Can a non-us citizen invest in the US stock market?

Question:

I am a 19 year old individual with a bank account and a credit card, i wish to trade US stocks online without a broker...is there any website which will allow me to invest in US stocks and if yes then which is the most trustworthy and recomended for international investors.

Answer:
First of all, the Web sites you use to trade stocks are brokers' (meaning, brokerage firms') Web sites. Other than that, you can trade without a problem.

Most U.S. brokerages, however, normally require higher account minimums for non-U.S. customers ($10,000 seems to be the typical minimum). You brokerage will also ask you to submit a Form W-8BEN to ascertain your non-U.S. status and will withhold U.S. income taxes on dividends and interest, for which you shuould be able to get a tax credit in your home country, if your country has a tax treaty with the U.S.

Note that the above only applies to you if you don NOT physically live in the U.S. If you do (and you have a Social Security Number or a Tax Idenfitication Number), you will be treated as a regular U.S. client.

Can a non-us citizen invest in the US stock market?

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