Developers in 12 new countries can now sell apps in the Google Play Store

Although Android app developers from all around the globe are able to upload their apps into the Google Play Store, less than half of those are actually able to charge for their apps, or collect in-app payments. Still below half, Google has increased the number of available paid app countries by 12, including Jamaica, Estonia and Panama.

The Google Play Store offers developers a few different account types that developers can apply for. The basic Developer Registration, as previously mentioned, is open to app creators in just over one hundred and fifty countries. This account type allows developers to upload free apps only, with no in-app purchases, leaving devs to find an income elsewhere for their hard work, usually with advertising.

Merchant Registration is where money comes into play. Devs must meet a specific list of Google account requirements, and their country of residence must have come to agreement with Google over taxes and such. Once all criteria is met, paid apps and in-app purchases are made available to the developer. This is the account type now open to a dozen new countries.

The list of countries whose residents can now apply for Merchant Registrations today adds the following:

In all, seventy four countries can now upload paid apps and apps with in-app payments into the Google Play Store. Luckily, the list of countries that can purchase said apps is much larger. But you likely already knew that.

Head on over to Google’s Supported locations page for developer accounts to see what you are allowed to develop in your country.

Do you think Google’s developer requirements are fair?