How Can I Get a U.S. EIN as a Foreign Person?

For foreign entrepreneurs who want to do business in the United States, open a bank account, hire employees, or organize their tax obligations, the EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a fundamental identification number. For people who are not U.S. citizens or residents, getting this number is not as difficult as it may seem. When the process is managed correctly, it creates a safe legal framework for those who want to operate a company beyond their own borders.

The U.S. tax system is quite open to international entrepreneurs and foreign business owners. Every business established in the United States, or any foreign person earning income in the U.S., needs an EIN, which is known as a tax identification number. This requirement ensures that both financial transactions and legal obligations progress in an orderly way.

Why Is an EIN Necessary?

For a foreign person, an EIN is not just a tax number; it is a key that opens the doors to commercial activities in the United States. Having this number makes it easier to maintain business operations on an international scale.

The main benefits of having an EIN include:

• Being able to open a business bank account in the U.S.

• Filing tax returns

• Opening seller accounts on platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart

• Hiring employees in the U.S.

• Carrying out official procedures in structures such as an LLC or Corporation

• Working smoothly with financial institutions in the U.S.

These advantages are critically important especially for entrepreneurs who do e-commerce, run remote businesses, or want to grow their operations through the U.S.

Situations Where Foreigners Need an EIN

A non-U.S. citizen entrepreneur may need an EIN for different reasons. The most common situations include setting up a U.S.-based company, running a business model that earns income in the U.S., or selling through an online platform.

Typical situations where an EIN is required include:

• Being the owner of an LLC or Corporation formed in the U.S.

• Earning income from U.S. sources

• Investing in the United States

• Fulfilling commercial tax obligations

• Operating a branch or representative office in the U.S.

The LLC, which is the most preferred structure for foreign individuals, requires an EIN even if there is only one owner. This way, the business establishes an official relationship with the IRS and manages its operations within a legal framework.

Application Methods for Foreigners

A person who is not resident in the U.S. can use several different methods to apply for an EIN. Since there is no citizenship requirement, the process is open to international entrepreneurs. The most common application method is via Form SS-4.

The main methods for foreigners to obtain an EIN are:

Application by Phone

Foreign individuals living outside the U.S. can call the IRS international phone line to obtain an EIN. This is one of the fastest solutions. The information requested during the call covers the details found on Form SS-4. The number can be issued immediately at the end of the call.

Application by Fax

Form SS-4 can be filled out and sent to the IRS by fax. With this method, the response time is usually a few business days. Completing the form accurately and fully helps speed up the process.

Application by Mail

A physically completed Form SS-4 can be mailed to the IRS office in the United States. However, since mail can take a long time, this method is less preferred by foreigners.

With all methods, the applicant is not required to reside in the U.S. The application can be submitted from anywhere in the world.

Can You Get an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN?

One of the most frequently asked questions by foreign entrepreneurs is whether it is possible to obtain an EIN without a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). In this respect, U.S. regulations are quite flexible.

A foreign person can apply for an EIN even without an SSN or ITIN. On Form SS-4, the relevant section is filled in with the word “Foreign,” and the IRS accepts this status as valid. This flexibility provides great convenience to international entrepreneurs who want to do business in the United States.

Key Points on Form SS-4

Form SS-4 is the most important step of the EIN application. This form contains important information such as the structure of the business, its purpose of activity, and who will be designated as the responsible party for tax purposes.

Key points to pay attention to include:

• Full name of the business owner

• Foreign address information

• Legal structure of the business in the U.S.

• Information about the responsible party for taxes

• Whether there are employees in the U.S.

• Whether the business operates in special categories such as CBD, crypto, or finance

• Description of the business activity

Having information that is consistent, accurate, and complete helps the application to be processed quickly.

Is It Possible to Get an EIN Without Forming a U.S. Company?

Some foreign individuals may want an EIN solely for investment or income purposes without forming a company in the U.S. This is also possible. For example, a foreign person who invests in real estate in the U.S. may obtain an EIN to declare rental income.

Situations where it is possible to obtain an EIN without forming a company include:

• Investing in the United States

• Earning passive income from U.S. sources

• Earning income from a partnership interest

• Receiving royalties, commissions, or service income from a U.S. business

In these cases, Form SS-4 is still used, but the type of entity is marked differently.

The Role of an EIN in Opening a U.S. Bank Account

For many foreign entrepreneurs, one of the most important advantages of having an EIN is the ability to open a business bank account in the U.S. U.S. banks generally require an EIN to open a business account. This account is necessary for carrying out international trade in an orderly way and receiving payments from platforms.

In addition to the EIN, banks may also require:

• Company registration documents in the U.S.

• Registered agent information

• Passport

• Compliance declarations and supporting documents

Some banks offer the possibility of opening accounts remotely, while others require in-person verification. However, having an EIN is the fundamental prerequisite in almost all cases.

The Importance of an EIN on E-Commerce Platforms

For foreigners who want to sell on international platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Walmart, an EIN offers a major advantage. These platforms request a tax identification number during account verification. Having an EIN makes it easier for a foreign entrepreneur’s seller account to be approved and run smoothly.

Advantages an EIN provides on platforms include:

• Facilitates tax compliance

• Helps create a more trustworthy seller profile

• Allows payment providers to approve accounts faster

• Speeds up the account verification process

For foreign entrepreneurs focused on e-commerce, obtaining an EIN is therefore a fundamental step.

Analysis of Common Questions in the EIN Application Process

Foreign applicants may encounter certain questions or situations during the process. Most of these can be handled easily with the right information.

Is a U.S. address required?
No, a foreign address may be used. However, for some company types, having a registered agent address in the U.S. may be mandatory.

Is a passport sufficient?
Yes. A passport is the primary identification document for foreign applicants.

Is it necessary to be physically present in the U.S.?
No. Applications can be made from anywhere in the world via phone, fax, or mail.

Can one EIN be used for multiple purposes?
Each business structure generally needs its own EIN. However, in some individual investment situations, a single EIN may be sufficient.

Summary Table of the Application Process

Long-Term Advantages of an EIN for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Obtaining an EIN is the first step toward creating a long-term presence in the U.S. market. With this number, international entrepreneurs can run their operations more systematically, simplify financial transactions, and gain the opportunity to grow within a clear legal framework.

Long-term advantages include:

• Establishes a trustworthy business identity in the U.S. market

• Makes international payments easier

• Organizes and clarifies tax processes

• Increases account reliability on sales platforms

• Speeds up banking operations

• Strengthens commercial ties with the United States
  
  

For a foreign person, obtaining an EIN in the U.S. is much more accessible than it might seem. When the correct methods are followed, it is possible to operate safely and legally in U.S. markets from anywhere in the world. Having this number is a powerful starting point for anyone who aims to do business on a global scale.