Step-by-step guide to EIN application for non-US residents. Learn how to get your EIN fast — no SSN required. Use SpeedEIN to complete your IRS-compliant EIN application in 10 business days.
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You’ve done it.
You’ve successfully formed your US LLC from abroad — a major step toward building a global business.
Now, to open a US bank account, accept payments on Stripe or PayPal, and stay compliant with the IRS, you need one essential document:
✅ Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Also known as a Federal Tax ID Number, the EIN is the IRS’s way of identifying your business for tax, banking, and legal purposes.
But if you’re a non-US resident, you may have discovered a frustrating truth:
❌ “The IRS does not allow foreign applicants to apply for an EIN online.”
❌ “You need an SSN or ITIN to apply.”
Don’t worry — you can still get an EIN.
In fact, thousands of entrepreneurs from the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, India, and beyond obtain EINs every year.
This complete guide will walk you through the entire EIN application process for non-US residents, including:
- ✅ Why you need an EIN
- ✅ How to apply — even without an SSN
- ✅ Step-by-step instructions for Form SS-4
- ✅ How to receive the CP575 letter
- ✅ How SpeedEIN helps you get your EIN in just 10 business days
Let’s get started.
🔍 Why Do Non-US Residents Need an EIN?
An EIN is required for nearly all US business operations, including:
| Purpose | Why You Need an EIN |
|---|---|
| 🏦 Open a US Business Bank Account | Banks like Mercury, Wise, and Chase require an EIN to verify your LLC |
| 💳 Accept Payments | Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and Shopify Payments all require an EIN |
| 📄 File US Taxes | Even if your LLC has no US income, you may need to file Form 5472 (for foreign-owned LLCs) |
| 🏢 Hire Employees or Contractors | Required for payroll and 1099 reporting |
| 🌐 Prove Business Identity | Used by platforms, clients, and partners to verify your US entity |
📌 Bottom line: No EIN = No US banking, no payment processing, no scalability.
🚫 Can Non-US Residents Apply for an EIN Online?
No — not directly through the IRS.
The IRS’s online EIN application is only available to applicants who:
- Have a valid SSN or ITIN
- Are applying from a US-based IP address
- Use a US phone number
Since most non-US residents don’t meet these criteria, they are blocked from the online portal.
But the IRS does allow foreign owners to obtain an EIN — just not through the online system.
✅ How Non-US Residents Can Apply for an EIN
There are two official methods:
1. Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS
- Download Form SS-4 from the IRS website
- Fill in your LLC details
- In Part I, Field 8, write:“Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN”
- In Field 7, list your name as the Responsible Party
- Fax to 855-641-6935 (IRS international fax line)
- Wait 4–6 weeks for the CP575 letter to arrive at your US address
⚠️ Risks: Lost faxes, errors in form, long delays, no confirmation.
2. Use a Third-Party Designee (Recommended)
The IRS allows a third party — like SpeedEIN — to submit Form SS-4 on your behalf.
📌 This is 100% legal and compliant, as long as:
- You remain the Responsible Party
- The third party does not become the EIN holder
- All information is accurate
This is the fastest, most reliable way to get your EIN.
📘 Step-by-Step: EIN Application for Non-US Residents
Follow these steps to ensure your EIN application is accepted by the IRS.
🔹 Step 1: Confirm Your LLC Is Formed
You must have:
- A registered US LLC (Delaware, Wyoming, Florida, etc.)
- Articles of Organization (official formation document)
- A US mailing address (for CP575 delivery — can be a friend, virtual office, or registered agent)
🔹 Step 2: Identify the Responsible Party
The Responsible Party is:
- The true owner of the LLC (you)
- Must provide name, date of birth, passport number, and foreign address
- Cannot be a US registered agent or third-party service
📌 This person will receive the CP575 and be responsible for IRS communication.
🔹 Step 3: Complete Form SS-4 (Correctly)
Key fields for non-US residents:
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| 1a. Legal Business Name | Your LLC name (exactly as filed) |
| 2. Trade Name | Leave blank if none |
| 7. Responsible Party | Your full name, foreign address, passport number |
| 8. SSN/ITIN | Write: “Foreign person – no SSN or ITIN” |
| 9. Business Start Date | Date your LLC was formed |
| 10. Business Purpose | General description (e.g., “E-commerce”, “Software Development”) |
| 11. First Date Wages Paid | “None” if no employees |
| 12. Number of Employees | “0” if none |
| 13. Highest Number of Employees | “1” if single-member LLC |
📌 Tip: Use ink signature — digital signatures are not accepted.
🔹 Step 4: Submit to the IRS
- Fax to 855-641-6935
- Keep a copy for your records
- Wait 4–6 weeks for CP575
🚀 How SpeedEIN Makes It Fast & Easy
SpeedEIN streamlines the entire EIN application process for non-US residents — so you get your EIN in just 10 business days, with zero hassle.
Here’s how it works:
🔹 1. Start Online — From Anywhere
Visit speedein.com and enter your LLC and responsible party details.
No SSN? No problem.
🔹 2. Upload Documents Securely
- LLC Articles of Organization
- Passport copy of responsible party
- Proof of US mailing address
All data is encrypted and deleted after processing.
🔹 3. We Submit Form SS-4 to the IRS
Our experts:
- Double-check every field for IRS compliance
- Add the correct “Foreign person” note
- Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS on your behalf
🔹 4. Get Your EIN & CP575
- ✅ EIN delivered in 10 business days (via email)
- 📬 CP575 guidance — we help you track the IRS letter
You receive your EIN number, IRS assignment details, and next steps — just like a direct IRS application.
📌 Why the CP575 Letter Matters
The CP575 is the official IRS confirmation of your EIN. You need it to:
- Open a US business bank account
- Activate Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Pay
- File annual tax returns
- Prove your business identity
📌 Important: The CP575 is mailed to your US address only — make sure it’s valid and monitored.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Using a registered agent as responsible party | IRS may reject application or revoke EIN |
| No US mailing address | CP575 cannot be delivered |
| Blurry or incomplete documents | Delays or rejection |
| Incorrect LLC name | Mismatch with formation documents |
| Digital signature on SS-4 | IRS requires ink signature |
SpeedEIN reviews every application to prevent these errors.
💬 Why Choose SpeedEIN?
| Feature | SpeedEIN |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Processing Time | 10 business days |
| 🌐 Online Application | Yes — from any country |
| 🛡️ IRS Compliance | You remain the responsible party |
| 📎 No SSN/ITIN Required | Yes — we handle foreign owner rules |
| 📬 CP575 Support | Step-by-step delivery guidance |
| 💬 Customer Support | Direct email access — no bots |
| 💰 Transparent Pricing | One flat fee — no hidden charges |
🌐 Who Can Use SpeedEIN?
SpeedEIN supports:
- ✅ Single-member and multi-member LLCs
- ✅ All 50 US states (Delaware, Wyoming, Florida, etc.)
- ✅ Entrepreneurs from any country
- ✅ No SSN, ITIN, or US presence required
Whether you’re launching a SaaS, e-commerce store, or consulting business — if you have a US LLC, you can get your EIN with SpeedEIN.
📞 Get Your EIN Fast — Even as a Non-US Resident
You don’t need to be a US citizen or resident to get an EIN.
With SpeedEIN, you can:
- ✅ Complete your entire EIN application online
- ✅ Get your IRS-issued EIN in 10 business days
- ✅ Stay fully compliant — no risk of revocation