If you've formed (or are planning to form) a US LLC, you've almost certainly heard the term EIN. It's one of the first things you'll need to do after your LLC is approved — and for foreign nationals, the process is different (and slower) than for US residents. This guide explains everything you need to know.
What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number in the format XX-XXXXXXX assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security Number — but for your business.
Despite the name, you don't need to have employees to get an EIN. Any LLC (even a single-member LLC with no employees) can and should have an EIN.
The EIN is sometimes called a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN). These all refer to the same number.
What is the Difference Between EIN and ITIN?
These two numbers serve different purposes and are often confused:
| EIN | ITIN | |
|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Employer Identification Number | Individual Taxpayer Identification Number |
| Issued to | Businesses | Individuals (who can't get an SSN) |
| Used for | Business tax filings, banking | Personal tax filings |
| Required by | All LLCs for banking and tax | Non-US individuals filing US personal taxes |
As a foreign national, you may need both:
- EIN for your LLC (to open a bank account and file business taxes)
- ITIN for yourself (if you have US-source income you need to report personally)
Why Do You Need an EIN?
You need an EIN for virtually every important business activity:
Banking: Every US bank — Mercury, Relay, Chase, and all others — requires an EIN before they'll open a business account. No EIN = no US bank account.
Tax filings: Your LLC will need to file various US tax forms, all of which require your EIN. Even if you owe zero US tax, you may still need to file (more on this below).
Stripe and payment processors: Stripe requires an EIN to process payments for US LLCs. Same for PayPal Business, Square, and most other US payment processors.
Working with US clients: Many US companies require a W-8BEN-E form (which includes your EIN) before they'll pay a foreign-owned LLC.
Hiring employees: If you ever hire US-based employees or contractors, you'll need your EIN for payroll and 1099 filings.
How to Apply for an EIN as a Foreign National
This is where things diverge significantly from the US-resident process.
US residents can get an EIN instantly online through the IRS website. Foreign nationals without a Social Security Number (SSN) cannot use the online application. Instead, you must apply via:
- Fax — Submit Form SS-4 to the IRS via fax (fastest option for international applicants)
- Mail — Mail your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS
- Phone — Call the IRS International Business line (only available for international applicants)
Applying via Fax
- Download and complete Form SS-4 (available on irs.gov)
- Leave the SSN/ITIN line blank — write "Foreign" or "N/A"
- Fax the completed form to the IRS fax number for international applicants
- Wait — the IRS typically responds within 2–4 weeks with your EIN confirmation letter
Applying via Phone
Foreign applicants can call the IRS International Business line. The wait times can be long, but if you get through and answer all questions correctly, you can receive your EIN immediately over the phone.
IRS International Business Line: +1-267-941-1099 (Monday–Friday, 6am–11pm Eastern Time)
Be prepared to answer questions about your LLC's structure, purpose, and your personal details. Have your Form SS-4 completed before calling.
Using a Formation Service
Many foreign founders use a formation service (like Setup US LLC) to handle the EIN application on their behalf. This is particularly useful if:
- You're not comfortable communicating directly with the IRS
- You want to avoid delays from application errors
- You're managing multiple tasks simultaneously
A service handles the paperwork, submits the application, and forwards you the EIN confirmation letter when it arrives.
How Long Does It Take?
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online (US residents with SSN only) | Instant |
| Fax (foreign nationals) | 2–4 weeks |
| Mail (foreign nationals) | 4–8 weeks |
| Phone (foreign nationals, international line) | Same day if successful |
Plan ahead. If you need to open a bank account or start accepting payments, you'll need your EIN first. Apply for it as soon as your LLC is formed — don't wait.
Common Mistakes When Applying for an EIN
Mistake 1: Applying online when you don't have an SSN. The IRS online EIN application requires a US SSN. If you apply without one, your application will be rejected or create compliance issues.
Mistake 2: Errors on Form SS-4. Your LLC name on the form must exactly match your Articles of Organization. A single character difference can cause your application to be rejected.
Mistake 3: Not keeping your EIN confirmation letter. The IRS sends your EIN in a letter (CP 575). Keep this document — banks, payment processors, and CPAs will ask for it repeatedly.
Mistake 4: Confusing EIN with state tax ID. Some states require a separate state tax ID in addition to your federal EIN. Wyoming does not, but if you operate in a state that does, make sure you get both.
Mistake 5: Assuming you don't need an EIN. Even if you think your LLC owes zero US tax, you likely still need an EIN to file required forms and open a bank account.
What Happens After You Get Your EIN?
Once you have your EIN, you can:
- Open a US business bank account
- Apply for a Stripe or PayPal Business account
- File your required US tax forms (5472 for foreign-owned disregarded entities, 1040NR if you have US-source income)
- File your BOI Report with FinCEN (required for all LLCs formed after January 1, 2024)
Do I Need an ITIN Too?
You need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you, as an individual foreign national, have US-source income that requires you to file a personal US tax return (Form 1040NR).
Common situations where you need an ITIN:
- You own US real estate that generates rental income
- You receive distributions from a US partnership
- You have wages from a US employer
If your LLC is a single-member disregarded entity with no US-source income, you may not need an ITIN at all — but consult with a CPA who specializes in international taxation to confirm your specific situation.
Get Expert Help With Your EIN
The EIN process for foreign nationals involves specific IRS procedures that can trip up even experienced business owners. At Setup US LLC, we handle EIN applications for foreign nationals as part of our formation packages — including completing Form SS-4, submitting the application, and forwarding your confirmation letter.
Our EIN service is €250 as a standalone, or included as part of our Complete US LLC Package at €1,000. View our full pricing at setupusllc.com/en/pricing →
Book a free consultation to get started.
