If you want to start a business in Kenya as a foreigner, you can complete the entire company registration process online through the eCitizen platform. You do not need to be physically present in Kenya, and you can register using your passport instead of a Kenyan national ID.
The process is similar to local company registration, with a few additional compliance requirements such as declaring beneficial ownership. Once your company name is approved, registration typically takes between 3 and 7 working days.
Here’s exactly how you do it.
What You Need Before You Start
Before beginning registration, prepare the required documents and information. Having everything ready prevents delays during submission.
You will need:
- A passport for each director and shareholder
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement)
- Email address and phone number for your eCitizen account
- A Kenyan registered office address or at least one local director
- Digital copies (clear scans) of all documents
You do not need a work permit to register a company. Work permits are only required later if you plan to operate or work in Kenya personally.
Most foreign-owned private limited companies start with a nominal share capital of KES 100,000.
Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Company on eCitizen
Step 1: Create an eCitizen Account
Go to ecitizen.go.ke and create an account using your passport number, email, and phone number.
You will verify your account through an OTP or email confirmation.
Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name
Access the Business Registration Service (BRS) portal and select:
Name Search → Company
Submit three proposed company names and pay the name search fee (KES 150).
- Approval usually takes about one working day.
- Once approved, the name remains reserved for 30 days.
Step 3: Complete Company Registration Forms
After name approval, proceed to company registration and complete the required forms:
- CR1 – Company registration application
- CR2 – Memorandum showing shareholders and share allocation
- CR8 – Directors’ residential addresses
- BOF1 – Beneficial Ownership declaration
Statement of nominal share capital
Some forms are automatically generated by the system after entering details.
Step 4: Add Directors and Shareholders
- Enter the details for all directors and shareholders, including:
- Passport information
- Addresses
- Shareholding structure
You will also define:
- Company objectives
- Liability structure (most choose Private Limited Company)
Step 5: Pay Registration Fees
Pay the registration fee (starting from KES 10,000) via M-Pesa or card.
During submission:
Step 6: Submit and Track Approval
Submit your application and track progress through your eCitizen dashboard.
Once approved, download your Certificate of Incorporation directly from the portal.
Processing time: 3–7 working days after approval of documents.
What You Must Do After Registration
Registering the company is only the first step. To begin operations legally, complete the following:
- Confirm or activate your KRA PIN via iTax
- Open a corporate bank account
- Apply for a county business permit
- File annual returns each year
If you plan to live or work in Kenya while running the business, you will also need to apply separately for an immigration work permit.
Kenya has made company registration significantly easier through digitization. You can now establish a legal business presence remotely, reduce administrative friction, and enter the East African market faster.
What this really means is simple: location is no longer a barrier to starting a company in Kenya.
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