Can I Invest With an ITIN?
Yes. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is sufficient to open a taxable brokerage account or a Roth IRA at major brokerages. You do not need a Social Security Number, a green card, or work authorization to invest in the stock market. Investing is passive income — not employment — so immigration status does not restrict it.
Where to Start: Brokerage Accounts
Three brokerages reliably accept ITIN holders for both taxable accounts and IRAs:
- Fidelity — No account minimums, $0 commissions, offers zero-expense-ratio index funds (FZROX, FZILX). Most ITIN holders report the smoothest experience here.
- Charles Schwab — No minimums, $0 commissions, strong customer service. Accepts ITIN with a W-8BEN or W-9 depending on your residency status.
- Vanguard — Pioneer of index investing, slightly more paperwork for ITIN holders but accepts them.
Most fintech apps (Robinhood, Acorns, Webull) require an SSN. Stick with the established brokerages above.
Roth IRA With an ITIN
A Roth IRA is one of the best accounts available to ITIN holders. You contribute after-tax dollars, and the money grows tax-free — including all dividends and capital gains. You can withdraw contributions (not earnings) at any time without penalty.
- 2026 contribution limit: $7,500/year (under 50) · $8,600/year (age 50+) — limits adjust annually, confirm at irs.gov
- Income phase-out (2026): $153,000–$168,000 (single/head of household) · $242,000–$252,000 (married filing jointly) — above the upper limit you cannot contribute directly to a Roth IRA
- Requirement: You must have earned income equal to or greater than your contribution
Fidelity is the most ITIN-friendly option for a Roth IRA. You can open an account online using your ITIN, though some users report needing to call or visit a branch to complete the process.
401(k) With an ITIN
If your employer offers a 401(k) and you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or work visa, you can participate. DACA recipients with a valid EAD are eligible for employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. The 2026 employee contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50+).
If you are self-employed with an ITIN and DACA, you may be able to open a Solo 401(k). Speak with a tax professional about your specific situation.
What to Invest In
For most long-term investors, low-cost index funds are the recommended approach. They give you broad market exposure with minimal fees.
- FZROX — Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund. 0% expense ratio. Covers the entire U.S. stock market.
- FZILX — Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund. 0% expense ratio. International stocks outside the U.S.
- FSKAX — Fidelity Total Market Index Fund. 0.015% expense ratio. Similar to FZROX but available at other brokerages.
- VTI / VXUS — Vanguard equivalents for U.S. total market and international coverage.
A simple starting split many investors use: 80% U.S. total market fund + 20% international fund. Adjust based on your timeline and risk comfort.
Taxes on Investment Income
You will report dividends and capital gains on your U.S. tax return using your ITIN. When you open an account, you will complete either:
- Form W-9 — if you are a U.S. tax resident (most ITIN holders who live and work in the U.S. qualify)
- Form W-8BEN — if you are a nonresident alien for tax purposes. This subjects dividends to 30% withholding (or lower treaty rate), but capital gains are generally not taxed for nonresidents.
Most ITIN holders who live in the U.S. year-round qualify as resident aliens for tax purposes under the Substantial Presence Test. If you pass that test, use a W-9 and you'll be taxed at the same rates as U.S. citizens.
All Investing & Retirement Guides
- How to Invest With an ITIN — Full Guide
- ITIN Retirement: 401(k) and IRA
- Fidelity Roth IRA With an ITIN