For entrepreneurs looking to expand into Southeast Asia's thriving e-commerce market, Shopee has emerged as one of the most accessible platforms for new sellers. The Singapore-based marketplace offers a streamlined onboarding process designed to accommodate both experienced merchants and first-time sellers.
Essential Documentation for Account Creation
1. Business Registration
All sellers must provide valid business registration documents. This includes either a company registration certificate or an individual business license. Hong Kong-issued certificates are acceptable but require additional manual verification. Authorities emphasize the importance of submitting authentic documents with verifiable information that hasn't been previously registered on the platform.
2. Identity Verification
Legal representatives must submit clear photographs of their identification documents, including both front and back images of government-issued IDs. Platform requirements specify that images should not exceed 3MB in size and must precisely match the information on the business registration.
3. Video Authentication
The verification process includes submitting two short video clips (under 20 seconds each) featuring the legal representative holding both their ID and business license. These files must clearly display all critical document details while maintaining a file size below 40MB.
Enhancing Account Credentials
1. E-Commerce Experience
Sellers with prior marketplace experience can strengthen their application by providing links to active storefronts that have operated for at least three months on other platforms. Corporations registered as limited companies are exempt from this requirement and may select alternative business classification options during registration.
2. Business Location Verification
Applicants must confirm their operational address, which should correspond exactly with the location listed on their business registration documents.
3. Sales History Documentation
Individual merchants operating under personal business licenses need to submit three months of sales records from existing e-commerce operations. Both domestic and international transaction histories are acceptable. Those without prior online sales experience may select appropriate alternative categories during registration.
Communication Requirements
All registrants must provide valid contact information, including a functional mobile number and email address. These channels serve as the platform's primary means for official correspondence and account notifications.
Accessibility for New Entrants
Shopee's registration system accommodates sellers without previous e-commerce experience through simplified application pathways. By selecting appropriate business classifications during setup, newcomers can bypass certain documentation requirements while maintaining compliance with platform standards.