How to Get an EIN for a Non-Resident US LLC Without an SSN or ITIN (2026)
If you formed a US LLC from outside the United States, you do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Federal law lets foreign owners apply directly on Form SS-4. This guide explains exactly how the fax and mail methods work, how to complete the SS-4 as a non-resident, and the realistic timelines Gulf and other international founders should plan around in 2026.
What an EIN Is and Why Your US LLC Needs One
An EIN is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the IRS to identify a business entity. Think of it as the company's tax ID — the business equivalent of a personal SSN. Your US LLC needs an EIN to open a US business bank account, activate payment processors like Stripe, file the required federal information returns, and onboard with most vendors and marketplaces. Even a single-member LLC with no employees needs an EIN for banking and compliance.
Yes — Non-Residents Can Get an EIN (No SSN or ITIN Required)
This is the single biggest point of confusion. US federal law does not make an SSN or ITIN a condition of getting an EIN. The IRS explicitly provides a path for foreign responsible parties: where the application asks for the responsible party's SSN or ITIN, a non-resident who has neither writes the word "Foreign". The EIN belongs to the business, not to you personally, so your lack of a US personal tax number is not a barrier.
The Methods: Fax and Mail (Phone Is for SSN Holders)
Applicants with an SSN or ITIN can use the IRS online or phone systems. Without one, you have two reliable routes — and fax is the practical winner for international founders.
Fax (recommended for non-residents)
Send the completed SS-4 to the IRS international fax number. Include a return fax number and the EIN is typically faxed back in about 3–5 business days. This is the fastest route when you have no SSN or ITIN.
Post the SS-4 to the IRS. This works but is slow — generally 4–8 weeks for the CP 575 confirmation letter to arrive. Use it only if fax is not available to you.
Phone (SSN/ITIN holders only)
The IRS telephone EIN service is restricted to applicants with an SSN or ITIN. As a non-resident without either, you will use fax or mail instead.
For founders in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the wider Gulf, fax to the IRS international fax line is the fastest legitimate option: the EIN is usually returned in roughly 3–5 business days, versus 4–8 weeks by mail. There is no fee to apply directly. If you do not own a fax machine, an online fax service is sufficient — the IRS only needs a working return fax number printed on your SS-4.
Completing Form SS-4 as a Non-Resident — Line by Line
Form SS-4 is short, but the lines below are where non-residents most often go wrong. The key entry is Line 7b.
| SS-4 line | What a non-resident enters |
|---|---|
| Line 1 — Legal name | The exact registered name of your LLC. |
| Line 4a/4b — Mailing address | Your foreign (home) address or US registered-agent address, as applicable. |
| Line 7a — Responsible party | Your full legal name as the LLC's responsible party (the owner who controls it). |
| Line 7b — SSN/ITIN/EIN | Write the word "Foreign" here if you have none of these. This is the documented non-resident instruction. |
| Line 8a — LLC? | Check "Yes" and enter the number of members (1 for a single-member LLC). |
| Line 9a — Entity type | For a single-member LLC, the IRS treats it as a disregarded entity by default; follow the SS-4 instructions for your structure. |
| Line 10 — Reason for applying | Typically "Started new business" or "Banking purpose". |
Sign and date the form. The responsible party must be a real person who controls the LLC — for a single-member LLC, that is you, the owner. Entity classification details vary, so follow the official IRS Instructions for Form SS-4 for your structure and confirm anything tax-specific with a qualified tax advisor.
What to Expect — and If the Fax Fails or the EIN Is Delayed
After a successful fax, the IRS faxes back your EIN, usually within a few business days. The official confirmation letter (CP 575) is then mailed to the address on the form. Common reasons for delay include an unreadable fax, a missing return fax number, an incomplete Line 7b, or seasonal IRS backlogs. If you have not received a response within about two weeks of faxing, it is reasonable to re-send the application or follow up. Do not submit multiple simultaneous applications for the same entity, as duplicates can cause processing problems.
Keep your CP 575 safe
Banks and Stripe often ask to see the EIN confirmation. The IRS issues the original CP 575 only once, so store a clear copy. If you lose it, you can later request a replacement confirmation (Letter 147C).
After Your EIN: Open Mercury or Wise, Then Activate Stripe
The EIN unlocks the rest of your stack. With your EIN and formation documents, non-residents typically open a US business account with Mercury or Wise — both onboard foreign-owned LLCs remotely without an SSN. Once your account is live, you can usually activate Stripe under the LLC to accept card payments globally. The clean order of operations is: form the LLC → get the EIN → open Mercury or Wise → activate Stripe.
Each provider runs its own KYC. Apply with the exact LLC legal name on your EIN letter, your formation certificate, and a valid passport. Small mismatches between documents are the most common cause of onboarding delays.
EIN vs ITIN — Business vs Personal
These two numbers are easy to confuse but serve different purposes. An EIN identifies your business to the IRS and is what banks and processors require. An ITIN identifies you personally for US tax filing when you are not eligible for an SSN. Many non-resident single-member LLC owners operate with only an EIN. You may need an ITIN later if a personal US tax return or a withholding situation requires one — but you do not need an ITIN to obtain your EIN, and you do not need an ITIN simply to run the company day to day. Whether your specific situation creates an ITIN or filing obligation depends on your facts; consult a qualified tax advisor before deciding.
EIN Without an SSN — FAQ
Can I get an EIN for my US LLC without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. US federal law does not require an SSN or ITIN to obtain an Employer Identification Number. Non-residents apply on Form SS-4 and write "Foreign" on the line that asks for the responsible party's SSN/ITIN/EIN. The IRS issues the EIN by fax or mail.
How long does it take to get an EIN without an SSN?
By fax to the IRS international number, the EIN is typically returned in about 3–5 business days. By mail it generally takes 4–8 weeks. The IRS phone application is reserved for applicants who already have an SSN or ITIN, so non-residents normally use fax for speed.
What do I write on the SS-4 line that asks for an SSN?
On Line 7b (the responsible party's SSN, ITIN, or EIN), a non-resident who has none of these writes the word "Foreign". This is the IRS's documented instruction for foreign responsible parties and is the standard non-resident path.
Do I need an ITIN if I have an EIN?
Not for the LLC itself. An EIN identifies the business; an ITIN identifies you personally for US tax filing. Many non-resident single-member LLC owners operate with only an EIN and obtain an ITIN later if a personal US tax filing requires one. Confirm your specific filing obligations with a qualified tax advisor.
Can I open a US bank account with just an EIN?
Generally yes. Fintech accounts such as Mercury and Wise onboard non-resident LLCs using the EIN, formation documents, and owner identification — no SSN required. After the account is open you can typically activate Stripe to accept payments.
Skip the IRS Paperwork — We Get Your EIN For You
OpenEntity forms your US LLC and obtains your EIN as part of the $499 all-inclusive plan — no SSN or ITIN needed. We complete and file your SS-4, handle the IRS fax, and hand you a bank-ready EIN so you can open Mercury or Wise and activate Stripe.
Disclaimer: OpenEntity is a private business consulting firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. Information in this article is for educational purposes only and reflects standard public IRS procedures that can change. Consult a qualified tax advisor, CPA, or attorney for advice specific to your situation.