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    Account Center:Step 1: Create an Alibaba Cloud account

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    Account Center:Step 1: Create an Alibaba Cloud account

    Last Updated:Apr 01, 2026

    Create an account to start using Alibaba Cloud services. The setup process has three stages, and each stage unlocks additional capabilities.

    Before you begin

    Gather the following before you start:

    • An email address (your logon credential and the destination for account notifications — keep it secure)

    • A phone number that can receive SMS messages (required for security verification after registration)

    • A payment method (credit card or PayPal)

    • For identity verification (optional for most users): a passport or driver's license (individual account), or a valid business certificate from your country of registration (enterprise account)

    What each stage unlocks

    Use caseCreate an accountAdd billing and security informationVerify identity (individual account)Verify identity (enterprise account)
    Browse the official websiteSupportedSupportedSupportedSupported
    Activate a free trialNot supportedSupportedSupportedSupported
    Purchase cloud products (outside the Chinese mainland)Not supportedSupportedSupportedSupported
    Purchase cloud products in the Chinese mainlandNot supportedNot supportedSupportedSupported
    Purchase specific cloud products (such as CEN and SMS)Not supportedNot supportedNot supportedSupported
    StageRequired informationEstimated time
    Create an accountEmail address, phone number (optional)5 minutes
    Add billing and security informationPhone number, payment method, bill-to address, tax information (optional)10 minutes
    Verify your identityIndividual account: passport or driver's license. Enterprise account: valid business certificate from your country of registration~3 business days after submission

    Create an account

    1. On the Alibaba Cloud official website, click Free Trial in the upper-right corner to open the Account Registration page.

    2. Select an Account Type: You can change the account type after registration in the Basic Information section of Account Center, as long as identity verification is not yet complete.

      • Individual: For solo developers, students, startup teams, or personal projects, learning, and testing.

      • Enterprise: For any company or organization. Enterprise accounts can use features designed for enterprise scenarios, such as Resource Management and finance trusteeship.

    3. Enter your email address and set a password. Password requirements:

      • Length: 8 to 20 characters

      • Allowed characters: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and punctuation marks (no spaces)

      • Must include at least three of the four character types: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation marks

      Note

      This email address is your logon credential and the destination for important account notifications. For company accounts, use a shared distribution list (for example, it.admins@example.com) so your organization retains access if an individual leaves.

    4. Select your Country/Region.

      Important

      The Country/Region field determines your billing currency and applicable tax rates. It cannot be changed after registration. Select it carefully.

    5. Verify your identity using your phone number or email address.

      Option A: Verify with a phone number

      This phone number is a key credential for security operations such as password recovery and enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

      1. Enter your phone number. The country code must match the Country/Region you selected. A mismatch prevents the verification code from being delivered.

      2. Click Send verification code and enter the 6-digit code you receive.

      Note

      For company accounts, use a shared or corporate phone number rather than a personal one. Tying the account to an individual's personal number creates a security risk if that person leaves.

      Option B: Verify with an email address

      This is the email address you entered in step 3.

      1. Click Send. A verification code is sent to that address.

      2. Check your inbox (including the spam folder). Either click the verification link in the email, or enter the 6-digit verification code.

    6. Read and accept the Alibaba Cloud Terms of Service, then click Register. Your Alibaba Cloud account is now created.

    Add billing and security information

    To activate purchasing and free trials, add a payment method and complete security verification. These steps appear immediately after account creation.

    1. Security verification

    Secure your account by verifying a backup contact method.

    Phone number

    If you registered with an email address, verify a secure phone number. This number is used for password recovery and MFA.

    1. Enter your phone number. The country code must match the Country/Region selected during registration.

    2. Click Send verification code and enter the 6-digit code.

    Email address

    If you registered with a phone number, verify a security email address. This address is used for password recovery.

    1. Click Get Code. A 6-digit verification code is sent to your registration email address.

    2. Enter the verification code and click Next.

    2. Add payment information

    Note

    Your payment method is not charged during setup. The system may place a temporary authorization hold on your bank card for verification purposes only — no funds are deducted.

    1. For Account Type, confirm Individual or Enterprise. This selection can differ from what you chose at registration, and you can update it in the Basic Information section of Account Center before completing identity verification.

    2. Fill in your Payment Information and Billing Information following the on-screen instructions. Payment methods vary by country and region. For a full list, see Alibaba Cloud payment methods. You can also update your payment method later in Expenses and Costs.

      Note

      If your PayPal account is not verified, it may not be accepted as a payment method. PayPal accounts from the Chinese mainland are not currently supported.

    image

    1. Click Next to save your payment information.

    3. Add tax information (optional)

    Enterprise accounts in certain countries (such as the United Kingdom and Malaysia) must submit tax information for local tax filing and invoicing.

    1. Fill in your tax details and upload any required tax qualification documents following the on-screen instructions.

    2. Click Submit and wait for the review to complete.

    If you want to skip this step, click Skip. Add or manage your tax ID later at Expenses and Costs > Tax ID Management.

    image

    After completing this stage, you can activate free trials for most cloud products and purchase cloud products in regions outside the Chinese mainland.

    What's next

    • Purchase cloud products in the Chinese mainland, sign online contracts with Alibaba Cloud, apply for a credit limit, or join the Alibaba Cloud Partner Network (ACPN): Complete identity verification for your account. See Identity verification overview.

    • Secure your account further: Enable MFA for your root user to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.