Non-US residents cannot use the IRS website to apply for an EIN, but there are legitimate ways to submit your application online. Learn how foreign individuals and businesses can get an EIN in 2025 — and avoid costly mistakes.
In 2025, more and more foreign businesses, freelancers, and investors are entering the U.S. market. Whether you’re opening an Amazon store, setting up a U.S. LLC, applying for a Stripe account, or working with U.S. clients — you need a valid EIN (Employer Identification Number) to get started.
But most people run into a simple yet frustrating question:
❓ Can Non-US Residents Apply for an EIN Online?
Not via the IRS website.
The IRS’s official EIN application system (SAO) is only available to applicants who have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you’re a non-resident of the United States and do not have an SSN/ITIN, you cannot use the IRS online portal.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You can still submit your EIN application online through services like SpeedEIN — using Form SS-4 — and get your EIN without dealing with the IRS directly.
📄 2 Ways to Apply for an EIN (for Non-US Residents)
| Method | Available to Foreigners? | Speed | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Website (Online Portal) | ❌ No | Instant (if eligible) | Not accessible |
| SS-4 Form (Fax or Mail) | ✅ Yes | 5–15 business days | High chance of rejection |
SpeedEIN’s service bridges this gap by:
- Helping you fill out Form SS-4 correctly
- Verifying your company details and entity type
- Submitting to the proper IRS fax line
- Monitoring for approval or required corrections
📬 Can You Get the EIN Electronically?
Partially yes — you can receive your EIN number digitally through our tracking system once the IRS assigns it.
However, the CP575 confirmation letter (the official IRS notice) is still only sent by U.S. postal mail to a U.S.-based mailing address.
This is why a valid U.S. address is still required, and SpeedEIN will guide you in choosing a legal, safe, and reliable address provider.
⚠️ Common EIN Mistakes by Foreign Applicants
| Mistake Type | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Incorrect spelling or structure of business name | EIN may be issued under wrong name |
| Wrong or vague entity type | EIN tied to incorrect structure, affects banking |
| Poor or missing industry code | IRS may flag or delay processing |
| Invalid address format | CP575 gets lost or returned |
| Failed fax or IRS doesn’t receive | IRS gives no notification of rejection |
✅ Why Use SpeedEIN Instead of Doing It Yourself?
| Self-Application | With SpeedEIN |
|---|---|
| Must complete Form SS-4 in English | Guided process with native-language support |
| Don’t know what entity or industry to choose | Advisors help select proper IRS-recognized terms |
| No IRS updates if rejected | We track your submission and offer 1 free re-submission |
| Unsure how to receive CP575 | Guidance on U.S. address and mail forwarding |
🚀 Ready to Apply for Your EIN Online — Without the IRS Headaches?
You don’t need an SSN.
You don’t need to call the IRS.
You don’t need to wait 45 days for a reply that may never come.
With SpeedEIN, you can submit your EIN request in minutes and let us handle the complexity.
👉 Start here: https://www.speedein.com