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How To Start A PayPal Business Account (Step By Step)

complete step-by-step guide on how to start a PayPal Business Account, from scratch, tailored for anyone including Zimbabwe users:


Step 1: Decide Your Account Type

PayPal has two main accounts:

  1. Personal Account – for sending/receiving small amounts or shopping online.

  2. Business Account – for selling products/services, accepting customer payments, and accessing business tools.

For businesses or freelancers, choose Business Account.

Official link: PayPal Business Signup


Step 2: Begin Registration

  1. Go to PayPal Zimbabwe.

  2. Click Sign Up → Select Business Account → Click Next.


Step 3: Provide Your Email

  • Enter a professional business email (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com).

  • Make sure you can access it immediately for verification.


Step 4: Enter Business Details

  • Business Type: Choose Sole Proprietor, Company, or Nonprofit.

  • Business Name: Use your registered business name.

  • Business Address: Your official business location.

  • Business Phone Number: For verification.


Step 5: Fill in Personal Details

  • Full legal name of the account owner.

  • Date of birth.

  • Government-issued ID (Passport or National ID).

  • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement).


Step 6: Create a Strong Password

  • Minimum 8 characters.

  • Must include uppercase, lowercase, number, and special character.


Step 7: Agree to Terms & Conditions

  • Read and accept PayPal’s User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

  • Check boxes and click Agree and Continue.


Step 8: Confirm Your Email

  • PayPal will send a verification email.

  • Click the link to confirm your email and continue account setup.


Step 9: Link Bank Account or Card (Optional at First)

  • You can link your Zimbabwean bank account or debit/credit card.

  • Linking helps verify your account and may allow withdrawals (depending on country restrictions).

Note for Zimbabwe: Receiving and withdrawing international funds directly may be limited. Many Zimbabwean businesses use Payoneer or Wise to receive PayPal payments safely.


Step 10: Complete Identity Verification

  • Upload required documents when prompted:

    • Government-issued ID

    • Proof of address

    • Business registration certificate (if registered)

  • Clear scans/photos improve approval speed.


Step 11: Start Using Your PayPal Business Account

  • Accept payments via PayPal buttons, invoices, or checkout links.

  • Monitor transactions and manage your funds via the dashboard.


Step 12: Optional – Integrate with International Receiving Accounts

  • If PayPal withdrawal is restricted in Zimbabwe, connect your Payoneer or Wise account to receive funds.

  • This ensures you can access international payments safely.


Tips

  • Use real and verifiable information — fake details risk account limitations.

  • Keep your account verified with updated documents.

  • Use business email separate from personal email for security and professional appearance.


Useful Links


I can also make a visual step-by-step tutorial with screenshots showing exactly what to click and fill for Zimbabwe users, including Payoneer/Wise integration to actually receive payments.

WiTech Zimbabwe https://www.witechzim.org