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How to Get an EIN from Pakistan Without an SSN

Your US company needs an EIN, its federal tax number, before it can open a bank account or work with most US partners. Here is how Pakistani owners get one.

Guide by Pak Export Partners, Chicago. Updated September 2026.

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This article was checked in September 2026. Rules and figures change, so confirm them before you act. We are not lawyers or tax advisers.

The short answer

The short answer
QuestionAnswer
What is an EIN?Your US company's federal tax number.
Does it cost anything?No. The IRS does not charge for an EIN.
How do I apply without an SSN?Form SS-4 by fax, mail or phone. International applicants can call 267-941-1099.
How long does it take?About four business days by fax, or about four weeks by mail.

Key takeaways

  • Form the company first, then apply for the EIN.
  • Use the exact company name from your state filing.
  • Keep the IRS confirmation letter. Banks ask for it.
  • Beware of websites that charge high fees for a free IRS number.

What is an EIN?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine digit number the IRS gives to a business. Think of it as your company's tax number. You need it even if your company has no employees.

Flags of Pakistan and the United States
The EIN connects your US company to the IRS, banks and platforms.

Do I need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN?

No. The online EIN application only works for people with a US Social Security number or ITIN. Owners outside the US without one apply using IRS Form SS-4 instead.

Three ways to apply

By fax

Fill in Form SS-4, sign it and fax it to the IRS number for international applicants. If you include a fax number, the IRS usually faxes the EIN back within about four business days.

By mail

Mail the signed Form SS-4 to the IRS. This is the slowest option and usually takes several weeks.

By phone

The IRS takes EIN applications by phone from applicants outside the US. Check the current number and hours on IRS.gov before you call, and have your completed SS-4 in front of you.

Filling in Form SS-4

A few lines cause most of the problems for Pakistani owners:

  • Responsible party: this is you, the owner. Where it asks for an SSN or ITIN, do not make one up. Follow the IRS instructions for foreign owners.
  • Type of entity: a single owner foreign LLC is usually treated as a disregarded entity. The IRS instructions explain what to write.
  • Address: use your company's US mailing address for mail, and make sure it matches your formation papers.
  • Reason for applying: usually started a new business.

Always use the latest SS-4 and instructions from IRS.gov, because forms change.

After you get your EIN

Keep the IRS confirmation letter safe. Banks and payment platforms ask for it. If you lose it, you can ask the IRS for a replacement letter.

We can do it for you

EIN application is part of our US company setup service. We prepare the SS-4, submit it and send you the confirmation.

From company to EIN
  1. 1Form the LLCThe state approves your Articles.
  2. 2Fill in SS-4Company name exactly as filed. Write Foreign for the SSN.
  3. 3Send itBy fax, or call the IRS international line.
  4. 4Get the letterKeep the IRS confirmation letter safe.

What the EIN unlocks

  • US bank and payment accounts
  • Amazon and other marketplace seller accounts
  • Your customs importer number, if your company imports
  • Invoices and contracts with US buyers
  • Your yearly Form 5472 filing

Common mistakes

  • A company name that does not match the state filing
  • Choosing the wrong entity type on Form SS-4
  • Applying twice. The IRS issues one EIN per responsible party per day
  • Losing the confirmation letter

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Common questions

How long does it take to get an EIN from Pakistan?

By fax, often about four business days. By mail, several weeks. Phone applications can be faster if you get through.

Can I get an EIN without an SSN?

Yes. Owners without an SSN or ITIN apply with Form SS-4 by fax, mail or phone instead of online.

Is there a fee for an EIN?

No. The IRS does not charge for an EIN. Be careful of websites that charge high fees just to submit the form.

Can I get an EIN before forming the company?

No. Form the LLC with the state first, then apply for the EIN in the company's exact legal name.

Is the EIN the same as a tax registration in each state?

No. The EIN is federal. States may have their own registrations, for example for sales tax.