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Country Guide

EIN for South Korean Entrepreneurs

Apply for your US EIN from South Korea without an SSN or ITIN. ein.so handles the IRS fax filing process for South Korean freelancers, Amazon sellers, and business owners. $49 Standard. $97 Express.

South Korean entrepreneurs can get a US EIN by submitting IRS Form SS-4 by fax. Your South Korea passport number replaces the SSN requirement. The IRS online tool is blocked for applicants without an SSN, so the fax method is your path. ein.so prepares your SS-4, faxes it to the IRS, and delivers your EIN. Standard $49. Express $97.

South Korea

South Korea's US Business Footprint

South Korea has a population of 52,000,000 and a GDP of $1.7T. Major tech economy (Samsung, LG). South Korean entrepreneurs expanding into the US market need an EIN to operate their US business entity legally.

| Factor | South Korea | United States | |--------|--------|---------------| | Business Entity | Local structures | LLC / Corporation | | Tax ID | BRN (10 digits) | EIN (XX-XXXXXXX) | | Tax Authority | National Tax Service | IRS | | Currency | South Korean Won (KRW, ~0.00075 USD) | USD | | Population | 52,000,000 | 330M+ |

Why South Korean Entrepreneurs Need a US EIN

  1. US LLC ownership — Every US LLC needs an EIN for tax filing
  2. US bank account — Banks require EIN to open business accounts
  3. Amazon/Shopify — Sell on US marketplaces with proper tax ID
  4. Payment processing — PayPal, Stripe, and Payoneer require tax ID
  5. Tax compliance — File US tax returns and Form 5472
  6. BOI filing — Mandatory beneficial ownership report

How to Apply

How to Get an EIN From South Korea

1

Form Your US Entity

Register an LLC with a US state (Wyoming and Delaware are popular for non-residents). This gives you a US business entity that needs an EIN.
2

Complete Form SS-4

Fill out IRS Form SS-4 with your LLC information. Use your South Korea passport number on Line 7b (where it asks for SSN). Use your South Korea address on Line 4.
3

Submit by Fax or ein.so

Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS at 855-215-1627. Or use ein.so ($49) — we prepare your SS-4, fax it, and deliver your EIN by email.
4

Receive Your EIN

The IRS issues your EIN within 4-7 business days. Use it to open a US bank account, set up payment processing, and file taxes.

South Korea-Specific SS-4 Tips

| SS-4 Field | South Korean Entry | |-----------|-----------------| | Line 1 (Legal name) | Your US LLC name | | Line 4 (Address) | Your South Korea address | | Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name | | Line 7b (SSN/ITIN) | Your South Korea passport number | | Line 10 (Reason) | Started new business | | Line 16 (Country) | South Korea |

After EIN

After Getting Your EIN

Next Steps for South Korean Entrepreneurs

  1. Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners
  2. File BOI report — Required for all LLCs (free at fincen.gov/boi)
  3. Set up payment processing — Connect EIN to PayPal, Stripe, or Payoneer
  4. File Form 5472 — Required annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
  5. Sell on US platforms — Amazon, Shopify, Etsy

Tax Considerations

  • Your US LLC income may be subject to both US and South Korea taxes
  • Check if a US-South Korea tax treaty exists for reduced withholding
  • Consult a CPA experienced with South Korean entrepreneurs in the US
  • File Form 5472 annually (due April 15, extension available)

Other Country Guides

See EIN guides for: India | UK | Canada | Nigeria | Pakistan | Philippines

Browse all: EIN for non-residents

Apply for your EIN from South Korea — $49

Frequently Asked Questions

Can South Korean citizens get a US EIN?

Yes. South Korean citizens can apply for a US EIN by faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS. No SSN required. Use your South Korea passport number. ein.so handles the process for $49.

Do I need an SSN to get an EIN from South Korea?

No. South Korean applicants use their passport number instead of an SSN on Form SS-4 Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires SSN, so you must use the fax method.

How long does it take from South Korea?

Through ein.so: 4-7 business days (Standard $49) or 2-3 business days (Express $97). DIY fax: 4-7 business days. DIY phone (267-941-1099): same day but with hold times.

Can I open a US bank account from South Korea?

Yes. With your EIN and LLC documents, you can open accounts at Mercury, Relay, and Wise remotely. Some banks require in-person visits. Your EIN is the first requirement.

What is the EIN equivalent in South Korea?

The South Korea equivalent of a US EIN is the BRN (10 digits), issued by National Tax Service. Your BRN has no standing in the US — you need a separate EIN for US business.

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