How to create a Google Play Developer account

To publish an app on the Google Play Store, you first need a Google Play Developer account through the Google Play Console. This guide explains the cost, expected timing and the seven steps involved, including common pitfalls that can lead to rejection.

What is a Google Play Developer account?

The Google Play Console is where you publish and manage Android apps. Access requires a Google Play developer account created from a Google account. During registration, you choose an account type:

• Personal: the app is published under your personal name.

• Organisation: the app is published under your company name. This is the recommended option for a business. It requires official company documentation and a D-U-N-S number.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

• Cost: a one-off $25 fee. Unlike Apple, there is no annual renewal. You pay once and can publish an unlimited number of apps.

• Timing: one to four weeks. Allow one to three weeks if you already have a D-U-N-S number, or two to four weeks if one still needs to be created.

How to create a Google Play Developer account in seven steps

1. Access Play Console and enable two-step verification

Go to play.google.com/console/signup and sign in with a Google account controlled by your company. Ideally, use a Google Workspace account on your own domain, such as contact@your-company.com. Google asks you to enable two-step verification immediately.

After enabling two-step verification, Google may not redirect you back automatically. Return to the registration page manually to continue.

2. Choose an organisation account

Choose this option to publish under your company name. It requires official company documentation and a D-U-N-S number; see step 6.

3. Accept the developer agreement

Read and accept the Developer Distribution Agreement and the Google Play programme policies.

4. Pay the $25 fee

Add a payment method and confirm the payment. It is a one-off fee, with no renewal.

5. Complete your developer profile

Google asks for:

• Your developer name: your brand name, which will be publicly visible on the Play Store.

• A public contact email displayed on the listing and a private contact email for Google.

• A telephone number in international format.

• A website, optional but recommended.

6. Obtain your D-U-N-S number

Google requires a D-U-N-S number for organisation accounts. It is a nine-digit international identifier managed by Dun & Bradstreet, and it must exactly match your legal company name. In many countries it is already derived from your national business registration number — the SIREN or SIRET in France, the company number in the United Kingdom, the EIN in the United States.

7. Complete identity verification

Upload the identity and company documents requested by Google, together with your D-U-N-S number. Google confirms approval by email. Allow a few days to two weeks, or up to four weeks if a D-U-N-S number must be created first.

What you need to know about D-U-N-S

The D-U-N-S number is the point that most often causes delays. In most countries it is already available at no cost. Check before requesting a new one.

• Look it up first: on Dun & Bradstreet’s UPIK service, which covers Europe, select your country and search by company name or registration number. If your company appears, copy the number.

• If your company does not appear: this can happen with recently created businesses. You can request the number free of charge, which may take up to 30 days, or use an immediate paid service.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Use a Google account controlled by your company, ideally a Workspace account on your own domain.

• A rejected account may not be resubmitted with the same email. Use a dedicated Google account so you do not block your main account.

• Your developer name is public on the Play Store. Use your brand name.

• Identity details must match the documents you provide exactly, including spelling, accents and abbreviations.

• Official company documents must be recent, readable and consistent with the D-U-N-S record.

• The number of D-U-N-S entry attempts is limited. Verify the number through a lookup service before entering it in Google.

What comes next: publishing your app

Once the account is approved, you still need a signed app build, a Play Store listing with screenshots and description, and Google’s review.

With Prestafy, you only need to create your Google Play Developer account. We turn your PrestaShop store into a mobile app, sign it and publish it on the Play Store for you.

For the complete publication path, read our guide to publishing an app on the App Store and Google Play.