How to Get an EIN as a Non-U.S. Resident (2026 Guide)

Every U.S. entity needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a bank account, hire, file tax, or accept Stripe payouts. Foreign founders without an SSN can absolutely get one - but only if Form SS-4 is filled out correctly. We process these weekly for international clients.

Three filing methods, ranked

• Online (IRS website): NOT available without an SSN/ITIN. Skip it.
• Fax to IRS (855-641-6935): 4-6 business days. The reliable route in 2026.
• Mail to IRS: 6-8 weeks. Use only as a fallback.

Form SS-4 - the lines that get rejected

Most foreign-owner SS-4s are rejected for three preventable reasons.

• Line 7b ('SSN/ITIN'): Write 'Foreign' - do NOT leave it blank.
• Line 8a ('LLC?'): If a single-member LLC owned by a foreign person, the entity is disregarded - check the right box or you will be set up for double tax.
• Line 9a ('Type of entity'): Match the formation document exactly. A mismatch triggers a manual review.

Third-party designee - the legal shortcut

You can authorize a U.S. tax professional to receive the EIN by phone on your behalf via the third-party designee section. This collapses the wait from days to roughly 60 minutes. Our EIN application service uses this method and includes the IRS call.

What to do before the EIN arrives

Form your U.S. LLC or C-Corp first - SS-4 requires the formation state and entity name. If you also need to file a personal U.S. tax return, start the ITIN application in parallel; they run on separate IRS tracks.

Common questions

Yes, you keep the same EIN forever - even if ownership changes. No, the EIN itself does not give you U.S. tax residency. Yes, banks (Mercury, Relay, Wise Business) will accept a foreign-owned EIN if your formation documents and ID are clean.