Key Takeaways
- Any non-citizen can get an EIN from the IRS — no SSN, citizenship, or green card required
- Apply using IRS Form SS-4 by phone (international) or by mail — the online application requires an SSN
- Your EIN is the business's tax ID — it unlocks bank accounts, business credit, and loan applications
- Non-citizens can get an EIN using a foreign address and foreign passport for identity verification
- An EIN is permanent — it belongs to the business entity and never expires
Non-citizens can get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS without a Social Security Number, green card, or US citizenship. The EIN is the primary tax identifier for a US business entity and is essential for opening business bank accounts, hiring employees, filing business taxes, and — critically — applying for business loans. Here is the complete process for non-citizens.
What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax purposes. Format: XX-XXXXXXX. It functions as the business's equivalent of a Social Security Number — but unlike an SSN, it is issued to the business entity, not the individual owner. Non-citizens can obtain an EIN as the responsible party of a US business entity.
Who Can Be the "Responsible Party" on an EIN Application?
The responsible party is the individual who controls the business's finances and has authority over the entity. For most small businesses, this is the owner. The IRS accepts responsible parties who are:
- US citizens (can apply online)
- Non-citizens with SSNs (can apply online)
- Non-citizens with ITINs (can apply online)
- Non-citizens without any US tax ID (must apply by phone or mail)
How Non-Citizens Without an SSN or ITIN Get an EIN
- Form a US business entity — LLC or corporation in any state. Get the state filing confirmation documents.
- Complete IRS Form SS-4 — Download at IRS.gov. Complete all fields. For "responsible party SSN or ITIN" leave blank or write "N/A" and include your foreign passport information.
- Call the IRS International EIN line — (267) 941-1099 (7am–10pm Eastern, Monday–Friday). Have your Form SS-4 completed before calling. The IRS representative will verify your identity and issue your EIN during the call.
- Receive your EIN — The IRS representative provides your EIN verbally during the call and follows up with a written confirmation (Form CP 575). This typically takes 30 minutes on the phone.
Alternative: Mail Application
Send completed Form SS-4 to the IRS address specified on the form. Processing takes 4–6 weeks. This is the slowest option but is available if phone access is not possible. Mail the form to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.
Using Your EIN to Access Business Funding
Once you have your EIN:
- Open a business bank account using your EIN and business formation documents
- Register for your D-U-N-S number at DNB.com to start building business credit
- Apply for the Bankability Score assessment at Bankable Funds when your business has 6+ months of revenue history
Frequently Asked Questions
The IRS online EIN application (at IRS.gov) requires a US Social Security Number or ITIN to complete. Non-citizens without an SSN or ITIN must apply by phone (IRS International: (267) 941-1099) or mail using Form SS-4.
An EIN is an Employer Identification Number assigned to a business entity. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is assigned to an individual non-citizen for personal tax purposes. Businesses need EINs; individuals need ITINs or SSNs. You can have both an ITIN (personal) and an EIN (for your business).
Sole proprietors without employees can use their SSN as their business tax identifier. However, for business funding purposes, having an EIN is strongly recommended even for sole proprietors — it separates business and personal identity and is required for opening business bank accounts under a business name.
No. Each business entity needs its own EIN. If you have two separate LLCs, each needs its own EIN. If you operate both businesses under one legal entity (one LLC with two DBAs), they share one EIN.
An EIN is permanent — it never expires and cannot be reassigned to another entity. If you close your business, the EIN becomes inactive but is permanently associated with your former entity. If you later form a new business, you need a new EIN.
Yes. All US business bank accounts require an EIN. Personal bank accounts can use an SSN or ITIN, but business accounts require the EIN of the registered business entity. You cannot substitute a personal tax ID for a business EIN when opening a business bank account.
Yes. The IRS issues EINs for US business entities (legally formed in a US state) regardless of where the owner lives or where operations are primarily conducted. However, the business entity must be legally formed in a US state. A business registered in another country without a US entity cannot get a US EIN.
By phone (International): Same day during the call. Online (for those with SSN/ITIN): Immediately upon completion. By mail: 4–6 weeks. Phone is the fastest and most practical method for non-citizens without a US tax ID.