I’m a foreign entrepreneur who wants to start a U.S. company, but I don’t have a Social Security Number or an ITIN. I keep hearing that I still need an EIN to open a bank account and file taxes. How can I actually apply for an EIN without having either an SSN or an ITIN, and what’s the process like for non-residents who are doing this completely from abroad?
Answer by: abdullah-al-naim
4 weeks ago
Yes, you can apply for an EIN without an SSN or ITIN. The IRS allows non-residents to submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail, leaving the SSN/ITIN line blank. Simply indicate that you’re a foreign owner applying for an EIN for U.S. tax and business purposes. The IRS then issues the EIN confirmation letter, usually within 4–6 weeks.
To make the process easier, many non-resident founders use professional services. Business Globalizer and Expedite Formation help international entrepreneurs form LLCs, file EIN applications, and stay compliant with IRS requirements. They manage the paperwork carefully to avoid rejection or delay.
In short: you don’t need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN, just complete Form SS-4 correctly, or let a trusted service guide you through it.
