Can a Foreign Founder Get a U.S. EIN Without an SSN?
Yes, in some cases. The IRS has a specific path for responsible parties who do not have and are ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN. The application method also depends on whether the principal place of business is in the United States.
Updated September 15, 2026 · Source-led educational guide · Not tax or legal advice
An SSN is not always required for an EIN application
The current IRS Form SS-4 instructions say the responsible party is generally an individual. They also state that if the responsible party does not have and is ineligible to obtain an SSN or ITIN, the applicant should enter “foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b. That makes the common claim “you must always have an SSN to get an EIN” too broad.
This does not mean every foreign founder follows the same process. Entity type, responsible-party status, principal place of business and the facts behind the application still matter.
What the IRS currently says
Responsible party
For most applicants, the IRS says the responsible party must be a natural person rather than another entity. Line 7b ordinarily asks for that person’s SSN or ITIN, but the Form SS-4 instructions expressly allow “foreign” or “N/A” when the responsible party lacks and is ineligible for those identifiers.
Online application limits
If the applicant has no legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in the United States or U.S. territories, the IRS says the online EIN application cannot be used.
International applicants have other routes
Phone
The IRS lists 267-941-1099 for international applicants whose principal place of business is outside the United States. The caller must be authorized to receive the EIN and answer Form SS-4 questions.
Fax
International applicants can fax Form SS-4 using the IRS numbers designated for applicants inside or outside the United States. The IRS says providing a fax number allows the EIN response to be faxed back.
Form SS-4 can also be mailed to the IRS EIN International Operation in Cincinnati. The IRS says mailed applications should be sent well before the EIN is needed because processing takes longer.
Information to organize before filing
- Exact legal name and entity type.
- Entity mailing and physical address.
- Responsible party’s legal name and correct line 7b treatment.
- Reason for applying for the EIN.
- Principal business activity and expected business start date.
- Whether the principal place of business is inside or outside the United States.
- A completed Form SS-4 before calling, faxing or mailing.
What foreign founders often get wrong
Assuming the online tool is universal
It is not. The IRS limits online eligibility based on U.S. presence and responsible-party identification requirements.
Treating EIN and ITIN as the same thing
An EIN identifies a business or other entity for federal tax administration. An ITIN is an individual taxpayer identification number. Different rules apply.
Submitting inconsistent information
The responsible party, addresses, entity classification and business purpose should be consistent with the underlying formation documents and actual facts.
IRS references used for this guide
IRS Instructions for Form SS-4 · IRS Employer Identification Number guidance · IRS online EIN eligibility page
IRS rules and contact methods can change. Check the current IRS pages before submitting an application.
From research to readiness
Legalize can coordinate the workflow and readiness checklist where appropriate. Legalize is not a law firm or CPA firm and does not provide legal or tax advice or guarantee an IRS outcome.