Information date: 20 May 2026. Government fees, portal wording and requirements may change; always confirm the live eCitizen/BRS invoice and portal prompts at filing time.
How to register a company in Kenya through eCitizen/BRS
Quick answer: To register a private limited company in Kenya, prepare proposed company names, business activity, registered office, director and shareholder details, beneficial ownership details and share capital information, then file online through eCitizen / Business Registration Service (BRS). BRS lists the official private limited company registration fee at KES 10,650, with CR1, CR2, CR8 and Statement of Nominal Capital lodged and a 3–5 day timeline for complete filings.
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 live eCitizen/BRS portal invoice should be treated as the final government amount payable.
Source checked: BRS Fee Schedule – Companies Registry. Information date: 20 May 2026.
This guide is for founders, SMEs, foreign investors, subsidiaries, contractors, consultants, importers and employers who want a Kenya company that is not only incorporated, but also ready for tax, banking, licensing, staffing and compliance.
Procedure for company registration in Kenya
The company registration procedure in Kenya is completed online through eCitizen/BRS. The process is simple where the structure, ownership, director details, beneficial ownership and signed forms are prepared correctly before submission.
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 proposed names, business activity, registered office, directors, shareholders, shareholding percentages and beneficial ownership details.
3. Log into eCitizen/BRS
Access Business Registration Service / Companies Registry services through eCitizen and start the company registration application.
4. Complete company details
Enter the company particulars, director and shareholder details, shares, registered office, contacts and beneficial ownership information.
5. Generate and sign BRS forms
Generate the BRS forms, including CR1, CR2, CR8 and Statement of Nominal Capital. Sign clearly and scan readable copies.
6. Upload, pay and submit
Upload the signed documents, pay the live eCitizen/BRS invoice and submit the application for Registrar review.
7. Track and respond to queries
Monitor the portal dashboard and respond quickly if BRS raises a correction or clarification query.
8. Download the certificate
After approval, download the Certificate of Incorporation and preserve the company registration file.
9. Complete post-registration setup
Apply for the company KRA PIN, obtain CR12 where required, prepare bank account documents and check county permits or sector licences.
Requirements for company registration in Kenya
Before starting the eCitizen/BRS filing, prepare the company details and supporting information. Most delays come from inconsistent names, unclear shareholding, missing beneficial ownership information, unsigned forms or poor-quality scans.
Core requirements checklist
- 3–5 proposed company names in order of preference.
- Nature of business / business activity.
- Registered office address in Kenya.
- Postal address, email address and phone contacts.
- Director details, including ID or passport information.
- Shareholder details and shareholding percentages.
- Nominal capital and share value structure.
- Beneficial ownership information and ownership chart where needed.
- 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 tax and banking follow-through.
- Director/shareholder address details.
- Shareholding and beneficial ownership details.
Foreign individual founder
- Passport details and contact information.
- Foreign address and local address/contact 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.
- Certification/notarisation where banks or regulators request it.
Regulated-sector business
- Check whether sector approval is needed before trading.
- Confirm local ownership, director, capital or licensing restrictions.
- Prepare permits for telecoms, health, construction, education, finance, tourism, food or professional services.
- Align the company activity with the licensing route.
Cost of company registration in Kenya
The official BRS Companies Registry fee for private limited company registration is KES 10,650. This is the incorporation filing fee and should not be presented as the full cost of making the business operational.
| Cost item | Amount / status | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company registration | KES 10,650 | Official BRS Companies Registry fee schedule amount for incorporation. |
| Business name registration | KES 950 | Lower-cost trading-name option; 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 foreign 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 final. |
| Professional service fee | Varies by scope | Covers advisory, 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. |
How long does company registration take in Kenya?
Company registration duration: BRS publishes a 3–5 day timeline for a complete private limited company filing. Full business setup may take longer where KRA PIN, CR12, bank account opening, county permits, employer registrations or sector licences are required.
| Stage | Planning timeline | Common delay |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-filing preparation | Same day to a few days | Missing IDs/passports, unclear shares, incomplete UBO details or inconsistent names. |
| BRS review | Published timeline: 3–5 days for complete filings | Unsigned forms, poor scans, name issues, portal queries or mismatched details. |
| Certificate download | After approval | Unaddressed query notices or portal access issues. |
| KRA PIN and bank readiness | Post-incorporation | Director PIN issues, CR12 requests, bank KYC and beneficial ownership questions. |
| Permits and licences | Depends on county and sector | Premises inspection, county licensing, regulated-sector approvals or local ownership checks. |
Need help registering a company in Kenya?
Send us your proposed business activity, shareholder/director details, ownership structure and whether you need KRA PIN, CR12, bank-readiness or foreign investor support. We will confirm the right filing route and document checklist.
Call/WhatsApp: +254 700 176 096
Email: info@bieastafrica.com
Company registration in Kenya for foreigners
Foreigners can register a company in Kenya. The practical issue is not only incorporation, but whether the company 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. Local presence may still be useful or required for banking, licensing, tax, immigration, procurement or sector compliance. The correct approach depends on the business activity and post-registration plan.
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.
| Item | Included in BRS 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. |
| 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 choose?
Choose the structure before filing. The correct structure 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 route and not suitable for ordinary profit distribution. |
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 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, board resolution and signatory KYC.
- County business permit: confirm county licensing where trading from premises.
- NSSF/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 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 or logo.
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.
Company KRA PIN after registration
After incorporation, the company usually needs 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.
Source checked: KRA Company and Partnership PIN Registration.
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 |
Common company registration mistakes and delays
- Using only one proposed name.
- Choosing a name that is too similar to an existing entity.
- Entering inconsistent passport or ID details.
- Failing to define shareholding percentages clearly.
- Omitting beneficial ownership information.
- Uploading unsigned or poorly scanned CR forms.
- Assuming incorporation automatically gives a KRA PIN.
- Assuming company registration is the same as a business permit.
- Ignoring sector licensing before trading.
- Assuming foreign ownership gives work or residence rights.
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, 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: guidance on registration, tax setup, business permits, employer obligations and sector licensing.
Get a free quote for company registration in Kenya
Send the proposed company activity, founder type, number of directors/shareholders and post-registration support needed. We will confirm the correct scope and documents required.
Call/WhatsApp: +254 700 176 096
Email: Request a quote by email
Frequently asked questions
How do I register a company in Kenya?
Register online through eCitizen/BRS by preparing names, company activity, registered office, directors, shareholders, beneficial owners and signed CR forms, then paying the portal invoice and tracking approval.
What is the procedure for company registration in Kenya?
Choose the structure, prepare ownership details, log into eCitizen/BRS, complete the application, generate and sign forms, upload documents, pay the invoice, respond to queries and download the Certificate of Incorporation.
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 portal invoice is final. Professional fees, KRA PIN, CR12, bank account opening, county permits and sector licences are separate.
What are the requirements for company registration in Kenya?
Prepare proposed names, business activity, registered office, director and shareholder details, shareholding, beneficial ownership details, IDs/passports, photos where prompted and signed BRS-generated forms.
How long does company registration take in Kenya?
BRS lists 3–5 days for complete private limited company filings. Full business setup can take longer where KRA PIN, CR12, bank onboarding, county permits or sector licences are required.
Can foreigners register a company in Kenya?
Yes. Foreigners can register a local private limited company in Kenya, but banking, tax, licensing and immigration planning should be reviewed separately.
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 happens after company registration?
Common next steps are company KRA PIN, CR12 where required, bank account opening, county permit review, employer registration, tax obligation review 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: 20 May 2026. Government portal steps, fees and requirements can change; applicants should confirm 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: 20 May 2026 against BRS and KRA public guidance. Government portal requirements and invoices may change; always confirm the live portal requirements at filing time.