The eCommerce landscape continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, transforming how businesses engage with customers worldwide. Whether you are a developer, designer, marketer, consultant, or agency, the Shopify Partner Program offers a unique opportunity to tap into this booming ecosystem. As Shopify powers over a million merchants globally and dominates the online retail platform space, becoming a Shopify Partner positions you at the forefront of digital commerce innovation.
This program is more than just a gateway to building stores. It is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to empower professionals like you with the tools, knowledge, and financial incentives needed to succeed. The Shopify Partner Program fosters collaboration, learning, and revenue growth by connecting you with merchants, developers, and experts worldwide. Whether you want to build custom storefronts, develop innovative apps, create themes, or simply refer new merchants to Shopify, this program supports your journey.
In this detailed guide for 2025, you will discover how the Shopify Partner Program works, who it’s for, its benefits, revenue opportunities, the tier system, and a simple step-by-step process to join for free. Whether starting out or looking to elevate your existing business, this comprehensive resource will equip you to unlock your full potential with Shopify.
What Is the Shopify Partner Program?
The Shopify Partner Program is a global community of agencies, freelancers, app developers, consultants, and companies collaborating with Shopify to help merchants succeed online. Partners gain access to exclusive tools, resources, and financial incentives for creating Shopify stores, apps, themes, or referring new merchants. This ecosystem supports all skill levels and business sizes with two primary partnership tracks: Service Partners and Technology Partners.
Who Should Become a Shopify Partner?
The program welcomes professionals involved in eCommerce, such as:
- Freelancers such as developers, designers, marketers, photographers, and influencers.
- Agencies and consultancies specializing in marketing, design, and technical implementation.
- App and theme developers contributing to Shopify’s marketplace.
- Business consultants, trainers, and educators offering merchant support.
Whether you build Shopify stores, develop apps, design themes, or drive merchant referrals, there is a partner role tailored to your expertise.
Types of Partnerships in 2025
1. Service Partner Track
Primarily for agencies, consultants, and system integrators offering services that help merchants succeed. These include store setups, theme development, marketing, migrations, and ongoing client support. Earnings come from referral commissions, service fees, and more. Service Partners progress through tiered levels from Registered to Platinum based on impact and expertise.
2. Technology Partner Track (Invite-Only)
Tailored to app developers, independent software vendors, and ERP providers building Shopify integrations. Technology Partners access advanced resources and co-selling opportunities. This track replaces Shopify’s previous Plus Certified App Program as of 2025.
Note: Theme developers may also participate in the Service Partner track if they offer broader eCommerce services.
Key Benefits of the Shopify Partner Program
- Free unlimited development stores to build, test, and demo without limits.
- Access to the Partner Dashboard, a centralized hub to manage client work, earnings, and tools.
- Multiple revenue streams including recurring income from referrals, app sales, theme sales, and client projects.
- Shopify Academy offering free courses and certifications to elevate your skills and credibility.
- Priority partner support providing dedicated and fast assistance.
- Exclusive community events and forums to network and share knowledge.
- Early access to new Shopify features and beta programs to stay competitive.
- Special discounts and perks on Shopify apps, tools, and services.
How Does the Shopify Partner Program Work?
Partners earn rewards based on their contributions to the Shopify ecosystem through:
- Referrals that pay commissions when merchants sign up via your link or onboarding.
- Development stores created for clients and transferred, allowing you to earn recurring revenue as clients pay their Shopify plans.
- App creation and sales in the Shopify App Store, earning revenue shares for quality apps.
- Theme design and sales through custom projects or theme store listings.
- Consulting and project fees charged directly to merchants for services such as marketing, setup, design, and support.
Payouts are made twice monthly in US dollars once earnings cross a $25 minimum per activity.
How to Join the Shopify Partner Program for Free: Step-by-Step
- Visit the Shopify Partner Program website at partners.shopify.com.
- Click the “Join Now” button and fill out the registration form with your name, email, and password.
- Verify your email address by clicking the confirmation link sent to your inbox.
- Complete your partner profile with business information, skills, services offered, and relevant links to highlight your expertise.
- Access the Partner Dashboard where you can create unlimited development stores, enroll in Shopify Academy courses, and begin referring merchants or developing apps and themes.
- Engage with the community, start your first store or app project, and begin earning revenue.
Shopify Partner Program Tiers and Advancement
The program has a tier system to reward growth, expertise, and commercial impact. For Service Partners, the tiers are Registered, Select, Plus, Premier, and Platinum. Advancing requires meeting annual revenue and deal minimums as outlined below:
| Tier | Referral Revenue (Annual) | Merchant Revenue (Annual) | Merchant Deals (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered | – | – | – |
| Select | $100,000 | $500,000 | 1 Shopify Plus or 10 Standard Shopify plans |
| Plus | $500,000 | $2,500,000 | 2 Shopify Plus or 40 Standard Shopify plans |
| Premier | $2,000,000 | $10,000,000 | 4 Shopify Plus for 2 years |
| Platinum | $5,000,000 | $25,000,000 | 6 Shopify Plus for 2 years |
Higher tiers unlock premium benefits such as personalized growth support, priority assistance, and exclusive marketing opportunities. Certification through Shopify Academy and minimum team sizes are also required for advancement.
How Shopify Partners Earn Money
Partners can generate income from:
- Merchant referral commissions as a percentage of Shopify subscription fees.
- Affiliate commissions from customers signing up via partner affiliate links.
- Revenue shares from Shopify App Store app sales.
- Theme sales commissions from custom or Shopify Theme Store offered designs.
- Direct charges for consulting, development, marketing, and support services.
Payments are made bi-monthly in USD once minimum thresholds are reached.
Resources and Support for Partners
- Partner Dashboard for negotiation and earnings tracking.
- Shopify Academy’s free training modules and certification.
- Priority and dedicated partner support channels.
- Active community of partners for networking and collaboration.
- Early beta access to Shopify features.
- Exclusive discounts on apps and Shopify services.
Why Join the Shopify Partner Program Now?
Starting your journey with Shopify Partners today means:
- Joining a rapidly growing, zero-cost platform with vast earning potential.
- Gaining access to multiple income streams including referrals, apps, and projects.
- Advancing through tiered rewards to maximize your benefits.
- Participating in a thriving global community of eCommerce professionals.
- Staying ahead with immediate access to the latest Shopify tools and innovations.
Start Your Shopify Partner Journey with Digiteon
Digiteon is your trusted partner to kickstart and grow your Shopify Partner career. Whether you are just starting or scaling your expertise, Digiteon offers:
- Tailored onboarding for the Shopify Partner Program.
- Expert guidance on store creation, app development, and merchant consulting.
- Access to specialized resources, growth workshops, and a vibrant community.
- Support to achieve Shopify Academy certifications and advance your partner tier.
- Practical insights to accelerate your revenue and success on the Shopify platform.
