How to Get an EIN for Foreigners: Complete Guide

Foreign nationals who plan to start a business, hire employees, or operate any kind of entity in the United States need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It's the number the IRS uses to track your business's tax obligations — and without one, you won't be able to open a US business bank account, file tax returns, or manage payroll.

This guide walks through what an EIN is, who's eligible, how to apply from outside the US, and what to do once you have one.

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What Is an EIN?

An EIN is a nine-digit number (formatted as XX-XXXXXXX) that the IRS assigns to business entities for tax filing and reporting purposes. Think of it as a Social Security Number, but for your business. It identifies your entity in all dealings with the IRS and is also used for opening bank accounts, applying for licenses, and handling payroll.¹
One important distinction: an EIN is strictly for business and entity use. It's not a personal tax identification number, and it shouldn't be used in place of a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

EIN vs. SSN vs. ITIN: What's the Difference?

Foreigners often encounter three types of tax identification numbers when doing business in the US. Here's how they compare:

If you're a foreigner starting a business in the US, you may need both an EIN for your business entity and an ITIN for your personal tax filing obligations. The two serve different purposes and are applied for separately.

Why Do Foreigners Need an EIN?

Foreign nationals and entrepreneurs may need an EIN for several reasons when interacting with US businesses or engaging in activities that require a tax identification number.
The most common reasons include:

• Tax compliance: Foreign entities operating a business in the US are legally required to have an EIN for tax reporting purposes
• Financial operations: Opening a US business bank account, establishing business credit, and applying for business loans typically require an EIN²
• Employee management: If your business employs workers in the US, an EIN is necessary to handle payroll taxes and issue tax documents such as Form W-2
• Contractual needs: Some contracts with US companies require an EIN to manage withholding taxes³
• Business licensing: Certain state and local licenses may require an EIN to process your application (e.g., liquor license, construction permit)⁴

Who Is Eligible for an EIN as a Foreigner?

Foreign individuals and entities can apply for an EIN if they're involved in business activities that require compliance with US tax obligations. The primary qualifying scenarios include:

• Non-resident alien individual: If you're not a US citizen or green card holder but do business in the US requiring you to file taxes
• Foreign corporation: Companies based outside the US but operating within it
• Foreign partnership: Partnerships doing business in the US
• Non-US trust or estate: Non-US citizens with a trust or estate in the US that generates income
• Foreign-owned single-member LLC: LLCs owned by non-US individuals or entities
• Keogh plan: A tax-deferred pension plan available to self-employed individuals or unincorporated businesses⁶

Who Cannot Get an EIN?

Not everyone is eligible to apply. The IRS has specific restrictions:

• Nominees cannot apply. The IRS requires the actual responsible party — the person who controls or directs the entity and its assets — to apply. A nominee who applies puts the entity's information and privacy at risk.
• One EIN per responsible party per day. The IRS limits issuance to one EIN per responsible party per day, regardless of whether you apply online, by phone, fax, or mail.
• Entities not yet legally formed. If you're creating an LLC, corporation, or partnership, you should register the entity with your state before applying for an EIN. The IRS expects the entity to exist legally at the time of application.

How to Get an EIN as a Foreigner

Applying for an EIN as a foreigner is a straightforward process, but your options depend on whether you have a Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN.⁵

Can You Apply for an EIN Online as a Foreigner?

The IRS online EIN application is only available to applicants who meet both of these conditions:

• Your principal business, office, or legal residence is in the US or a US territory
• The responsible party has a valid SSN, ITIN, or existing EIN

If you don't meet both criteria — which is the case for most foreigners without an SSN or ITIN — you'll need to apply by phone, fax, or mail instead.

What Information Do You Need?

Before starting your application, gather the following:

• Your legal name and address (can be a foreign address)
• The legal name and address of your business
• Your entity type (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.)
• The name and identifying information of the responsible party
• Your principal business activity
• The reason you're applying for an EIN
• Expected number of employees in the next 12 months

Step-by-Step Application Guide

To apply for an EIN as a foreign entity, follow this concise step-by-step guide:

1. Get your information ready. Before jumping into the application, double check you've got everything you need:

• Your legal name and address
• The legal name and address of your business
• Your Taxpayer Identification Number (if you have one)

1. Fill out Form SS-4: You'll need to fill out Form SS-4. Be careful when filling out this form, as any mistakes could lead to delays in your application being processed

2. Choose your submission method. International applicants have three options:

Note that if you have an ITN or existing EIN, you can apply for an EIN online. There is a limit of 1 EIN per responsible party per day. The IRS provides a comprehensive guide on these application methods, which you can view here.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Language Barriers

Form SS-4 uses technical language that can be difficult for non-native English speakers. Consider working with a tax professional or attorney familiar with the process. Translation tools can also help, but have someone fluent in English review your completed form before submission.

Application Errors

If your Form SS-4 is incomplete or illegible, the IRS may reject it — and that rejection letter can take weeks to arrive. Double-check every field before submitting. Pay special attention to the entity name, responsible party information, and mailing address.

Staying in Contact

The IRS may need to reach the responsible party for clarification during the application process. Provide accurate contact information, including a working phone number and email address, and check regularly for any correspondence.

Using Your EIN as a Foreigner

Tax Reporting in the US

Your EIN is the key identifier for all business tax filings. Foreign-owned US businesses use it to file annual tax returns — Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships — as well as employment tax returns and, where applicable, excise tax returns.

Banking and Financial Transactions

As a foreigner, having an EIN makes handling your finances in the US significantly easier. With an EIN, you can open a business bank account and conduct important kinds of transactions, like getting payments from clients or paying vendors. This doesn't just make your financial life smoother, but it also boosts your business's credibility in the US.

Tax Obligations After Getting an EIN

Once you have an EIN and begin operating in the US, several tax obligations may apply. These can vary based on your business structure and activities, so working with a qualified tax professional is strongly recommended.

• Income tax returns: Businesses must file annual returns. The specific form depends on your entity type (Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships, Schedule C with Form 1040 for sole proprietors).
• Employment taxes: If you hire US-based employees, you'll need to withhold federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from wages — and pay the employer's share as well.
• Estimated quarterly taxes: If your business expects to owe $1,000 or more in taxes when filing, you may need to make estimated quarterly payments.
• State and local taxes: Depending on where your business operates, you may owe state income tax, sales tax, property tax, or other local taxes.
• Reporting requirements: You'll need to issue Forms W-2 to employees and Forms 1099 to independent contractors paid $600 or more during the year.

For foreign business owners, understanding how US tax treaties with your home country may affect your obligations is especially important. A tax professional who specializes in international business can help you navigate this. You can also learn more about small business tax deductions that may apply to your situation.

EIN for Foreigner: FAQs Addressed

Can a foreigner apply for an EIN without a Social Security Number (SSN)?

Yes, foreigners can totally get an EIN even if they don't have a Social Security Number (SSN). When you're filling out the IRS Form SS-4, just skip the part that asks for the SSN and provide other identification details instead.

How long does it take to get an EIN for foreign entities?

The time depends on your application method:

• Phone: You get it right on the call
• Fax: Around 4 business days
• Mail: Between 4 to 5 weeks

Does it cost anything to apply for an EIN as a foreigner?

No, applying for an EIN is free of charge. The IRS doesn’t ask for a fee, no matter if you're from the US or abroad.

What documents do foreigners need for an EIN application?

Documents needed include the completed SS-4 form, the entity’s Articles of Organization, and a foreign address (or US mailing address). Generally, no supporting ID documents are required to obtain an EIN for foreigners.⁸

Can foreign sole proprietors get an EIN?

Yes, foreign sole proprietors can get an EIN just like any other foreign entity by following the same process.

Conclusion

Getting an EIN is a must if you're a foreign entity eyeing the US market. It's not just about keeping the IRS happy; it's key to core business activities like opening a bank account, getting a team on board, and handling payments.

Luckily, obtaining an EIN from abroad is pretty straightforward. Stick to the steps we've laid out, make sure you've got your paperwork in order, and you'll be well on your way track to receiving your EIN and establishing your business in the US.

Meet Wise Business: Your Go-To for Stress-Free International Payments

Opening a business account as a foreigner can often be stressful and time consuming. This is where Wise Business can help.

Non-US citizens can open a US Wise Business account with a registered US business and US operating address. Alternatively, where Wise Business is available, you can open an account and get US account details to receive payments like a local.

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Sources:

1. IRS Employer's Tax Guide
2. EIN to open business bank account
3. Scenarios that require EIN
4. Example of potential state requirements for EIN
5. Information about EIN online application
6. Do you need an EIN
7. EIN application methods
8. Passport for EIN application

All sources checked March 2026