📝 Description:
Description: Just formed a U.S. LLC or Corporation and don’t know how to apply for an EIN? This 2025 guide, based on IRS official publications, explains exactly how non-U.S. residents can properly apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Includes form instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and critical legal reminders. Note: SpeedEIN does not provide a U.S. mailing address or forward IRS CP575 letters. You must have your own valid U.S. address. Don’t risk rejection—let us help.
🔑 Keywords:
how to apply for EIN as foreigner, EIN for LLC without SSN, IRS EIN for non-resident, EIN application 2025, foreign-owned LLC EIN guide, SpeedEIN, Form SS-4 tutorial
🇺🇸 EIN for Foreign-Owned LLCs and Corporations: What You Must Know in 2025
For international entrepreneurs starting U.S. businesses, the first major roadblock is almost always the same:
How do I apply for an EIN without a Social Security Number (SSN)?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required to open a business bank account, get payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal, file U.S. taxes, and legally operate in the U.S.
✅ Can a Non-Resident Apply for an EIN Without an SSN?
Yes! According to IRS Publication 1635, non-U.S. residents can apply for an EIN using only their passport, without needing an SSN or ITIN.
But here’s the catch:
🛑 Applications with errors or invalid addresses will be silently rejected.
📬 The IRS sends only physical mail (CP575), so you must provide a valid U.S. mailing address that can receive official documents.
📋 EIN Application Checklist for Non-U.S. Residents
| Requirement | Mandatory? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Legally formed U.S. LLC or Corp | ✅ Yes | Must have official formation documents (Articles of Organization) |
| Valid U.S. mailing address | ✅ Yes | Must be physical (not PO box or virtual mailboxes) |
| SSN/ITIN | ❌ No | Passport is sufficient if filled correctly |
| IRS Form SS-4 completed in English | ✅ Yes | Must be typed or printed in English; handwritten forms often rejected |
❗ Note: SpeedEIN does not provide a U.S. address or forward the IRS CP575 letter. You must have your own.
🧾 LLC vs. Corporation: EIN Application Differences
| Step | LLC Application | Corporation Application |
|---|---|---|
| Entity Type on SS-4 | Mark “LLC” + provide number of members | Mark “Corporation” |
| Responsible Party Info | Member or manager | Officer or director |
| EIN via Phone (foreign) | Available if urgent via IRS international line | Same |
| Common Mistakes | Leaving out “foreign-owned” note | Invalid mailing address; missing signatures |
⚠️ Common Mistakes by Foreign Applicants
| Mistake | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Using a virtual/invalid U.S. address | IRS cannot deliver CP575; your EIN is never confirmed |
| Submitting SS-4 in non-English language | Automatically rejected |
| Leaving SSN field blank without “Foreign” | Treated as incomplete; application may be ignored |
| No signature/date on Form SS-4 | Rejected without notice |
| Mailing form without return envelope | You never receive your EIN confirmation |
💬 Real case: We’ve seen users wait 2–3 months with no response, only to find their EIN was never processed due to errors.
🆚 DIY vs. SpeedEIN: What’s the Risk?
| Feature | Doing It Yourself | Using SpeedEIN |
|---|---|---|
| SS-4 form review | ❌ None | ✅ Checked by professionals |
| Address validation | ❌ Often skipped | ✅ We notify you if your address won’t work |
| Legal entity classification | ❌ Often marked incorrectly | ✅ Correctly filed for LLC/Corp |
| Application tracking | ❌ Not possible | ✅ We follow up with IRS if needed |
| CP575 support | ❌ None | ✅ We guide what to do if letter is lost |
| Success rate | ⛔ < 50% (if errors) | ✅ 98%+ success rate with fast turnaround |
⚠️ Final Legal Notes (Important!)
- ✅ You MUST have your own U.S. address. SpeedEIN does not offer or rent U.S. addresses.
- ❌ We do NOT forward or scan the CP575 letter. It is mailed directly by the IRS to your address.
- 🛑 The IRS will not email or reissue CP575 digitally. If it’s lost, you must request a replacement (Form 147C).
✅ Final Advice: Don’t Let EIN Block Your Business Growth
Getting an EIN is not optional for your U.S. business.
It’s required by banks, payment processors, Amazon, Stripe, tax filings, and more.
But if you get it wrong, the IRS won’t tell you. They’ll just do nothing.
That’s why we built SpeedEIN — a fast, professional EIN application service tailored for non-U.S. founders.