Country Guide
EIN for Romanian Entrepreneurs
Apply for your US EIN from Romania without an SSN or ITIN. ein.so handles the IRS fax filing for Romanian freelancers, IT founders, and Amazon sellers. $49 Standard. $97 Express.
Last updated: June 2, 2026
Romanian entrepreneurs can get a US EIN by submitting IRS Form SS-4 by fax. Your Romanian passport number replaces the SSN requirement on Line 7b. The IRS online tool is blocked for applicants without an SSN, so the fax method is your path. ein.so prepares your SS-4, faxes it to the IRS, and delivers your EIN by email. Standard processing costs $49 (4-7 business days). Express costs $97 (2-3 business days).
Romania is a European Union member with a population of 19 million and a growing technology sector. Romanian founders build for the US market across software, IT outsourcing, e-commerce, and freelance services. Romanian developers serve American clients, Amazon and Shopify sellers ship products to US buyers, and consultants invoice in dollars. Each of them needs a US EIN to run a US business entity. This guide explains how Romanian applicants get an EIN without an SSN, how to complete Form SS-4 correctly, and how to set up US banking, payments, and tax compliance after approval.
| Factor | Romania | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Common entity | PFA / SRL | LLC / Corporation |
| Business ID | CUI / CIF | EIN (XX-XXXXXXX) |
| Tax authority | ANAF | IRS |
| VAT / sales tax | TVA (standard 19%) | State sales tax (varies) |
| Currency | Romanian Leu (RON, ~0.22 USD) | USD |
| Online EIN tool | Not available without SSN | Requires SSN |
Use Cases
Why Do Romanian Entrepreneurs Need a US EIN?
Romanian entrepreneurs need a US EIN because a US LLC cannot open a bank account, accept US payments, or file US taxes without one. The EIN is the federal tax ID that links your Romanian-owned company to the US financial system.
Romania has one of the strongest IT and software sectors in Eastern Europe. Founders push toward the US market, where customers, payment processors, and capital concentrate. Here are the most common reasons Romanian applicants come to ein.so.
Software and IT Founders
E-commerce and Amazon.com
Freelancers and PFA Owners
Content Creators and Digital Products
Every use case above depends on the same first step: a valid EIN attached to a US LLC. See EIN for non-residents for the full overview of who qualifies.
Step-by-Step
How Do Romanian Citizens Apply for a US EIN?
Romanian citizens submit IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627, using a Romanian passport number in place of an SSN. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax method is the only viable path. The IRS issues most correctly filed EINs within 4-7 business days.
Form Your US LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
Romania-Specific SS-4 Field Guide
| SS-4 Field | Romanian Entry |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your US LLC name |
| Line 4 (Address) | Your Romanian address (strada, numar, judet, cod postal) |
| Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name as on your passport |
| Line 7b (SSN/ITIN/EIN) | Your Romanian passport number |
| Line 10 (Reason) | Started new business |
| Line 16 (Principal activity) | E.g., "software," "e-commerce," "consulting" |
The most common Romanian rejection cause is address formatting. The 6-digit cod postal and judet do not map cleanly to the SS-4 layout, and the IRS silently rejects malformed international addresses. ein.so reformats Romanian addresses to an IRS-accepted style. See the full SS-4 form guide and the complete EIN application process.
No SSN Needed
Can Romanian Applicants Get an EIN Without an SSN?
Yes. Romanian applicants get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN by writing their passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b. The IRS assigns EINs to foreign responsible parties who have no US tax ID. Only the online application requires an SSN.
The IRS provides three filing methods, and only one works for non-residents without an SSN. The table below compares them.
| Method | SSN Required | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online tool | Yes | Instant | $0 (blocked for Romanians) |
| Fax (855-215-1627) | No | 4-7 business days | $0 IRS fee |
| Phone (267-941-1099) | No | Same call | International call charges |
| ein.so Standard | No | 4-7 business days | $49 |
| ein.so Express | No | 2-3 business days | $97 |
The fax method is the standard path for Romanian applicants. ein.so prepares the SS-4, faxes it, checks for errors, and delivers your EIN. See EIN without SSN and the EIN cost breakdown for full details. The IRS itself charges $0; ein.so charges for preparation, error checking, and delivery.
Banking & Payments
How Do Romanian Entrepreneurs Use Their EIN for US Banking and Payments?
Romanian entrepreneurs use their EIN to open a US business bank account and connect US payment processors, which together give a Romanian-owned LLC access to the dollar economy. Mercury and Relay approve most Romanian LLC owners remotely within a few business days.
US Business Bank Account
Stripe on a US Entity
PayPal Business (US)
Wise Multi-Currency
Together, a US LLC, an EIN, and a US bank account let you invoice American clients in dollars, accept card payments, and repatriate profits to your Romanian bank when the RON/USD rate is favorable. The EIN is the credential every processor verifies first.
Tax Considerations
What Should Romanian Entrepreneurs Know About US and Romanian Taxes?
A single-member US LLC owned by a Romanian resident is usually a disregarded entity for US federal income tax, meaning the LLC itself pays no US federal income tax on non-US-sourced income. You still file an annual US information return, and you still declare income in Romania.
US Filing: Form 5472 + 1120
Romanian Reporting (ANAF)
US-Romania Tax Treaty
BOI Report to FinCEN
ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice. Work with a Romanian accountant and a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters. Your EIN is the starting point for US tax compliance. See EIN processing time to plan your filing timeline and EIN for non-residents for the full picture.
ITIN
Do Romanian Entrepreneurs Need an ITIN As Well As an EIN?
Most Romanian entrepreneurs need only an EIN, not an ITIN. The EIN identifies your US LLC. An ITIN identifies you as an individual for personal US tax filing, which applies only in specific situations.
You need an EIN to form a US business, open US accounts, and file Form 5472. You may need an ITIN if you personally must file a US individual tax return, claim a treaty benefit on personal income, or appear on a US tax document that requires an individual tax number. The two numbers serve different purposes.
| Number | Identifies | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| EIN | Your US LLC | Banking, payments, Form 5472, Amazon |
| ITIN | You as an individual | Personal US tax returns, treaty claims |
ein.so files both. The EIN service costs $49 Standard or $97 Express. The ITIN service costs $197 Standard or $297 Express. Start with the EIN, since the LLC needs it first. Add the ITIN only when a US individual filing requirement applies. Confirm whether you need an ITIN with a CPA before ordering one.
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN From Romania
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- Set up payments — connect your EIN to Stripe, PayPal, or Payoneer
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Sell on US platforms — Amazon, Shopify, Etsy
Learn more: how to get an EIN | EIN without SSN | EIN cost | EIN processing time | SS-4 form guide
Other country guides: India | UK | Canada | Nigeria | Pakistan | Philippines. Browse all on EIN for non-residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Romanian citizens get a US EIN without visiting America?
Yes. Romanian citizens apply for a US EIN entirely from Romania. The IRS does not require you to be present in the United States. You submit Form SS-4 by fax using your Romanian passport number on Line 7b. ein.so handles the full process remotely for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
Do I need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN from Romania?
No. Romanian applicants do not need an SSN or ITIN. Your Romanian passport number serves as identification on Form SS-4 Line 7b. The IRS online EIN tool requires an SSN, which is why Romanian applicants use the fax method that ein.so files for you at 855-215-1627.
How long does it take for a Romanian applicant to receive an EIN?
Through ein.so, Standard processing takes 4-7 business days for $49 and Express takes 2-3 business days for $97. The DIY fax method takes 4-7 business days when the SS-4 is error-free. Calling the IRS from Romania at 267-941-1099 means international call charges during US business hours.
How much does an EIN cost for Romanian applicants?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN. ein.so charges $49 for Standard filing (4-7 business days) or $97 for Express filing (2-3 business days). The fee covers SS-4 preparation, fax submission, error checking, and delivery of your EIN by email. See the EIN cost breakdown for details.
Can I open a US bank account from Romania with an EIN?
Yes. With your EIN and LLC formation documents, you open accounts at Mercury, Relay, and Wise remotely from Romania. You receive US account and routing numbers for ACH and domestic wires. Your EIN is the first requirement banks check before approving a non-resident business account.
What is the EIN equivalent in Romania?
The closest Romanian equivalent is the CUI (Codul Unic de Inregistrare), the unique tax registration code issued by ANAF, plus the CIF VAT code. Neither has standing in the United States. You need a separate US EIN for a US business entity to file US taxes and open US accounts.
Can Romanian freelancers and PFA owners use a US LLC and EIN?
Yes. Many Romanian freelancers and PFA (persoana fizica autorizata) owners form a US LLC to invoice US clients in dollars and access US payment rails. The US LLC and EIN sit alongside your Romanian PFA. You continue to declare income in Romania under ANAF rules. Confirm reporting duties with an accountant.
Can I sell on Amazon.com from Romania with an EIN?
Yes. Amazon requires a US tax identification number to complete the seller tax interview on Amazon.com. Romanian sellers use their US EIN to register through their US LLC, access FBA warehouses in the US, and reach American customers. The EIN must be issued before you finish the tax interview.
Does ein.so support Romanian applicants with address formatting?
Yes. Romanian addresses use strada, numar, judet, and a 6-digit cod postal that does not map cleanly to the SS-4 layout. The IRS silently rejects malformed international addresses. ein.so reformats your Romanian address to an IRS-accepted style so your application is not rejected without notice.
Need an EIN? We Handle Everything.
Non-US resident? We file Form SS-4 with the IRS and deliver your EIN by email. Just $49.
Get My EIN for $49