Information date: 27 April 2026. Government fees, portal wording and requirements may change; always confirm the live eCitizen/BRS invoice and portal prompts at filing time.
Register a company in Kenya through eCitizen/BRS
Quick answer: Company registration in Kenya is done online through eCitizen / Business Registration Service (BRS). For a standard private limited company, the BRS Companies Registry fee schedule lists KES 10,650, the main lodged documents are CR1, CR2, CR8 and Statement of Nominal Capital, and the published registry timeline is 3–5 days for a complete filing. After incorporation, most companies still need KRA PIN registration, CR12 or official search, bank account opening, county business permit review and sector licence checks.
Official BRS basis
Official BRS basis: BRS lists private limited company registration at KES 10,650, lodged with CR1, CR2, CR8 and Statement of Nominal Capital, with a 3–5 day timeline. The eCitizen/BRS portal invoice should be treated as the final amount payable.
Source checked: BRS Fee Schedule – Companies Registry. Information date: 27 April 2026.
This page is designed for founders, SMEs, employers, foreign investors, subsidiaries, contractors, consultants, importers and businesses that want a Kenya company that is not only incorporated, but also ready for tax, banking, contracting, staffing and licensing.
Quick answers: company registration in Kenya
Use this section for the most common Google and AI Overview questions on Kenya company registration: cost, requirements, duration, eCitizen procedure, foreigners and post-registration compliance.
How much does company registration cost in Kenya?
KES 10,650 is the official BRS Companies Registry fee schedule amount for private limited company registration. Professional support, KRA PIN, CR12, banking, county permits and sector licences are separate.
How long does company registration take?
BRS publishes 3–5 days for a complete private limited company filing. Full operational readiness may take longer where tax, banking, permits or licences are needed.
What is required?
Prepare proposed names, business activity, registered office, director and shareholder details, shareholding structure, beneficial ownership information, IDs/passports, passport photos where prompted and signed BRS-generated forms.
How do you apply?
Apply through eCitizen/BRS, complete the company application, generate the forms, sign and upload them, pay the portal invoice, submit and track approval on the dashboard.
Can foreigners register a company?
Yes. Foreigners can register a local private limited company in Kenya, but bank KYC, tax setup, sector licensing and immigration status should be planned separately.
What comes after incorporation?
Typical next steps are corporate KRA PIN, CR12 or official search where required, bank account opening, county business permit review, employer registrations and sector licence checks.
Cost, requirements, procedure and timeline at a glance
Cost
KES 10,650 is the official BRS fee schedule amount for a private limited company. Professional fees, KRA PIN support, CR12, banking, permits and licences are separate.
Requirements
Prepare 3–5 names, directors, shareholders, registered office, shares, beneficial owners, contacts, IDs/passports, photos where requested and signed CR forms.
Procedure
Sign into eCitizen, access BRS, complete the company application, generate forms, sign and upload documents, pay the invoice and track approval.
Timeline
BRS publishes 3–5 days for a complete private limited company filing. Full readiness may take 1–4 weeks where banking, KRA and permits are involved.
Choose your company registration question
This main guide answers the broad company registration query, then routes users to the exact sub-intent they are likely searching for: cost, requirements, eCitizen process, duration and foreigner registration.
Cost of company registration in Kenya
Direct answer: BRS lists private limited company registration at KES 10,650. KRA PIN, CR12, bank onboarding, county permits and professional support are separate.
Requirements for company registration in Kenya
Direct answer: prepare names, directors, shareholders, registered office, shareholding, beneficial owners, IDs/passports, photos where prompted and signed CR forms.
How to register on eCitizen/BRS
Direct answer: complete the BRS application online, generate forms, sign, upload, pay the portal invoice and track approval through the dashboard.
Company registration duration
Direct answer: BRS publishes 3–5 days for a complete private limited company filing; full operational readiness may take longer.
Company registration for foreigners
Direct answer: foreigners can register a local company in Kenya, but banking KYC, sector licensing and immigration status must be planned separately.
Full Kenya business setup
Direct answer: incorporation is only the first step; most clients also need tax, CR12, banking, permits, licences and compliance follow-through.
Company registration cost in Kenya
The baseline official cost for registering a private limited company in Kenya is KES 10,650 under the BRS Companies Registry fee schedule. This is the registry filing cost for incorporation; it should not be presented as the full cost of making the business operational.
| Cost item | Amount / status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company registration | KES 10,650 | Official BRS Companies Registry fee schedule amount for private limited company registration. |
| Business name registration | KES 950 | Lower-cost option for a simple trading name, but not a separate limited liability company. |
| Limited Liability Partnership | KES 25,000 | Often considered for professional or partnership-style ventures. |
| Foreign company / branch registration | KES 7,550 | For an existing overseas company registering a Kenyan branch; not the same as a local subsidiary. |
| Official company search / CR12 | KES 650 | Commonly requested after incorporation by banks, investors, tendering entities and due diligence teams. |
| eCitizen/BRS portal invoice | Final payable amount | The live portal invoice generated at submission should be treated as the final amount payable. |
| Professional service fee | Varies by scope | Covers advisory, structure selection, filing support, query handling, post-registration compliance and investor support. |
| KRA PIN, banking, permits and licences | Separate post-registration items | Needed to move from incorporation to operational readiness. |
Get a free quote for company registration in Kenya
Send us your proposed business activity, shareholder/director details and whether the company is locally owned, foreign-owned or a subsidiary/branch setup. We will confirm the filing route, professional fee, post-registration steps and documents required.
Call/WhatsApp: +254 700 176 096
Email: Request a quote by email
Requirements for company registration in Kenya
Before starting the eCitizen/BRS application, prepare the structure and supporting details. Most registration delays come from incomplete director details, inconsistent spellings, missing beneficial ownership information, unclear shareholding, unsigned forms or poor scans.
Core requirements checklist
- 3–5 proposed company names in order of preference.
- Business activity or nature of proposed business.
- Registered office address in Kenya.
- Postal address, email and phone contacts.
- Director details, including ID/passport information.
- Shareholder details and shareholding percentages.
- Nominal capital and share value structure.
- Beneficial ownership information and ownership chart where needed.
- Recent passport photographs where prompted by the portal.
- Signed BRS-generated incorporation forms.
Requirements by founder type
Local Kenyan founder
- National ID details and contact information.
- KRA PIN where required for post-registration tax and banking.
- Director/shareholder address details.
- Shareholding and beneficial ownership details.
Foreign individual founder
- Passport details and contact information.
- Foreign address and local contact/address planning.
- Bank KYC preparation, including proof of address where requested.
- Immigration review if the founder will work or reside in Kenya.
Foreign corporate shareholder
- Corporate ownership chart showing ultimate beneficial owners.
- Foreign company registration documents where required.
- Board authority or resolution to invest in the Kenyan company.
- Certified or notarised documents where banks or regulators request them.
Regulated-sector business
- Confirm whether sector approval is needed before trading.
- Check local ownership, director, capital or licensing restrictions.
- Prepare activity-specific permits for telecoms, health, construction, education, finance, tourism, food or professional services.
- Align company objects with licensing requirements.
Main incorporation documents
| Document | Purpose | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| CR1 | Application to register a company. | Generated from the BRS application details. |
| CR2 | Memorandum for a company with share capital. | Used for a standard private limited company with shares. |
| CR8 | Notice of residential address of director. | Requires accurate director address details. |
| Statement of Nominal Capital | Shows the company’s share capital structure. | Should align with the shareholding table. |
| Beneficial ownership details | Identifies the natural persons who ultimately own or control the company. | Important for compliance, banking and due diligence. |
How to register a company in Kenya on eCitizen / BRS
The BRS filing is online, but the quality of preparation determines how smoothly the application is processed. The practical workflow below is designed for a standard private limited company.
1. Choose the correct structure
Decide whether the business should be a private limited company, business name, LLP, company limited by guarantee or branch of a foreign company.
2. Prepare names and ownership
Prepare 3–5 names, business activity, registered office, directors, shareholders, share percentages and beneficial owners.
3. Log into eCitizen/BRS
Access Companies Registry services and start the private limited company registration application.
4. Complete application details
Enter the company particulars, director and shareholder details, shares, contacts and registered office information.
5. Generate and sign forms
Download the BRS-generated forms, sign in the correct places, scan clearly and upload the signed copies.
6. Pay and submit
Review the application, pay the final eCitizen/BRS invoice and submit the application for Registrar review.
7. Track queries
Monitor the portal dashboard and respond quickly if the Registrar raises a query or asks for correction.
8. Download certificate
After approval, download the Certificate of Incorporation and preserve the full company registration file.
Talk to us before you file
A short structure review before submission can prevent avoidable BRS, KRA, banking and licensing problems later. This is especially important for foreign shareholders, corporate shareholders, regulated sectors and companies that will employ foreign staff.
Talk to BIEA: +254 700 176 096 | info@bieastafrica.com
How long does company registration take in Kenya?
Company registration duration: BRS publishes a 3–5 day timeline for private limited company registration where the filing is complete. In practice, a company may need additional time after incorporation for KRA PIN, CR12, bank account opening, county permits, employer registrations and sector licences.
For business planning, separate registry incorporation from full operational readiness. This prevents clients from assuming that a Certificate of Incorporation alone is enough to bank, invoice, employ staff or trade from licensed premises.
| Stage | Typical planning timeline | What can delay it? |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | Same day to a few days. | Missing IDs/passports, unclear shares, foreign ownership documents or incomplete contact details. |
| BRS review | Published BRS timeline: 3–5 days for complete private limited company filing. | Unsigned forms, poor scans, name issues, portal queries or mismatched details. |
| Certificate download | After approval. | Portal access issues or unaddressed query notices. |
| KRA PIN setup | Post-incorporation step through iTax. | Missing director PINs/details, incorrect incorporation details or tax profile issues. |
| Bank account opening | Varies by bank and risk profile. | Foreign ownership, complex beneficial ownership, missing CR12, source-of-funds questions or signatory KYC gaps. |
| Business permits and sector licences | Depends on county and activity. | Premises inspection, sector regulator approvals, public health, tourism, telecoms, construction, education, healthcare or food-related approvals. |
Company registration in Kenya for foreigners
Foreigners can register a company in Kenya. The key issue is not only incorporation, but whether the structure will support bank onboarding, KRA registration, licensing, immigration and commercial operations after registration.
| Option | Best for | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Local private limited company | Foreign founders, SMEs, investors and employers setting up a Kenyan operating entity. | Often preferred for local contracts, bank accounts, tax registration and operating in Kenya. |
| Branch of foreign company | An existing overseas company that wants a Kenyan branch presence. | Requires foreign company documents and careful tax, banking and liability review. |
| Local company plus immigration planning | Foreign investors, directors or employees who will work from Kenya. | Company registration does not automatically give work or residence rights. |
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Kenyan company?
In many ordinary sectors, a foreigner can own 100% of a Kenyan private limited company. However, regulated sectors may have local ownership, licensing, capital, director, approval or operational requirements. Check the sector before filing.
Does a foreigner need a Kenyan director?
A Kenyan director is not always required for every private limited company. However, local presence may be useful or required for banking, licensing, tax, immigration, public procurement or sector compliance. The correct approach depends on the business activity and post-registration plan.
Can a foreigner register without visiting Kenya?
Many registration steps are online, but foreign founders should plan for document certification, ownership charting, bank KYC, KRA PIN follow-up, proof of address, source-of-funds explanations and immigration planning where they intend to work or reside in Kenya.
Foreign investor registration checklist
| Issue | What to prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Individual shareholder, local subsidiary or branch of foreign company decision. | Affects tax, banking, liability, licensing and future investment rounds. |
| Beneficial ownership | Natural-person UBO details and ownership chart where ownership is layered. | Banks and compliance teams will review who ultimately owns or controls the company. |
| Banking KYC | Passport, proof of address, source of funds, corporate documents and board approvals where applicable. | Bank onboarding is often the slowest part of foreign-owned company setup. |
| Immigration | Investor permit, work permit, special pass or other status where the foreigner will work in Kenya. | Company ownership does not automatically grant the right to work or reside in Kenya. |
| Sector licensing | Check whether the activity has ownership, capital, local director, licence or regulator approval rules. | Regulated sectors may need approval before trading. |
Company registration vs full business setup in Kenya
Company registration creates the legal entity. It does not automatically complete tax, banking, county licensing, employer registration, immigration or sector compliance. For most clients, the real objective is an operational company that can bank, invoice, contract, employ staff and trade lawfully.
| Item | Included in BRS company registration? | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Incorporation | Yes | Main incorporation output. |
| Company KRA PIN | No | Handled after incorporation through iTax. |
| CR12 / official search | No, usually post-registration | Often requested by banks, investors, tendering entities and due diligence teams. |
| Corporate bank account | No | Requires KYC, signatory documents, company records and sometimes CR12. |
| County business permit | No | Required for many businesses trading from premises or operating in a county. |
| NSSF/SHA employer setup | No | Relevant where the company will employ staff. |
| Work permit / investor permit | No | Company registration does not give a foreigner work or residence rights. |
| Sector licence | No | Required in regulated sectors such as telecoms, construction, health, education, finance, tourism, food or professional services. |
Which business structure should you register?
Choose the structure before filing. The right answer depends on ownership, risk, tax, licensing, investment, immigration and operational plans.
| Structure | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company | SMEs, investors, employers, contracts, tenders, importers, consultants and scalable businesses. | Requires company records, tax compliance, ownership disclosure and annual returns. |
| Business name | Small owner-operated business or simple trading name. | Not a separate limited liability company. |
| Limited liability partnership | Professional firms, consultants and partnership-style ventures. | Needs a clear partnership arrangement and compliance planning. |
| Foreign company branch | Existing overseas companies extending into Kenya. | Requires foreign company documents and tax/banking review. |
| Company limited by guarantee | Non-profit, charitable, association or membership-style activities. | Different approval path and not suitable for ordinary profit distribution. |
What you receive after company registration
The main incorporation output is the Certificate of Incorporation. A complete business setup file should also preserve the registration documents and prepare the company for tax, banking and compliance.
| Output | When used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Incorporation | Proof that the company exists. | Issued after approval by the Registrar. |
| Signed incorporation forms | Internal records, bank due diligence and compliance file. | Keep CR1, CR2, CR8 and Statement of Nominal Capital copies. |
| Corporate KRA PIN | Tax registration, invoicing, banking and compliance. | Handled after incorporation through iTax. |
| CR12 / official search | Banks, tenders, investors and due diligence. | Usually obtained post-registration where required. |
| Bank-ready pack | Opening a corporate bank account. | May include resolution, signatory KYC, ownership chart and source-of-funds note. |
| Compliance roadmap | Planning permits, licences, tax, staffing and immigration. | Recommended for foreign investors and regulated activities. |
Post-registration compliance checklist
After incorporation, complete the steps needed for the company to operate properly. The exact checklist depends on whether the company will trade from premises, hire staff, import goods, apply for licences or involve foreign directors/shareholders.
- Corporate KRA PIN: initiate online through iTax.
- CR12 / official company search: obtain where required for banking, tenders or due diligence.
- Company records: maintain registers of members, directors and beneficial owners.
- Bank account opening: prepare certificate, KRA PIN, CR12 where required, resolution and signatory KYC.
- County business permit: confirm county licensing where trading from premises.
- NSSF and SHA employer setup: relevant where the company employs staff.
- PAYE / VAT / other tax obligations: review based on employees, turnover and business activity.
- Sector licences: confirm approvals for telecoms, health, education, construction, tourism, food, finance, transport, alcohol or professional services.
- Immigration planning: review work permit, investor permit, special pass or other status where foreigners will work in Kenya.
- Trademark protection: consider trademark search and registration for the company brand, logo or trading name.
Post-registration compliance matrix
| Business situation | Likely next step | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Company will invoice, contract or open a bank account | Corporate KRA PIN and bank-ready documentation. | Most banks and clients require tax and incorporation records. |
| Company will operate from premises | County business permit and premises approvals. | County permits are separate from BRS incorporation. |
| Company will employ staff | NSSF, SHA, PAYE, employment contracts and payroll setup. | Employer obligations begin once staff are engaged. |
| Company expects VATable turnover or VATable activities | VAT and tax obligation review. | Tax obligations depend on turnover, activity and KRA profile. |
| Company is foreign-owned | Bank KYC planning, ownership chart, tax planning and immigration review. | Non-resident ownership often triggers additional bank and compliance questions. |
| Company will operate in a regulated sector | Sector licence or regulator approval before trading. | Some sectors require approval beyond ordinary company registration. |
CR1, CR2, CR8 and CR12 explained
- CR1: application to register a company.
- CR2: memorandum for a company with share capital.
- CR8: notice of residential address of director.
- Statement of Nominal Capital: statement showing the company’s share capital structure.
- CR12 / official company search: post-registration company extract commonly requested by banks, investors, tendering entities and due diligence teams.
Corporate KRA PIN after company registration
After incorporation, the company will usually need a KRA PIN. KRA states that PIN registration for companies and partnerships is initiated online through iTax.
- Visit iTax.
- Select New PIN Registration.
- Fill the online form appropriately.
- Upload relevant documents, including business registration certificate details, director PINs and national IDs where applicable.
- Submit the online application and retain the acknowledgement receipt.
Bank account opening after company registration
Banks may request additional documents after incorporation. Bank onboarding can take longer where there are foreign directors, foreign shareholders, corporate shareholders, nominee structures, regulated activities or complex beneficial ownership chains.
Common bank-ready documents
- Certificate of Incorporation.
- Company KRA PIN certificate.
- CR12 / official company search where required.
- Signed incorporation documents and company records.
- Board resolution for account opening and signatories.
- ID/passport and proof of address for directors and signatories.
- Ownership chart where corporate or foreign shareholders are involved.
- Source-of-funds or business model explanation where requested.
Company registration vs business permit in Kenya
Company registration creates the legal entity through BRS. A business permit is a separate operating licence, usually issued at county level, that may be required before trading from premises or operating in a specific county.
| Item | Purpose | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Company registration | Creates the legal entity and produces the Certificate of Incorporation. | BRS / eCitizen |
| Business permit | Allows business operation in a county or premises where required. | Relevant county government |
| Sector licence | Authorises regulated activities such as telecoms, health, education, finance, construction or tourism. | Relevant sector regulator |
Our company registration service in Kenya
Business and Immigration East Africa assists local founders, foreign investors, employers, subsidiaries, contractors, consultants and SMEs with end-to-end company registration and business setup support in Kenya.
BRS incorporation filing
Included: structure review, details preparation, portal filing, form generation, signing guidance, upload and query follow-up.
Operational readiness support
Optional add-on: corporate KRA PIN, CR12, bank-ready documentation, county permit review and sector licence mapping.
Foreign investor support
Optional add-on: branch vs subsidiary comparison, ownership charting, foreign KYC preparation and immigration pathway review.
Compliance positioning
Included: practical guidance on the difference between registration, tax setup, business permits, employer obligations and sector licensing.
| Service area | What we assist with | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-registration advisory | Choosing between private limited company, business name, LLP, branch or other structure. | Wrong structure can affect tax, banking, licences, tenders and investors. |
| BRS/eCitizen filing | Preparation, portal filing, form generation, signing guidance, upload, tracking and query handling. | Reduces avoidable delays and portal rejections. |
| Foreign investor support | Foreign director/shareholder guidance, branch vs subsidiary comparison, ownership charting and KYC planning. | Foreign-owned companies often face extra banking and compliance review. |
| Post-registration support | Corporate KRA PIN, CR12 guidance, bank-ready documents, county permit review and employer compliance planning. | Moves the company from registration to operational readiness. |
| Investor and employer setup | Immigration planning, work permit/investor permit support, payroll compliance and licence mapping. | Useful where the company will employ staff or foreign personnel in Kenya. |
Common mistakes that delay company registration in Kenya
| Problem | Why it hurts | Recommended fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using only one proposed name | Rejected or unavailable names slow the process. | Prepare 3–5 names. |
| Mismatched names, ID numbers or passport details | BRS, banking or KRA queries can arise. | Check all details before submission. |
| Unsigned or poorly scanned forms | Portal queries and resubmission delays. | Use clear PDF scans and confirm every signature field. |
| Unclear beneficial ownership | Incomplete ownership disclosures can block progress and create banking issues. | Prepare BO details and ownership chart early. |
| Stopping at incorporation | The company may still be unable to bank, invoice or operate properly. | Plan KRA PIN, CR12, banking, permits and licences. |
| Foreign shareholders without KYC planning | Banking and compliance review may take longer. | Prepare certified documents, ownership chart and source-of-funds explanation. |
Examples: what different clients usually need after registration
| Client type | Recommended route | Likely post-registration needs |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign investor | Private limited company or branch of foreign company. | KRA PIN, bank KYC, ownership chart, immigration planning and sector licence review. |
| Local SME | Private limited company where contracts, investors or formal banking are expected. | KRA PIN, bank account, business permit and tax obligation setup. |
| Employer hiring staff | Private limited company with clear directorship and payroll structure. | NSSF, SHA, PAYE, employment contracts and payroll compliance. |
| Importer or distributor | Private limited company with clear business activity and bank-readiness. | KRA, customs/import compliance, bank account, permits and product-specific approvals. |
| Hotel, restaurant or hospitality business | Private limited company with county and sector permit planning. | Business permit, health/food hygiene approvals, tourism or hospitality licences where applicable. |
Why a complete setup guide matters
Many company registration guides stop at incorporation. This BIEA guide is structured as a Kenya business setup hub: it gives the official BRS answer first, then explains the practical steps that determine whether the company can actually operate, bank, invoice, employ staff and remain compliant.
| Basic incorporation-only guide | BIEA complete setup approach | Practical benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Only states the incorporation fee. | Separates official BRS fee from professional fees, KRA, CR12, banking, permits and licences. | Gives founders a clearer budget before they begin. |
| Generic requirements list. | Adds founder-type requirements for local founders, foreign individuals, foreign corporate shareholders and regulated-sector businesses. | Helps local and foreign founders prepare the right documents. |
| Procedure without post-registration context. | Explains eCitizen/BRS filing plus what happens after the certificate is issued. | Shows the difference between filing and operational readiness. |
| No trust layer near the answer. | Adds Official BRS basis immediately below the quick answer and repeats source checks at the bottom. | Improves trust, verifiability and answer clarity. |
Need a Kenya company registered and made operational?
Business and Immigration East Africa helps founders, foreign investors and SMEs with BRS/eCitizen company registration, KRA PIN follow-through, CR12 support, bank-ready documentation, business permits and post-registration compliance planning.
Call: +254 700 176 096
Email: info@bieastafrica.com
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Kenya?
The BRS Companies Registry fee schedule lists KES 10,650 for private limited company registration. The live eCitizen/BRS invoice generated at filing should be treated as the final amount payable.
What are the requirements for company registration in Kenya?
Prepare 3–5 proposed names, director and shareholder details, registered office address, shareholding structure, beneficial ownership details, passport photographs where prompted, and signed BRS-generated forms including CR1, CR2, CR8 and Statement of Nominal Capital.
How do I register a company in Kenya on eCitizen?
Sign into eCitizen, access BRS Companies Registry services, complete the private limited company application, generate and sign the forms, upload clear scanned copies, pay the portal invoice, submit the application and track the dashboard until approval.
How long does company registration take in Kenya?
BRS publishes 3–5 days for a complete private limited company filing. Full readiness may take longer where KRA PIN, CR12, bank account opening, business permits or sector licences are required.
Can foreigners register a company in Kenya?
Yes. Foreigners can register a local private limited company in Kenya. An existing overseas company may also compare branch registration depending on tax, banking, licensing and immigration objectives.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Kenya?
In many ordinary sectors, yes. Regulated sectors may have local ownership, licensing, capital or approval rules, so the activity should be checked before filing.
Do I need a Kenyan director to register a company in Kenya?
A Kenyan director is not always mandatory for every private limited company. Local presence may still be useful or required for banking, licensing, tax registration, sector approvals or immigration strategy.
Can I register a company in Kenya without visiting Kenya?
Many filing steps are online. Foreign founders should still plan for document certification, KRA PIN follow-up, bank KYC, ownership charting, proof of address and immigration planning where needed.
Does company registration give a foreigner the right to work in Kenya?
No. Company registration alone does not grant work or residence rights. A foreign investor, director or employee may need a valid immigration status before working or residing in Kenya.
What is CR12 in Kenya?
CR12, also called an official company search or company extract, is a registry document commonly requested by banks, investors, tendering entities and due diligence teams to verify company particulars.
Is company registration the same as a business permit?
No. Company registration creates the legal entity through BRS. A business permit is a separate county-level operating licence that may be required before trading from premises.
Do I need a KRA PIN before company registration?
The corporate KRA PIN is normally handled after incorporation. Directors and shareholders may still need personal identification, PIN or tax details depending on the filing and post-registration requirements.
What is the official BRS basis for the cost and timeline?
BRS lists private limited company registration at KES 10,650, lodged with CR1, CR2, CR8 and Statement of Nominal Capital, with a 3–5 day timeline. The live eCitizen/BRS invoice should be treated as the final payable amount.
What is the difference between registration duration and full setup duration?
Registration duration refers to the BRS incorporation review period, commonly 3–5 days for a complete filing. Full setup duration includes post-registration work such as KRA PIN, CR12, bank onboarding, permits, employer registration and sector licensing.
Official sources checked
- BRS Fee Schedule – Companies Registry
- BRS Entities Registered in Kenya
- KRA Company PIN Registration
- KenInvest eProcedures Kenya
Information date: 27 April 2026. Government portal steps, fees and requirements can change; applicants should confirm the live portal requirements at the time of filing.
Author and review
Prepared by: Edward Omondi, business setup and immigration consultant based in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on company registration, investor entry, immigration planning, compliance follow-through and post-registration support.
Office: Kose Heights, Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya.
Reviewed by: Business and Immigration East Africa editorial/compliance review. Reviewed for BRS flow clarity, cost accuracy, KRA PIN follow-through, foreign investor considerations, banking readiness and post-registration compliance planning.
Reviewed: 27 April 2026 against BRS and KRA public guidance. Government portal requirements and invoices may change; always confirm the live portal requirements at the time of filing.