Audience
EIN for Foreign Nationals Guide
Foreign nationals can get a US EIN by submitting Form SS-4 by fax. No SSN required. Use your passport number on Line 7b. ein.so files it for $49.
Foreign nationals can get a US EIN by submitting IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627. No SSN or ITIN is required. Write your passport number on Line 7b of Form SS-4. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax method is your path. ein.so prepares the SS-4, faxes it, and emails your EIN. Standard costs $49 (4-7 business days). Express costs $97 (2-3 business days).
A foreign national is any person who is not a US citizen and not a US resident for tax purposes. Foreign nationals from every country form US LLCs and corporations to reach American customers, payment processors, and banks. Each US entity needs an EIN, the federal tax identification number issued by the IRS. The IRS charges $0 for the EIN. This guide explains how foreign nationals apply without an SSN, which SS-4 fields matter, how the timing works, and which tax filings follow approval. See EIN for non-residents for the broader overview and how to get an EIN for the full process.
| Factor | Foreign National Applicant | US Citizen Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Identifying number | Passport number (Line 7b) | SSN or ITIN |
| Application method | Fax to 855-215-1627 | IRS online tool |
| Processing time | 4-7 business days | Same day online |
| IRS fee | $0 | $0 |
| US visit required | No | No |
| US address required | No (foreign address allowed) | Yes |
Eligibility
Can Any Foreign National Get a US EIN?
Yes. Any foreign national from any country can get a US EIN without an SSN, ITIN, or US visa. The IRS issues EINs to foreign-owned businesses worldwide. You submit Form SS-4 by fax and use your passport number on Line 7b as your identification.
The IRS does not restrict EIN eligibility by nationality. A founder in India, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, or the Philippines follows the same SS-4 fax process. The two requirements are a US business entity to attach the EIN to and a valid passport number for identification.
What foreign nationals need to qualify
- A US business entity (LLC or corporation) registered in a US state
- A valid, unexpired passport from any country
- A foreign mailing address (a US address is not required for the form)
- A reason for applying, such as starting a new business
Foreign nationals do not need to be present in the US. The process runs entirely by fax to 855-215-1627. See EIN without an SSN for the detailed eligibility rules.
Use Cases
Why Do Foreign Nationals Need a US EIN?
Foreign nationals need a US EIN because a US business cannot open a bank account, accept US payments, or file US taxes without one. The EIN links a foreign-owned company to the US financial system. It is the single ID that banks, processors, and the IRS request.
US Business Banking
Payment Processors
US Tax Compliance
Hiring and Contracts
Without an EIN, a foreign national holds a registered US entity that cannot transact. The EIN activates the company for banking, payments, and compliance.
Step-by-Step
How Do Foreign Nationals Apply for a US EIN?
Foreign nationals submit IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 using a passport number in place of an SSN. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax method is the only path for applicants without one. The IRS issues most correctly filed EINs within 4-7 business days.
Form Your US Entity
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
Key SS-4 Fields for Foreign Nationals
| SS-4 Field | Foreign National Entry |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your US LLC or corporation name |
| Lines 4a-4b (Mailing address) | Your foreign address |
| Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name as on your passport |
| Line 7b (SSN/ITIN/EIN) | Your passport number |
| Line 10 (Reason for applying) | Started new business |
| Line 16 (Principal activity) | E.g., "software," "e-commerce," "consulting" |
The most common rejection cause is malformed international address formatting. Foreign address fields do not always map cleanly to the SS-4 layout, and the IRS rejects unreadable entries. See the full SS-4 form guide and the EIN application process.
Methods Compared
What Are the EIN Application Methods for Foreign Nationals?
Foreign nationals use the fax method because the IRS online tool requires an SSN they do not have. Fax to 855-215-1627 takes 4-7 business days. The phone method exists for international applicants but requires calling US business hours. Mail is slowest.
The online application blocks anyone without an SSN, so it is not an option for most foreign nationals. The fax method is reliable and remote. The phone method (267-941-1099) reaches the IRS international line but means costly calls during US hours and an English conversation about your form.
| Method | SSN Required | Timing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS online tool | Yes | Same day | US citizens and residents only |
| Fax (855-215-1627) | No | 4-7 business days | Foreign nationals (recommended) |
| Phone (267-941-1099) | No | Same call | Applicants who can call US hours |
| No | Several weeks | No urgency | |
| ein.so Standard | No | 4-7 business days | Hands-off filing, $49 |
| ein.so Express | No | 2-3 business days | Fastest hands-off, $97 |
ein.so uses the fax method on your behalf, prepares the form to IRS standards, and follows up on rejections. See EIN processing time and EIN cost for full detail.
Banking & Payments
How Do Foreign Nationals Use Their EIN for Banking and Payments?
Foreign nationals use their EIN to open a US business bank account and connect US payment processors. Together these give a foreign-owned LLC full access to the dollar economy. Mercury and Relay approve most foreign LLC owners remotely with an EIN and a passport.
US Business Bank Account
Stripe and PayPal
Amazon and Marketplaces
Wise and Cross-Border Transfers
A US LLC, an EIN, and a US bank account together let foreign nationals invoice American clients in dollars, accept card payments, and repatriate profits home.
Tax Considerations
What Taxes Apply to Foreign Nationals With a US Entity?
A single-member US LLC owned by a foreign national is usually a disregarded entity for US federal income tax, so the LLC itself pays no US federal income tax on non-US-sourced income. Each year it files Form 5472 and a pro-forma Form 1120 as information returns. The non-filing penalty is $25,000.
Form 5472 + Form 1120
BOI Report to FinCEN
Home-Country Reporting
Tax Treaties
ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice. Work with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters and a local accountant in your country. Your EIN is the starting point for US tax compliance. See EIN without an SSN and EIN for non-residents.
Cost
How Much Does an EIN Cost Foreign Nationals?
The EIN costs $0 at the IRS for foreign nationals. The IRS never charges for an EIN. ein.so charges a service fee to prepare Form SS-4 correctly, fax it, and follow up: $49 Standard (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days). You pay for accurate filing, not the EIN.
Beware of overpriced EIN services
- The IRS fee for an EIN is always $0 for every nationality.
- Any provider charging hundreds of dollars for an EIN alone is overcharging.
- ein.so charges $49 Standard or $97 Express for the full SS-4 filing service.
- An ITIN is a separate individual tax ID and costs $197 Standard or $297 Express at ein.so.
The service fee covers the work that prevents rejection: correct address formatting, the right Line 7b entry, and IRS follow-up. See the full EIN cost breakdown.
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN as a Foreign National
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept foreign LLC owners
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs at fincen.gov/boi
- Set up payments — connect your EIN to Stripe, PayPal, or Wise
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Review the basics — how to get an EIN, EIN without an SSN, and the SS-4 form guide
Country guides: India | UK | Canada | Nigeria | Pakistan | Philippines | Bangladesh. Browse all on EIN for non-residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign nationals get a US EIN without an SSN?
Yes. Any foreign national can get a US EIN without an SSN or ITIN. You submit IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 and write your passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so foreign nationals use the fax method. ein.so files it for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
Do foreign nationals need to visit the United States to get an EIN?
No. The entire EIN process is remote for foreign nationals. You complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS from any country. The IRS does not require your physical presence or a US visit. ein.so handles the filing online and delivers your EIN by email, so you never travel to the US.
What identification do foreign nationals use on Form SS-4?
Foreign nationals use their passport number on Line 7b of Form SS-4, where US applicants would enter an SSN or ITIN. Your full legal name as written on the passport goes on Line 7a as the responsible party. No US-issued ID is required to obtain the EIN itself.
How long does it take a foreign national to receive an EIN?
The IRS fax method takes 4-7 business days when Form SS-4 is error-free. Through ein.so, Standard delivery is 4-7 business days ($49) and Express is 2-3 business days ($97). The fax line is 855-215-1627. Errors on the form cause the IRS to reject it, which restarts the clock.
Do foreign nationals need a US address for the EIN?
No. A US address is not required on Form SS-4 for the EIN application. Foreign nationals enter their foreign mailing address on Lines 4a and 4b. A US address is needed to register the LLC in a US state, but the EIN form accepts a foreign address.
Does the EIN cost foreign nationals anything at the IRS?
No. The IRS charges $0 for an EIN. The EIN itself is always free regardless of nationality. ein.so charges a service fee of $49 Standard or $97 Express to prepare Form SS-4 correctly, fax it to the IRS, and follow up. You pay for the filing service, not the EIN. See the EIN cost breakdown.
What tax forms must a foreign national file after getting an EIN?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. Most US LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN. These are information returns, not automatic tax bills. Confirm your specific obligations with a US CPA who handles non-resident clients.
Can a foreign national get both an EIN and an ITIN?
Yes. An EIN identifies your business and an ITIN identifies you as an individual taxpayer. They serve different purposes. You do not need an ITIN to get an EIN. ein.so files EINs from $49 and ITINs separately at $197 Standard or $297 Express when an individual tax ID is required.
Can a foreign national get an EIN without a US LLC?
A foreign national usually needs a US legal entity, such as an LLC or corporation, before applying for an EIN tied to that business. The EIN identifies a US business for banking and tax purposes. Form the LLC first, then file Form SS-4 with your passport number on Line 7b.
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