How to Sell on Amazon FBA as an International Seller (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to know about starting an Amazon FBA business from outside the United States — from LLC formation to getting your first sale.
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Amazon.com is the world's largest e-commerce marketplace, with over 330 million active customers in the United States alone. For international entrepreneurs, selling on Amazon FBA represents a massive opportunity — but the process can be confusing without the right guidance.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to start selling on Amazon from outside the US, including the legal requirements, tax considerations, and practical steps to launch your business.
What You'll Learn
- 1. Do you need a US company to sell on Amazon?
- 2. Understanding EIN requirements for Amazon sellers
- 3. Step-by-step: Setting up your Amazon seller account
- 4. Payment and banking options for international sellers
- 5. Tax implications and compliance
- 6. Common mistakes to avoid
1. Do You Need a US Company to Sell on Amazon?
Short answer: No, but it helps significantly.
Amazon allows sellers from most countries to create seller accounts without a US company. However, having a US LLC provides several advantages:
With US LLC
- ✓ Easier tax compliance
- ✓ US bank account access
- ✓ Professional appearance
- ✓ Liability protection
- ✓ Wholesale account access
Without US LLC
- • Use personal foreign entity
- • Limited banking options
- • More complex tax filing
- • Some restrictions may apply
Our recommendation: Form a Wyoming or Delaware LLC before you start selling. It costs $100-300 for formation and makes everything else much easier.
2. Understanding EIN Requirements for Amazon Sellers
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit tax ID issued by the IRS. Amazon requires an EIN (or SSN) to complete your seller account tax interview.
Why Amazon Needs Your EIN
- • Form 1099-K: Amazon reports your sales to the IRS
- • Tax Interview: Required to activate your account
- • Payment Setup: Some payment providers need it
Can You Get an EIN Without an SSN?
Yes! International sellers without a Social Security Number can still obtain an EIN. The IRS allows this, but you cannot use their online system — you must apply by phone, fax, or mail.
This is where services like ours come in. We handle the IRS phone application on your behalf, supporting your EIN application with service-level options.
3. Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Amazon Seller Account
Form Your US LLC
Register an LLC in Wyoming or Delaware. Use a registered agent service for your US address.
Obtain Your EIN
Apply for your EIN through our service (or call the IRS yourself at +1-267-941-1099).
Open a US Bank Account
Mercury or Relay are popular choices for international founders. Apply remotely with your LLC documents and EIN.
Create Amazon Seller Central Account
Go to sellercentral.amazon.com and sign up for a Professional account ($39.99/month).
Complete Tax Interview
Enter your EIN and business information. Amazon will validate your tax ID with the IRS.
Set Up Payment Method
Connect your US bank account or use Payoneer/Hyperwallet for payouts.
4. Payment Options for International Sellers
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| US Bank Account | Fastest payouts, no fees | Requires LLC + EIN |
| Payoneer | Easy setup, no US entity needed | 1-2% currency conversion |
| Hyperwallet | Amazon's official partner | Currency conversion fees |
| World First | Competitive rates | Limited availability |
5. Tax Implications for International Amazon Sellers
Important Tax Disclaimer
Tax obligations vary based on your country, business structure, and circumstances. This is general information only — consult a cross-border tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Key Tax Considerations:
- US Income Tax: Selling through an LLC doesn't automatically mean you owe US income tax. It depends on whether you have "US effectively connected income."
- US Sales Tax: You'll need to collect sales tax in states where Amazon stores your inventory (nexus states).
- Home Country Tax: You'll likely owe taxes in your home country on worldwide income.
- Tax Treaties: Many countries have tax treaties with the US that can reduce or eliminate double taxation.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using fake/borrowed SSN
This is fraud. Get a proper EIN instead.
Skipping LLC formation
It makes everything harder. Invest the $200-300 upfront.
Ignoring sales tax obligations
Amazon collects for most states now, but verify your compliance.
Waiting too long to get EIN
Get your EIN early — it takes time and you need it for everything.
Ready to Start?
Selling on Amazon FBA from outside the US is possible when the business foundation is set up correctly. Start with the basics: proper business structure, EIN, and banking.
Start with the EIN application, then use it for tax documentation, banking, and marketplace setup.
Get Your Amazon Seller EIN
No SSN required. Professional service for international Amazon sellers.
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