Quick Answer
Non-US residents CAN form a US LLC without an SSN. There is NO Social Security Number requirement for LLC formation in any US state. Foreign nationals obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) using IRS Form SS-4 with a foreign passport — the same tax ID used to open Mercury, Stripe, and Wise Business accounts.
How to Form a US LLC Without an SSN (2026 Guide for Non-Residents)
No Social Security Number? No problem. Any foreign national can form a US LLC and get an IRS EIN using only a foreign passport. 100% remote. No US visit required.
The Legal Framework: Why you don't need an SSN
Many international founders mistakenly believe that forming a business in the United States requires a Social Security Number (SSN). This is false. US law explicitly allows non-resident aliens (foreign nationals) to own and operate US LLCs.
1. LLCs don't require an SSN by law: State governments, which handle company formations, do not ask for the owner's SSN or citizenship status.
2. EIN is the correct identifier: As a business owner, your company needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The IRS issues EINs to foreign-owned LLCs without requiring an SSN.
3. IRS Form SS-4: To get an EIN without an SSN, you must file IRS Form SS-4 via international fax. On this form, line 7b asks for an SSN or ITIN. Non-residents legally leave this blank and write "Foreign National".
4. Tax compliance: Single-member foreign-owned LLCs with no US-source income do not pay US federal income tax. They simply file Form 5472 and a pro forma Form 1120 annually as an information return. You do not need an SSN or ITIN for this filing.
SSN vs EIN for Non-Residents
| Item | Social Security Number (SSN) | Employer ID Number (EIN) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | US citizens & residents | Businesses & non-residents |
| Required for LLC formation | No | No (but needed after) |
| Required for business banking | No | Yes |
| Required for Stripe | No | Yes |
| How to get it | SSA (US presence required) | IRS Form SS-4 (international fax) |
| Processing time | In-person only | 2 days via HynoGo |
Step-by-step: How to form a US LLC without SSN
Choose your state (Wyoming recommended)
For non-residents, Wyoming offers the best combination of low fees ($60/year), privacy, and zero state income tax.
File Articles of Organization with Secretary of State
This legally creates your company. You do not need an SSN or US address to file this; HynoGo uses our registered address for your filing.
Appoint a US Registered Agent ($45/yr)
A Registered Agent is required by law to receive official state and legal mail. HynoGo provides this service in all 50 states.
Apply for EIN via IRS Form SS-4 (foreign passport, no SSN)
Once your LLC is formed, we apply for your EIN via expedited fax. We use your foreign passport for identification.
Draft Operating Agreement + Banking Resolution
These internal documents prove you own the LLC and have the authority to open bank accounts.
Open Mercury/Wise business bank account
Use your EIN and corporate documents to open a US bank account remotely. No travel required.
Activate Stripe
With your EIN, US bank account, carrier phone, and commercial address (provided by HynoGo), you can fully activate your Stripe account.
Common Misconceptions Debunked
What documents do you need?
To successfully form your LLC and open banking as a non-resident without an SSN, you will compile a specific portfolio of documents. HynoGo provides all the corporate documents for you.
- Foreign passportAny nationality, valid and unexpired.
- US registered agent addressHynoGo provides this in all 50 states.
- Articles of OrganizationFiled by HynoGo and approved by the state.
- Operating AgreementDrafted by HynoGo with specific banking authorization clauses.
- EIN (IRS Form SS-4)Obtained by HynoGo after your LLC is formed.
- Banking ResolutionCorporate document authorizing you to open Mercury/Wise/Relay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-US citizen form a US LLC without an SSN?
Yes. Non-US citizens and non-residents can form a US LLC without a Social Security Number. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to own a US LLC. You use your foreign passport and apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) through IRS Form SS-4.
What is the difference between SSN, ITIN, and EIN?
An SSN is for US citizens/residents. An ITIN is for individuals who need to file US taxes but cannot get an SSN. An EIN is a business tax ID for your LLC. To operate a US LLC as a non-resident, you only need an EIN. You do not need an ITIN or SSN.
How does a non-resident get an EIN without an SSN?
Non-residents get an EIN by filing IRS Form SS-4 via international fax. On the form, you leave line 7b (SSN/ITIN) blank and write 'Foreign National'. HynoGo handles this exact process for all our non-resident clients, securing your EIN directly from the IRS.
How long does it take to get an EIN as a non-resident?
Using the IRS international fax line, non-residents typically receive their EIN in 2 to 4 business days. HynoGo uses this expedited fax method to ensure you get your EIN as quickly as possible.
Can I open Stripe without an SSN?
Yes. Non-residents can open a US Stripe account without an SSN by using their US LLC's EIN, a US business bank account (like Mercury or Wise), and their foreign passport for personal identity verification.
Can I open Mercury or Wise without an SSN?
Yes. Both Mercury and Wise Business allow non-US residents to open business accounts. They require your LLC formation documents (Articles of Organization), your IRS EIN confirmation letter, and your foreign passport.
Do I need an ITIN if I have an EIN for my LLC?
No. For most non-resident, single-member LLC owners without US-source income or physical US presence, an ITIN is not required. Your EIN is sufficient to open banking and Stripe, and to file the mandatory informational returns (Form 5472 and 1120).
What US tax forms does a foreign-owned LLC file?
A single-member LLC owned by a non-resident alien with no US-source income is treated as a disregarded entity. It must file Form 5472 and a pro-forma Form 1120 annually for informational purposes. This does not mean you owe US income tax.
Can I use my foreign passport to open a US LLC?
Yes. A valid foreign passport is the primary identification document used by non-residents to form a US LLC, secure an EIN, and complete KYB (Know Your Business) checks for banking and payment gateways.
Is there any state that requires SSN for LLC formation?
No. None of the 50 US states require a Social Security Number to form an LLC. We recommend Wyoming or Delaware for non-residents due to their business-friendly laws, low fees, and strong privacy protections.
Form Your US LLC Without SSN Today
Get your LLC formed, secure your 2-day EIN, and unlock global banking with Mercury, Wise, and Stripe.