Process
Foreign EIN Application Guide
How to submit a foreign EIN application using Form SS-4. Line-by-line guidance for international applicants. No SSN needed. ein.so handles it for $49.
A foreign EIN application is the process a non-US entity or non-resident owner uses to obtain a US Employer Identification Number. The EIN is a 9-digit federal tax ID in the format XX-XXXXXXX. A foreign-owned US LLC needs it to open a bank account, accept US payments, and file US tax returns. The IRS charges $0 for the EIN itself. The barrier for foreign applicants is the application method, not the fee. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents file by fax instead. This guide covers the SS-4 line entries, the fax process, common rejection causes, and the compliance steps that follow approval.
| Factor | Foreign Applicant | US Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | IRS Form SS-4 | IRS Form SS-4 |
| Online tool access | No (needs SSN) | Yes |
| Identification on Line 7b | Passport number | SSN or ITIN |
| Submission method | Fax to 855-215-1627 | Online, fax, or mail |
| IRS fee | $0 | $0 |
| ein.so fee | $49 / $97 | $49 / $97 |
| Processing time | 4-7 business days | Instant (online) |
Who Applies
Who Files a Foreign EIN Application?
A foreign EIN application is filed by any non-US entity or non-resident person that owns or operates a US business needing a federal tax ID. This includes single-member LLCs, multi-member LLCs, and corporations owned by individuals outside the United States. The applicant lists themselves as the responsible party on Line 7a.
Non-residents from over 150 countries form US entities to reach the US market. The application path is the same regardless of nationality, because the IRS accepts a passport number from any country on Line 7b. Here are the most common applicant types.
Foreign-Owned Single-Member LLC
Foreign-Owned Multi-Member LLC
Foreign-Owned US Corporation
Foreign Entity With US Activity
Line by Line
How Do You Complete Form SS-4 as a Foreign Applicant?
Foreign applicants complete Form SS-4 by entering the entity name on Line 1, a foreign or US address on Line 4, the responsible party name on Line 7a, and the passport number on Line 7b. The reason for applying goes on Line 10. Leaving Line 7b blank causes an automatic rejection.
Enter the Legal Name and Address
Name the Responsible Party
Enter Your Passport Number
Select Entity Type and Reason
Sign and Fax to the IRS
Critical SS-4 Fields for Foreign Applicants
| Line | Field | Foreign Applicant Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Legal name | Your LLC or entity name |
| 2 | Trade name | DBA if different |
| 3 | Executor/trustee | Your personal name |
| 4a-4b | Mailing address | Your foreign or US registered agent address |
| 7a | Responsible party | Your full name as on your passport |
| 7b | SSN/ITIN/EIN | Passport number |
| 9a | Type of entity | LLC, corporation, or partnership |
| 10 | Reason for applying | Started new business |
| 16 | Principal activity | Software, e-commerce, consulting |
| 18 | Third party designee | ein.so (if using the service) |
For the full walkthrough, see the SS-4 form guide and the responsible party rules. The complete process is covered in how to get an EIN.
No SSN Needed
Why Can't Foreign Applicants Use the IRS Online Tool?
Foreign applicants cannot use the IRS online EIN tool because it requires the responsible party to enter a valid SSN, ITIN, or existing EIN. Non-residents who hold none of these are blocked at that step. The fax method to 855-215-1627 is the working path, and it accepts a passport number.
The online tool is built for US residents who already have a taxpayer identification number. It validates the SSN in real time and issues the EIN instantly. A foreign applicant has no SSN to validate, so the tool stops the application. This is a feature of the system, not an error you can work around.
| Method | Needs SSN? | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS online tool | Yes | Instant | US residents with an SSN |
| Fax to 855-215-1627 | No | 4-7 business days | Foreign applicants |
| Phone to the IRS | No | Same call, US hours | Foreign applicants who can call |
| ein.so service | No | 2-7 business days | Foreign applicants who want it handled |
The phone method works, but it requires an international call to the US during IRS business hours and a live conversation about the SS-4 fields. Most non-residents choose fax. See EIN without SSN for the full explanation of the no-SSN path.
Common Mistakes
What Causes a Foreign EIN Application to Get Rejected?
A foreign EIN application gets rejected when Line 7b is blank, the entity type does not match the formation documents, the foreign address is malformed, or the form is unsigned. Each error stops the filing and forces a re-fax. Fixing the specific field and re-faxing restarts the 4-7 business day clock.
The IRS rejects a malformed international address without a clear notice. The address fields on the SS-4 assume a US street, city, state, and ZIP layout. A foreign address with a postal code in a different position confuses the parser. ein.so reformats foreign addresses to an IRS-accepted style before faxing.
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Leaving Line 7b blank | Enter your passport number |
| Using a foreign tax ID on Line 7b | Use your passport number, not a VAT or company ID |
| Wrong entity type on Line 9a | Match your LLC or corporation registration |
| Malformed foreign address on Line 4 | Reformat to the IRS street/city/postal layout |
| Missing signature | Sign and date the form before faxing |
| Wrong fax number | Use 855-215-1627 for international applicants |
See the EIN rejection guide for a detailed breakdown of each cause and how to correct it.
Cost & Time
How Much Does a Foreign EIN Application Cost and Take?
A foreign EIN application costs $0 from the IRS. ein.so charges $49 for Standard service (4-7 business days) and $97 for Express service (2-3 business days). The fee covers SS-4 preparation, foreign address reformatting, faxing to the IRS, and delivery of your EIN by email. There is no per-page or filing surcharge.
The processing time depends entirely on form accuracy. A clean SS-4 moves through IRS processing in 4-7 business days. An error sends the form back, and the corrected version starts a fresh cycle. This is why preparing the form correctly the first time matters more than the raw speed of the method.
IRS Fee: $0
Standard: $49 / 4-7 Days
Express: $97 / 2-3 Days
ITIN Add-On
After Approval
What Comes After a Foreign EIN Application Is Approved?
After approval, a foreign EIN unlocks US banking, payment processing, and the annual tax filings a foreign-owned entity must complete. The EIN assignment letter (CP 575) is the document banks and platforms ask for. ein.so delivers the EIN by email before the mailed letter arrives, so you can act immediately.
The EIN is the starting point, not the finish line, for US compliance. A foreign-owned single-member US LLC carries specific federal filing duties, and most LLCs also report ownership to FinCEN. ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice; confirm your specific filings with a US CPA.
Open a US Bank Account
Connect Payment Processors
File Form 5472 Annually
File Your BOI Report
The federal SS-4 and EIN process is stable and well-defined. The tax filings that follow depend on your entity type, ownership, and income source. Work with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters for the Form 5472, Form 1120, and any treaty positions. See EIN for non-residents and EIN without SSN for related guidance.
Next Steps
Start Your Foreign EIN Application
- Apply for your EIN — ein.so prepares and faxes your SS-4 for $49 Standard or $97 Express
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept foreign LLC owners
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Learn the process — read how to get an EIN, EIN without SSN, and the SS-4 form guide
Related guides: EIN for non-residents | EIN cost | EIN processing time | EIN rejection guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How do foreign entities apply for an EIN?
Foreign entities apply for an EIN by completing IRS Form SS-4 and faxing it to 855-215-1627. International applicants enter their passport number on Line 7b instead of an SSN. The IRS issues a correctly filed foreign EIN within 4-7 business days. ein.so prepares and files your SS-4 for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
What replaces the SSN on a foreign EIN application?
Your passport number replaces the SSN on a foreign EIN application. Enter it on Form SS-4 Line 7b, where the form asks for an SSN, ITIN, or EIN. Non-residents do not need a Social Security Number or ITIN to get an EIN. The passport number identifies you as the responsible party for the entity.
Can a foreign applicant use the IRS online EIN tool?
No. The IRS online EIN tool requires the responsible party to enter a valid SSN, ITIN, or existing EIN. Foreign applicants without an SSN cannot use it. International applicants must apply by fax to 855-215-1627 or by phone during US business hours. ein.so handles the fax filing remotely so you avoid international calls.
How much does a foreign EIN application cost?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN. ein.so charges $49 for Standard service with 4-7 business day delivery and $97 for Express service with 2-3 business day delivery. The fee covers SS-4 preparation, address reformatting, faxing to the IRS, and delivery of your EIN assignment letter by email.
How long does a foreign EIN application take?
A foreign EIN application takes 4-7 business days through ein.so Standard service and 2-3 business days through Express service. The DIY fax method takes 4-7 business days when the form has no errors. Errors restart the clock, because the IRS rejects malformed SS-4 forms without a quick correction path.
Does a foreign entity need a US address to apply?
No. A foreign entity does not need a US address to apply for an EIN. Enter your actual foreign address on Form SS-4 Line 4. A US registered agent address from your LLC formation also works. The IRS mails your CP 575 assignment letter, but ein.so delivers the EIN by email first.
What happens if my foreign EIN application is rejected?
The IRS rejects a foreign EIN application for a missing passport number on Line 7b, a wrong entity type on Line 9a, a malformed foreign address, or a missing signature. Fix the specific error and re-fax to 855-215-1627. See the [EIN rejection guide](/ein-rejection-guide/) for the most common causes and fixes.
Does a foreign-owned LLC have to file taxes after getting an EIN?
Yes. A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing Form 5472 is $25,000. Most LLCs also report beneficial ownership to FinCEN. ein.so does not provide tax advice; confirm your filing duties with a US CPA. See the [Form 5472 guide](/form-5472-guide/).
Can I use one EIN for multiple foreign-owned entities?
No. Each US entity needs its own EIN. One EIN identifies one legal entity for IRS purposes. If you own two LLCs, you file two separate SS-4 forms and receive two EINs. A foreign individual acting as the responsible party can be listed on multiple applications using the same passport number on Line 7b.
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