Sdn Bhd).
- Tax: SST or GST if/when applicable by law and thresholds; confirm current regime. Import permits for certain goods.
- ID: MyKad (ID) or passport; director details for Sdn Bhd.
- Banking: MY bank account matching entity/individual.
- Compliance: NPRA (cosmetics), SIRIM (electronics), Bahasa Malaysia/English labeling as required.
Singapore (SG)
- Entity: ACRA-registered business with UEN.
- Tax: GST registration if you cross thresholds or opt in. Import considerations for cross-border inventory.
- ID: NRIC (where applicable) or passport for owner/director; proof of address.
- Banking: SG bank account under entity/individual.
- Compliance: HSA (health products), IMDA (telecoms equipment), SCDF (certain goods), English labeling and safety standards.
Vietnam (VN)
- Entity: Business Registration Certificate; enterprise code/tax code (MST).
- Tax: VAT registration as required; e-invoice compliance is standard in VN.
- ID: National ID or passport for owner/director.
- Banking: VN bank account matching entity/individual.
- Compliance: CR mark for certain electronics, MoH for cosmetics/health, Vietnamese labeling requirements.
Philippines (PH)
- Entity: DTI Business Name (sole prop) or SEC registration for corporations/partnerships.
- Tax: BIR TIN, Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303). VAT or percentage tax depending on regime/threshold.
- Local permits: Mayor’s/Barangay permits often required for operating address.
- ID: Philippine ID/Passport; signatory proof for corporations.
- Banking: PH bank account matching entity/individual.
- Compliance: FDA (food/cosmetics/health), ICC/BPS for select products, Philippines labeling rules.
Tax & compliance basics (VAT, GST, Sales Tax)
Marketplaces increasingly act as “deemed suppliers” or tax intermediaries, but your obligations remain. A quick orientation:
- VAT/GST (UK/EU/SG/MY/VN/PH): Register when required by thresholds or business model. Display VAT-inclusive pricing where mandated and issue compliant invoices if applicable.
- US Sales Tax: Marketplace facilitator rules mean the marketplace often collects/remits in many states, but you may still need permits where you have nexus or for direct sales. Keep records.
- EORI/Imports: For cross-border, EORI or local import numbers may be required; duties/taxes and product standards apply.
- Record-keeping: Maintain invoices, shipping proofs, and product compliance docs for audits and customer service.
Restricted categories & product compliance
Some products require pre-approval or certificates (cosmetics, supplements, electronics with radios, toys, food). Keep these handy:
- Safety test reports (e.g., CE/UKCA, FCC, SIRIM, TISI, CR mark)
- Regulatory approvals (FDA/BPOM/NPRA/HSA, etc.)
- Ingredient lists, labeling in local language, age grades for toys
- Warranty and returns policy aligned with local consumer law
Tip: Upload clear, readable certificates. Mismatched brand names, product models, or expired test dates are top reasons for listing rejection.
Common onboarding errors (and quick fixes)
- Name mismatches: Ensure your bank account and business registration use the same legal name and spelling.
- Old addresses: Update utility/bank documents so they match your application.
- Blurry scans: Rescan IDs and certificates; avoid shadows and reflections.
- Wrong tax settings: If you change entity type (sole prop → company), re-submit tax details before listing products.
- Category mix-ups: Submit the correct compliance docs per category; don’t reuse unrelated certificates.
FAQs
- How long does it take to open a TikTok Shop?
- Simple cases complete in 1–3 business days. Complex company structures, cross-border setups, or unclear documents can extend timelines.
- Do I need a company, or can I sell as an individual?
- In most countries you can register as a sole trader/individual. However, having a formal business entity can simplify tax and banking.
- Can I sell to other countries from my home country?
- Yes, through cross-border programs. You must still meet destination-country standards, taxes, and shipping/returns expectations.
- What happens if my verification is rejected?
- Fix the noted issue (e.g., mismatched names, unclear scans, missing tax ID) and re-upload. If unclear, contact support with a concise explanation and official document references.
- Are digital products allowed?
- Generally TikTok Shop focuses on physical products. Digital goods may be restricted. Check category policies for your region.
- Can multiple people manage one shop?
- Yes. Assign roles within your seller dashboard. Use separate logins and 2FA for security.
Key takeaways
- Prepare government ID, business registration, address proof, bank info, and tax numbers before you start.
- Match names across documents and bank accounts to prevent delays.
- Know your country’s VAT/GST/sales tax obligations and register when required.
- Upload the right product compliance certificates for restricted categories.
- Cross-border sales are possible, but follow import rules and labeling standards for the destination.
With the correct documents and a clean setup, your TikTok Shop can be approved quickly—so you can focus on product quality, reliable shipping, and creator-led marketing that actually converts.