How Foreign Companies Can Get an EIN Without a Social Security Number

Dec. 4, 2025, 5:58 p.m.
Foreign-owned businesses often need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to operate in the United States—whether for opening a bank account, hiring employees, paying taxes, or selling products. The good news? You can get an EIN even if you do NOT have a Social Security Number (SSN). This guide explains the exact process international companies and non-U.S. individuals must follow to obtain an EIN without an SSN or ITIN, including IRS rules, required documents, and processing timelines.
EIN for Foreign Companies

1. Do Foreign Companies Need an EIN?

You may need an EIN if your foreign business plans to:

  • Open a U.S. company or U.S. branch

  • Hire employees in the United States

  • Open a U.S. business bank account

  • File federal tax returns

  • Operate an LLC, corporation, or partnership in the USA

  • Sell on platforms like Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, etc.

The EIN becomes your business’s official tax ID with the IRS.

2. You Can Apply Without an SSN — Here’s Why

The IRS allows foreign applicants to get an EIN even if they:

  • Don’t have a Social Security Number

  • Don’t have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

  • Don’t live in the United States

Instead of online filing, foreign entities simply use Form SS-4 and apply manually.

3. How to Get an EIN Without an SSN (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Complete IRS Form SS-4

This is the official EIN application form.
Important fields for foreign applicants:

  • Line 7a–7b (Responsible Party): Leave SSN/ITIN blank and write:
    “Foreign”

  • Line 8a: Select the entity type (LLC, corp, partnership, etc.)

  • Line 9a: Indicate foreign ownership

  • Lines 10–14: Provide business activity details

Be sure to include your foreign address — the IRS accepts non-U.S. addresses.

How to to Apply

Foreign applicants cannot use the IRS online EIN application.
Instead, you must apply using:

Phone Application (Fastest)

(502) 547-2551

Available Monday–Friday (U.S. hours).

You’ll receive the EIN  within 1-2 business days.

 

 

4. Key Tip: How to Fill Out Line 7b Without an SSN

Line 7b asks for the responsible party’s SSN, ITIN, or EIN.

If the responsible party is not a U.S. person, simply enter:
“Foreign”

This is officially accepted by the IRS.

5. Who Can Be the “Responsible Party”?

The responsible party must be the person who owns or controls the company.

For foreign companies, this can be:

  • A non-U.S. individual

  • A foreign business owner/shareholder

  • A foreign managing member

  • A foreign company executive

A U.S. citizen is NOT required.

6. EIN Approval Timeline

Processing speed depends on the method:

Method Timeframe
Phone Immediate
Fax 1–2 weeks
Mail 4–8 weeks

7. Common Mistakes Foreign Applicants Should Avoid

 Trying to apply online (foreign applicants cannot)
 Leaving key lines on Form SS-4 blank
 Using a U.S. address when you don’t have one
 Writing an SSN you don’t actually possess
 Not signing the form

8. After You Get Your EIN: What’s Next?

Once assigned, foreign companies can:

  • Open a U.S. bank account

  • File taxes for a U.S. LLC or corporation

  • Register for licenses and permits

  • Set up payroll for U.S. employees

  • Operate on e-commerce platforms

  • Work with U.S. manufacturers or wholesalers

The EIN is the essential first step for U.S. operations.

Final Summary

Foreign companies can get an EIN without an SSN by:

  1. Filling out Form SS-4

  2. Writing “Foreign” on line 7b

  3. Applying by phone (502) 547-2551

No SSN. No ITIN. No U.S. residency required.