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Accounts for non-U.S. residents

A person sits at a table talking on their phone with one hand on the keyboard of the laptop in front of them.

Once you open or link your Schwab One International® brokerage account, you'll be able to receive and hold or sell your equity awards, as well as access our service representatives and investment education resources. 

Depending on your country of residence, you'll be eligible to open one of two different types of brokerage accounts:

Accounts for non-U.S. residents - Table

Fully featured account Limited purpose account

Receive and hold or sell equity awards

 Yes Yes

Link Schwab One International brokerage account to Schwab Equity Award Center®

 Yes Yes

Access educational resources

 Yes Yes

Chat with service representatives

 Yes Yes

Trade securities beyond your company equity

 Yes -

Apply for a debit card*

 Yes -

Access options, fixed income, and eligible offshore mutual funds*

 Yes -

*Product availability varies by jurisdiction.

No opening or maintenance fees

  • No fee to open or maintain either type of account

Reliable support

  • Access to financial professionals 
  • Satisfaction Guarantee1

Educational resources

To see what kind of account you can open or to learn more, visit our International Account FAQs for Participants.

 

Open an international account.

Before you start, be sure to have the following:

  • Your company's ticker symbol Tooltip
  • Your employee ID number Tooltip
  • Personal mailing address (do not use your company's address when asked for your legal address)

Important: If you live outside the U.S., you will be prompted to complete a required tax declaration form called a W-8BEN form. Non-U.S. citizens living in the U.S. do not need to complete a W-8BEN form. See below for more details.

Ready to get started?

After opening an account, log in using your new credentials to view your equity awards and more. You should be able to access your account to view your awards within 48 hours.

Note: If you're an international employee currently living in the U.S., you should open an account for U.S. residents.

Don't forget: You need to fill out a W-8BEN tax form.

What is a W-8BEN? 

Short answer: It's a tax form that helps ensure you aren't overtaxed. If your employer is based in the U.S. and you live outside of the country, you'll need to fill out and submit the form to help determine proper tax reporting and withholdings. However, if you're a non-U.S. citizen living in the U.S., you do not need to complete a W-8BEN form. 

Why do I need to fill this out? 

To ensure that you're taxed at the correct rate for where you live and to avoid any unnecessary withholdings, you're required to complete the W-8BEN when you open an account and then again every three years. 

How do I complete the W-8BEN? 

Follow our step-by-step guide, and watch the video on how to complete the W-8BEN form.

See the step-by-step guide


Gentle music plays throughout. 
A blue bar scrolls up and the title appears.

Onscreen text:

Open Your Account:
Complete Your W-8BEN Form

Female narrator: After you've opened your Schwab account, you will automatically be directed to complete your W-8BEN form. W-8BEN is a U.S. Internal Revenue Service form used by non-U.S. citizens to certify their foreign status, and if applicable, claim a reduced tax rate or an exemption from tax withholding. It must be completed every three years in order to avoid tax withholdings.

Blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off  and replaces it with new onscreen text:
W-8BEN is a U.S. Internal Revenue Service form used by non-U.S. citizens to certify their foreign status, and if applicable, claim a reduced tax rate or an exemption from tax withholding. It must be completed every three years in order to avoid tax withholdings.

Blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
If you don't have a W8 on file, Schwab will withhold 24% of sales proceeds and up to 35% of dividend and interest payments on your equity account.

Narrator: If you don't have a W-8 on file, Schwab will withhold 24% of sales proceeds and up to 35% of dividend and interest payments on your equity account.

White background sweeps off to reveal, on the right side of the screen, the image of a laptop computer. The laptop screen displays a Schwab webpage showing a reminder to complete the W-8BEN form and a blue link to the form. 

Onscreen text: 
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Begin the W-8BEN form.

Narrator: Begin the form by clicking on the link "Update your W-8BEN form now."

The image on the laptop screen changes to show a portion of the W-8 BEN form; throughout, each new screen highlights the part of the form being discussed. On the left part of the screen, a blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Fill in basic details.

Narrator: Start by filling in basic details, like your name, country of birth, and date of birth.

The laptop screen changes to display another part of the W-8BEN form. On the left part of the screen, a blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Enter your Tax Identification Number. 

Narrator: In the next section, choose your Foreign Tax Identification Country from the drop-down menu and enter your Tax Identification Number.

The laptop screen changes to show a different part of the W-8, and a blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Fill in your permanent address.

Narrator: Then, fill in your permanent address—not the address of your employer.

The laptop screen now shows a different part of the W-8, and a blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Enter contact details. Then agree to the tax terms. 

Narrator: Next, enter the contact details of the account holder, presumably yourself.

A different part of the W-8 appears on the laptop screen, and, on the left, the blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Record confirmation number.

Narrator: A screen will appear with a confirmation code. Be sure to write this code down, because you'll need to enter it later. Then choose and answer a recovery question.

A different part of the W-8 appears on the laptop screen, and, on the left, the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Select the W-8BEN form.

Narrator: Next, select the W-8BEN form to continue.

A different part of the W-8 appears on the laptop screen, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Confirm citizenship status. 

A bubble superimposed on the laptop screen contains this copy:
If you answer "yes" to the last question, you will be directed to take a U.S. Substantial Presence test. 

Narrator: Enter the information related to your citizenship status.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Confirm the correct information.

Narrator: Then, confirm that the Tax ID that prepopulates is correct.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Enter your information.

Narrator: In the next section, select the appropriate response in regards to treaty benefits.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Select an answer.

Narrator: For "Special Rates and Conditions," you should only select "Yes" if you are claiming specific treaty benefits.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Upload any documents. 

Narrator: Then, upload any documents. If you don't have any, click "Confirm & Continue."

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Review and confirm. 

Narrator: Next, review the information and check all the boxes.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Electronically sign and submit.

Narrator: Sign your name, enter the confirmation code we had you write down earlier, and confirm acceptance.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Agree and submit.

Narrator: Finally, read through the declaration on the screen that pops up. Agree, and submit.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Confirm completion. 

A bubble superimposed on the laptop screen contains this copy:
You'll be notified via the Equity Awards Center when you are required to recertify your W-8BEN.

Narrator: That's it! You're done with the W-8BEN form.

The white background sweeps all text and images off and a blue bar sweeps back to reveal new onscreen text:
Still have questions?
To talk to a Schwab Stock Plan Specialist, call 800-654-2593. 

Narrator: Still have questions? Give us a call.

Onscreen text changes to:
Still have questions? 
International Participants, 
call +1-602-355-3408.

The blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Still have questions?
Or from your Schwab account, navigate to Equity Awards and click on Knowledge Center.

Narrator: Or from your Schwab account, navigate to "Equity Awards" and click on "Knowledge Center."

Brand music plays.
Blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Charles Schwab
Own your tomorrow®

For illustrative purposes only. Individual situations will vary.

This information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.

Stock Plan Services provides equity compensation plan services and other financial services to corporations and executives through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab, a registered broker-dealer, offers brokerage and custody services to its customers.

©2024 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). All rights reserved. Member SIPC. CC11794448 (1024-VULC)
Video Transcript

W-8BEN


Gentle music plays throughout. 
A blue bar scrolls up and the title appears.

Onscreen text:

Open Your Account:
Complete Your W-8BEN Form

Female narrator: After you've opened your Schwab account, you will automatically be directed to complete your W-8BEN form. W-8BEN is a U.S. Internal Revenue Service form used by non-U.S. citizens to certify their foreign status, and if applicable, claim a reduced tax rate or an exemption from tax withholding. It must be completed every three years in order to avoid tax withholdings.

Blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off  and replaces it with new onscreen text:
W-8BEN is a U.S. Internal Revenue Service form used by non-U.S. citizens to certify their foreign status, and if applicable, claim a reduced tax rate or an exemption from tax withholding. It must be completed every three years in order to avoid tax withholdings.

Blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
If you don't have a W8 on file, Schwab will withhold 24% of sales proceeds and up to 35% of dividend and interest payments on your equity account.

Narrator: If you don't have a W-8 on file, Schwab will withhold 24% of sales proceeds and up to 35% of dividend and interest payments on your equity account.

White background sweeps off to reveal, on the right side of the screen, the image of a laptop computer. The laptop screen displays a Schwab webpage showing a reminder to complete the W-8BEN form and a blue link to the form. 

Onscreen text: 
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Begin the W-8BEN form.

Narrator: Begin the form by clicking on the link "Update your W-8BEN form now."

The image on the laptop screen changes to show a portion of the W-8 BEN form; throughout, each new screen highlights the part of the form being discussed. On the left part of the screen, a blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Fill in basic details.

Narrator: Start by filling in basic details, like your name, country of birth, and date of birth.

The laptop screen changes to display another part of the W-8BEN form. On the left part of the screen, a blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Enter your Tax Identification Number. 

Narrator: In the next section, choose your Foreign Tax Identification Country from the drop-down menu and enter your Tax Identification Number.

The laptop screen changes to show a different part of the W-8, and a blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Fill in your permanent address.

Narrator: Then, fill in your permanent address—not the address of your employer.

The laptop screen now shows a different part of the W-8, and a blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Enter contact details. Then agree to the tax terms. 

Narrator: Next, enter the contact details of the account holder, presumably yourself.

A different part of the W-8 appears on the laptop screen, and, on the left, the blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Record confirmation number.

Narrator: A screen will appear with a confirmation code. Be sure to write this code down, because you'll need to enter it later. Then choose and answer a recovery question.

A different part of the W-8 appears on the laptop screen, and, on the left, the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Select the W-8BEN form.

Narrator: Next, select the W-8BEN form to continue.

A different part of the W-8 appears on the laptop screen, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Confirm citizenship status. 

A bubble superimposed on the laptop screen contains this copy:
If you answer "yes" to the last question, you will be directed to take a U.S. Substantial Presence test. 

Narrator: Enter the information related to your citizenship status.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Confirm the correct information.

Narrator: Then, confirm that the Tax ID that prepopulates is correct.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Enter your information.

Narrator: In the next section, select the appropriate response in regards to treaty benefits.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Select an answer.

Narrator: For "Special Rates and Conditions," you should only select "Yes" if you are claiming specific treaty benefits.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Upload any documents. 

Narrator: Then, upload any documents. If you don't have any, click "Confirm & Continue."

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Review and confirm. 

Narrator: Next, review the information and check all the boxes.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Electronically sign and submit.

Narrator: Sign your name, enter the confirmation code we had you write down earlier, and confirm acceptance.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Agree and submit.

Narrator: Finally, read through the declaration on the screen that pops up. Agree, and submit.

A different part of the W-8 appears, and the blue bar sweeps to reveal new onscreen text:
Complete W-8BEN Form.
Confirm completion. 

A bubble superimposed on the laptop screen contains this copy:
You'll be notified via the Equity Awards Center when you are required to recertify your W-8BEN.

Narrator: That's it! You're done with the W-8BEN form.

The white background sweeps all text and images off and a blue bar sweeps back to reveal new onscreen text:
Still have questions?
To talk to a Schwab Stock Plan Specialist, call 800-654-2593. 

Narrator: Still have questions? Give us a call.

Onscreen text changes to:
Still have questions? 
International Participants, 
call +1-602-355-3408.

The blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Still have questions?
Or from your Schwab account, navigate to Equity Awards and click on Knowledge Center.

Narrator: Or from your Schwab account, navigate to "Equity Awards" and click on "Knowledge Center."

Brand music plays.
Blue bar sweeps the onscreen text off and replaces it with new onscreen text:
Charles Schwab
Own your tomorrow®

For illustrative purposes only. Individual situations will vary.

This information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.

Stock Plan Services provides equity compensation plan services and other financial services to corporations and executives through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab, a registered broker-dealer, offers brokerage and custody services to its customers.

©2024 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). All rights reserved. Member SIPC. CC11794448 (1024-VULC)

How to link your existing Schwab One International account:

Already have a Schwab One International account? You'll need to link it to your Equity Award Center profile.

Fill out the Employee Stock Option Exercise, Equity Award, and Equity Award Center® Agreement.

Log in to your account and upload the form to the Message Center.

Wait for confirmation that your account has been linked. This process can take up to 10 days.

Have questions? We're here to help.

Call

If you live in the U.S., call 800-654-2593.

If you live outside the U.S., visit the Contact Us page to find your country's local number.

Our specialists are available Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day.

Chat

Log in to your account, head to the Equity Awards tab, and select the chat icon to be connected directly with a Stock Plan Services Specialist.

Access resources

Have questions about navigating your equity account? Searching for a specific form?

Visit our Videos & Forms page for helpful resources.

 

1. Schwab Satisfaction Guarantee: If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, at your request Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"), Charles Schwab Bank, SSB ("Schwab Bank"), or another Schwab affiliate, as applicable, will refund any eligible fee related to your concern. Refund requests must be received within 90 days of the date the fee was charged. Two kinds of "Fees" are eligible for this guarantee: (1) "Program Fees" for the Schwab Wealth Advisory ("SWA"), Schwab Managed PortfoliosTM ("SMP"), Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium® ("SIP Premium"), and ManagedAccountConnection® ("Connection") investment advisory services sponsored by Schwab (together, the "Participating Services"); and (2) commissions and fees listed in the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for Individual Investors or the Charles Schwab Bank Pricing Guide. 

For more information about Program Fees, please see the disclosure brochure for the Participating Service, made available at enrollment or any time at your request. The Connection service includes only accounts managed by Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., an affiliate of Schwab. The guarantee does not cover Program Fees for accounts managed by investment advisors who are not affiliated with Schwab or managed by Schwab-affiliated advisors outside of the SWA, SMP, SIP Premium, and Connection services. 

The guarantee is only available to current clients. Refunds will only be applied to the account charged and will be credited within approximately four weeks of a valid request. No other charges or expenses, and no market losses will be refunded. Other restrictions may apply. Schwab reserves the right to change or terminate the guarantee at any time.

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The Charles Schwab Corporation provides a full range of brokerage, banking, and financial advisory services through its operating subsidiaries. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab") (Member SIPC), is registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in the United States of America and offers investment services and products, including Schwab brokerage accounts, governed by U.S. state law. Schwab is not registered in any other jurisdiction. Neither Schwab nor the products and services it offers may be registered in your jurisdiction. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank, SSB (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides deposit and lending services and products. Access to Electronic Services may be limited or unavailable during periods of peak demand, market volatility, systems upgrade, maintenance, or for other reasons.

This site is designed for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents are subject to country-specific restrictions. Learn more about our services for non-U.S. residents.

Not all products, services, or investments are available in all countries. Nothing on this website is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, products or service, by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or us would be contrary to law or regulation. EU-U.S., UK Extension, Swiss-U.S., Data Privacy Framework.

© 2024 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC. Unauthorized access is prohibited. Usage will be monitored.

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