Google reportedly opened enrollment for Registered App Stores outside the U.S.

Android Authority reported on Oct. 27, 2026, that eligible app stores outside the U.S. could apply to Google’s Registered App Stores (RAS) program. The United States is not a supported RAS region. Google describes a separate program for third-party stores distributed inside Google Play in the U.S. (Google’s RAS FAQ).

The U.S. has a separate Google Play route

Google’s Third-Party App Store on Play program is distinct from RAS and covers third-party app stores distributed inside Google Play in the United States. RAS, by contrast, is scheduled to become available from Dec. 1, 2026, in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Brazil, on devices running Android 17 QPR2 or later. Google says a user’s home account country determines eligibility, rather than their temporary physical location (Google’s RAS FAQ).

What registered status changes for users

Registration is optional. Stores that do not participate keep Android’s standard sideloading flow. A registered store can install apps with one tap, without secondary system confirmation screens, and run background updates subject to the user’s settings (Google’s RAS overview).

One tap does not remove consent: Google still requires users to approve installations. Background or large downloads and installations must also show notifications. Store operators remain responsible for their catalogs, and Google says it does not moderate catalog content (Google’s RAS requirements). Administrators can block registered-store installations on managed devices (Google’s RAS FAQ).

What app-store operators need to qualify

Google describes five enrollment stages, in order: submit an interest form, complete pre-qualification, pay the annual fee, submit an application for technical evaluation, and activate the store. The fee is $10,000 per year, payable before the eligibility review begins (Google’s enrollment guide).

The store operator needs a verified Organization (Full Distribution) account; individual developer accounts are not eligible. The store must be a standalone Android APK, publish required policies and operational contact channels, and share its full app catalog and later submissions for ongoing malware scanning. Google requires the application documentation to be in English (Google’s enrollment guide; RAS eligibility FAQ).

Google also lists MASA AL2 certification, from the App Defense Alliance’s Mobile Application Security Assessment, with an effective date of June 1, 2027. Its requirements say variable review and remediation fees may apply if, over a 30-day period, more than 1% of install attempts or more than 2% of catalog apps are found to be potentially harmful (Google’s RAS requirements).