If you’re a non-U.S. resident setting up a U.S. LLC, you may have heard that you need to travel to the U.S., have an SSN, or obtain an ITIN before you can get an EIN for your LLC.
That’s a common misconception.
Non-U.S. residents can obtain an EIN without an SSN, without an ITIN, and without traveling to the U.S. In fact, the IRS has specific application procedures for international applicants.
Here’s what you need to know.
That’s a common misconception.
Non-U.S. residents can obtain an EIN without an SSN, without an ITIN, and without traveling to the U.S. In fact, the IRS has specific application procedures for international applicants.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Non-U.S. Residents Need an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the federal tax identification number issued to a business by the IRS.
For foreign founders, an EIN is an important part of making a U.S. business operational.
You will need one to:
For foreign founders, an EIN is an important part of making a U.S. business operational.
You will need one to:
- Open U.S. business banking accounts
- Hire employees in the U.S.
- Meet IRS filing and compliance requirements
- Apply for payment processors like Stripe
Forming your LLC creates the legal entity. Getting your EIN is what makes it operational.
What Do You Need to Do to Get an EIN?
1. Form your U.S. LLC
Your business must be legally formed before applying for an EIN.
2. Complete Form SS-4
You’ll provide information about your LLC, business activities, and responsible party on an SS-4 form.
3. Submit the application to the IRS
If you’re not a U.S. resident., the IRS allows international applicants to apply by fax, or mail. We recommend applying by fax as it is significantly faster.
4. Follow up if required
Processing times can vary, and the IRS can make mistakes, so some applications may require additional follow-up.
How Do You Get an EIN as a Non-U.S. Resident?
The main difference for international applicants is that you generally cannot use the IRS online EIN application if you do not have a social security number (SSN).
Instead, you must submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail.
If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN and are ineligible to obtain one, the IRS instructions allow you to enter “foreign” as the responsible party’s SSN/ITIN field.
For applications submitted from outside the U.S., plan for several weeks of processing time. The IRS currently advises international applicants to submit Form SS-4 at least four to six weeks before they need their EIN.
Once your EIN is issued, the IRS will typically mail you a CP 575 notice confirming your EIN. If the notice needs to be reissued, the IRS may instead provide an LTR 147C EIN verification letter, which is sent by fax.
Instead, you must submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail.
If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN and are ineligible to obtain one, the IRS instructions allow you to enter “foreign” as the responsible party’s SSN/ITIN field.
For applications submitted from outside the U.S., plan for several weeks of processing time. The IRS currently advises international applicants to submit Form SS-4 at least four to six weeks before they need their EIN.
Once your EIN is issued, the IRS will typically mail you a CP 575 notice confirming your EIN. If the notice needs to be reissued, the IRS may instead provide an LTR 147C EIN verification letter, which is sent by fax.
Once you receive your official EIN notice these documents can be used for banking, payment processor applications, hiring, and other business and tax requirements.
What If You Don't Have a U.S. Address?
You don’t need an address in the U.S. to apply for an EIN. The IRS allows foreign addresses on Form SS-4 when applicable, although having a U.S. address to receive you EIN notice can help avoid international mailing delays.
That said, a U.S. business address is typically required when setting up U.S. banking and payment processors, in addition to your EIN.
That said, a U.S. business address is typically required when setting up U.S. banking and payment processors, in addition to your EIN.
EIN for Non-U.S. Residents: TL;DR
- No U.S. travel required: You can obtain an EIN without traveling to the U.S.
- No SSN or ITIN required: Non-U.S. residents can apply without either.
- Apply with Form SS-4: International applicants generally apply by fax or mail.
- Plan for 4–6 weeks: IRS processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
- Get a U.S. mailing address: It can help avoid international mailing delays and will be required for banking and payment processors.
- Use your EIN to get operational: You will need your EIN to open bank accounts, payment processors, hiring, and other IRS requirements.
Jamie Reed
Founder & Principal
Blackshore Advisory
Founder & Principal
Blackshore Advisory