Cross-Border Payments and Compliance Guide for Solo Software Developers

Solo developers selling software internationally face challenges around getting paid, meeting tax obligations, and avoiding account freezes. The guide suggests Stripe for general card processing, while merchants of record like Paddle or Lemon Squeezy can absorb VAT and sales tax collection for consumer sales. For B2B clients, invoicing through services such as Wise or Stripe Invoicing is recommended, with customers handling their own VAT reverse-charge. It also explains that VAT on digital services is typically based on the customer's location, and that currency conversion through banks can cost 2–4% per transaction, so multi-currency business accounts are advised. Maintaining clear invoices and separate business and personal accounts is highlighted as essential for compliance.