Quick summary
A foreign company registration in Kenya is the process of registering a branch of a company incorporated outside Kenya. After registration, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Compliance, which allows the foreign company to operate locally through its Kenyan branch.
- Typical timeline: about 2–4 weeks (depends on certified documents + registry turnaround).
- Key requirement: appoint a Kenyan resident local representative for statutory notices and compliance.
- Common next steps: corporate KRA PIN, banking onboarding, tax registrations and relevant licences.
Last updated: 16 January 2026
What is a foreign company (branch) in Kenya?
A foreign company is a company incorporated in another country that registers a Kenyan branch to establish a legal presence and conduct business in Kenya. The branch retains the foreign company’s original identity and corporate structure, while meeting Kenyan compliance requirements through registration and a local representative.
Cost of Foreign Company Registration in Kenya (2026)
The official government cost for foreign company registration in Kenya (registration of a branch of a foreign company) is KES 7,550, payable to the Business Registration Service (BRS) during filing.
| Cost item | Description | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Government registration fee | Official statutory fee for registration of a foreign company (branch) and issuance of a Certificate of Compliance by the Registrar of Companies | 7,550 |
| Document certification / notarisation | Certified copies of foreign incorporation documents, passports, and statutory declarations (if required) | Varies |
| Translation (where applicable) | Certified English translation of foreign documents not originally issued in English | Varies |
| Professional filing & follow-up support | Preparation of FC1–FC4 forms, application review, filing, registry follow-ups and compliance guidance | Quoted separately |
Total cost in practice (important clarification)
While the statutory government fee is KES 7,550, the total cost of foreign company registration in Kenya may be higher depending on:
- Certification or notarisation requirements for foreign documents
- Translation costs (if documents are not in English)
- Appointment and support of a local representative
- Professional assistance for filing, compliance and post-registration setup
Tip: The government fee is fixed, but professional and compliance-related costs depend on document readiness and business structure. Sharing your incorporation documents upfront allows for accurate costing.
Step-by-step: how to register a foreign company in Kenya
Below is the typical branch registration workflow:
- Name reservation / name check — confirm the foreign company name (or an acceptable alternative) is available in Kenya.
- Prepare and execute FC forms — commonly FC1, FC2, FC3 and FC4.
- Appoint a local representative — a Kenyan citizen resident in Kenya (mandatory for branch registration).
- File the application — submit certified documents and forms through the registry process.
- Receive the Certificate of Compliance — evidence the branch is registered in Kenya.
- Apply for KRA PIN and onboarding support — tax registration and banking readiness.
Typical timeline (practical)
Most compliant applications complete within 2–4 weeks. The biggest factors are certified documents (and any translations), correct local representative details, and registry processing time.
Requirements & documents checklist for foreign company registration in Kenya
The following documents and information are commonly required for registering a branch:
- Certified copy of the foreign company Certificate of Incorporation (from the country of incorporation).
- Certified copy of the Memorandum & Articles (or equivalent constitutional documents). If not in English, provide a certified translation.
- Registered office address in the country of origin (full address details).
- Kenya branch registered office (building/location, road, plot/number, county).
- Directors/shareholders details and ownership/share structure where applicable.
- Contacts for directors (email, phone, postal and residential addresses).
- Passport biodata scans and passport photos for directors (and key officers as required).
- Local representative appointment details (see below).
Local representative requirements (mandatory)
Foreign company branches in Kenya typically appoint a Kenyan citizen resident in Kenya as the local representative. The local representative receives statutory notices and supports compliance communications.
- Full names of the local representative.
- Copy of National ID and KRA PIN of the local representative.
- Passport-size photo of the local representative.
- Contact information (postal address, email, phone number).
- Residential address of the local representative.
“Upon presentation of certified documents, prescribed forms and payment of registration fees, the application is processed and a Certificate of Compliance is issued for successful applications.”
FC1–FC4 forms explained
The following forms are commonly used in foreign company (branch) registration:
- FC1 — Application for registration as a foreign company.
- FC2 — Statement for use of an alternative name (where required).
- FC3 — Notice of residential address / change of address for the local representative.
- FC4 — Notice of hours of opening of the foreign company’s registered office in Kenya.
Post-registration: KRA PIN, banking & support services
After branch registration, most businesses proceed to tax registration and operational setup. We also assist clients with the following common post-registration needs:
- Foreign director PIN support (where applicable)
- Foreign company (branch) KRA PIN registration
- Bank account onboarding support and document preparation
Foreign nationals who will work in Kenya generally require the appropriate immigration status. See our Work Permit application guide for an overview.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Foreign company registration in Kenya: quick answers to common questions.
What is a foreign company in Kenya?
A foreign company is a company incorporated outside Kenya that registers a branch in Kenya to establish a legal presence and operate locally.
How long does it take to register a foreign company in Kenya?
Many compliant applications complete within about 2–4 weeks, depending on certified documents, local representative details, and registry processing time.
Do foreign companies need a local director in Kenya?
A local director is not typically required for a branch, but a Kenyan citizen resident in Kenya is appointed as the local representative for statutory notices and compliance.
Do foreign company directors need a work permit in Kenya?
Foreign nationals who will work in Kenya generally need an appropriate work permit. The category depends on the role and business structure.
What is a Certificate of Compliance?
A Certificate of Compliance is issued after successful registration of a foreign company branch and serves as evidence that the foreign company is registered to operate in Kenya.
Need help registering a foreign company in Kenya?
We assist with branch registration end-to-end: document review, FC forms, local representative appointment support, filing, and post-registration KRA PIN and banking readiness.
Call: +254 700 176 096 | Email: info@bieastafrica.com