Quick Answers: Register a Branch of a Foreign Company in Kenya
To register a branch of a foreign company in Kenya, an existing company incorporated outside Kenya files a foreign-company application with the Business Registration Service (BRS) and, once approved, receives a Certificate of Compliance. This is the correct route where the foreign parent wants to operate in Kenya as the same legal entity. It is not the same as incorporating a separate Kenyan subsidiary owned by foreign shareholders. The official BRS fee schedule lists KES 7,550, the documents lodged include FC2, FC4, FC6, certificate of incorporation, copy of constitution, notarised memorandum and articles, and a local representative acceptance letter, and the listed processing time is 3–5 days for a complete filing. Practical completion can take longer where documents require certification, notarisation, legalisation, translation, KRA PIN setup, banking or sector licensing.
Branch-only focus: do not confuse this with a foreign-owned Kenyan company
This page is for registration of a branch of a foreign company in Kenya. If the client wants a new Kenyan limited company owned by foreign shareholders, use the separate Kenya company registration route. Keeping these two intents separate improves user clarity, lead quality and Google relevance.
How much does it cost?
KES 7,550 is the listed BRS registration fee. Notarisation, translation, professional support, KRA PIN, banking and licences are separate.
How long does it take?
The official schedule shows 3–5 days for a complete BRS filing. Document preparation and post-registration setup can extend the project.
What is required?
FC2, FC4 and FC6 forms, certificate of incorporation, copy of constitution/M&A, notarised documents where required, Kenya branch address, opening hours and local representative acceptance letter.
What do you receive?
The Registrar issues a Certificate of Compliance, which is then used for KRA PIN, bank onboarding and related licensing.
Information date: 14 May 2026. Fees, forms and portal requirements may change. Treat the live eCitizen/BRS invoice and current portal checklist as the final filing position.
Official BRS and Legal Basis for Foreign Company Registration in Kenya
BRS lists Foreign Company registration at KES 7,550; this is the official statutory fee basis for registration of a foreign company branch in Kenya. The BRS fee schedule currently references FC2, FC4, FC6, Certificate of Incorporation, Copy of Constitution, notarised Memorandum and Articles, and an Acceptance Letter from the Local Representative. The document issued is a Certificate of Compliance, with a listed processing time of 3–5 days for a complete filing.
The Companies Act, 2015 foreign-company provisions are important because a foreign company should not carry on business in Kenya unless it is registered or has applied to be registered. A foreign company branch also requires a local representative and must maintain proper Kenya contact and compliance details.
Compliance risk
A foreign parent that signs contracts, maintains a place of business, appoints local representatives or actively operates in Kenya without the correct registration can face registration, tax, banking, enforceability and licensing problems. Confirm the branch/subsidiary choice before making commitments in Kenya.
Branch of a Foreign Company vs Kenyan Subsidiary
Before registering a foreign company in Kenya, confirm whether the client needs a branch of the foreign parent company or a new Kenyan subsidiary company. This page is deliberately optimized for the branch route, where the foreign parent remains the principal legal entity operating in Kenya through a registered branch.
| Option | Best for | Legal effect | Key compliance point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch of a foreign company | Foreign parent company that wants to operate in Kenya under the parent company identity without incorporating a separate Kenyan company. | Not a separate Kenyan company. It is an extension of the foreign parent. | Requires branch registration, local representative, Certificate of Compliance, KRA PIN and ongoing filings. |
| Kenyan subsidiary | Foreign shareholders who want a separate Kenyan limited company for operations, contracts, licensing or liability separation. | Separate Kenyan legal entity with its own directors, shareholders, CR12 and incorporation certificate. | Use the local company registration route, not this foreign branch route. |
Cost of Foreign Company Registration in Kenya
The official government fee for registration of a branch of a foreign company in Kenya is KES 7,550 according to the BRS Companies Registry fee schedule. This is the statutory filing cost. The total commercial cost may be higher because foreign documents often require certification, notarisation, legalisation or certified translation before filing.
| Cost item | Purpose | Amount / treatment |
|---|---|---|
| BRS foreign company branch registration fee | Statutory registration of the foreign company branch and issuance of Certificate of Compliance. | KES 7,550 |
| Document notarisation / certification | Certification of parent company documents, constitutional documents and authorisations. | Varies by country and document chain. |
| Certified translation | Required where parent company documents are not issued in English. | Varies. |
| Local representative support | Appointment, acceptance letter, contact point and statutory support. | Quoted separately where BIEA provides or coordinates support. |
| Professional filing and registry follow-up | Document review, forms preparation, BRS/eCitizen filing, response to queries and compliance guidance. | Quoted after document review. |
| KRA PIN, tax registration and bank onboarding | Post-registration tax profile, banking documents and operational readiness. | Separate from BRS branch registration fee. |
Get a free quote for registration of a foreign company branch in Kenya
Send the parent company certificate, constitution/M&A, country of incorporation, Kenya business activity and local representative status. We will confirm the filing route, likely document gaps and professional fee.
Practical advice: if a client asks “what is the total cost?”, request the parent company certificate, constitution/M&A, director list, country of incorporation and local representative position first. The BRS filing fee is clear; the supporting-document cost depends on the document source country.
Requirements for Foreign Company Registration in Kenya
The documents below should be prepared before filing. Exact upload labels can change on BRS/eCitizen, but the following checklist reflects the documents normally needed for a strong filing.
Parent company documents
- Certified certificate of incorporation or registration from the home country.
- Certified copy of the company constitution, memorandum and articles, charter or equivalent document.
- Notarised constitutional documents where required by the registry or document source country.
- List of directors, secretary and key officers with full contact details.
- Parent company registered office address in the country of incorporation.
- Board resolution, power of attorney or authority to register the Kenya branch, where applicable.
Kenya branch details
- Proposed branch name or alternative name where the parent name is unavailable.
- Nature of business to be carried on in Kenya.
- Kenya registered office / place of business address.
- Opening hours for the Kenya branch office.
- Local representative acceptance letter and identification details.
- Contact email, phone number and postal address for statutory communications.
Forms commonly associated with foreign company registration
The BRS fee schedule currently lists FC2, FC4 and FC6 for foreign company registration. Older market guides may refer to additional FC forms or use different form descriptions. The safest position is to prepare the prescribed forms generated or requested by the live BRS/eCitizen system on the filing date.
| Form / item | What it covers |
|---|---|
| FC2 | Foreign company registration details / prescribed application particulars as required by BRS. |
| FC4 | Notice of place of business / registered office details in Kenya. |
| FC6 | Notice specifying the opening hours of the foreign company office in Kenya. |
| Acceptance letter from local representative | Written confirmation by the appointed local representative accepting the statutory role. |
| Certificate and constitution | Evidence of incorporation and constitutional basis of the foreign parent company. |
Talk to us before notarising foreign documents
Many delays arise because the parent company documents are certified in the wrong format or uploaded with inconsistent names, dates or officer details. BIEA can review the documents before notarisation or legalisation so the branch-registration filing pack matches the BRS checklist.
Local Representative Requirement for a Foreign Company in Kenya
A foreign company branch must have at least one local representative in Kenya. The representative is the statutory contact person for the registered foreign company and is connected to compliance notices and filings.
What the local representative usually provides
- Full legal name.
- National ID, Alien ID or passport details, depending on status and registry requirements.
- KRA PIN certificate where applicable.
- Postal address, email address and telephone number.
- Residential address.
- Passport-size photograph where requested.
- Signed acceptance letter.
The local representative role should not be treated as a casual appointment. Before filing, confirm the representative’s authority, availability, indemnity position, document access, notice-handling process and annual compliance support.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Register a Foreign Company Branch in Kenya
The practical process below is designed for registration of a Kenya branch by a foreign parent company, not for a new Kenyan subsidiary company.
-
Confirm the branch structure.
Decide whether the client needs registration of a branch of a foreign company or a locally incorporated subsidiary. This avoids filing the wrong entity type and prevents future tax, bank or licensing complications. -
Review parent company documents.
Check the certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents, director list, registered office, ownership chain and signing authority. -
Certify, notarise and translate documents.
Foreign documents should be properly certified or notarised. Documents not issued in English should be supported by certified English translations. -
Confirm the Kenya branch name and address.
Use the parent company name where available, or prepare an acceptable alternative name. Confirm the registered office, place of business and opening hours. -
Appoint a local representative.
Prepare the local representative’s identification details, KRA PIN where applicable, contact details, residential address and signed acceptance letter. -
Prepare prescribed FC forms.
Prepare the required BRS/eCitizen foreign-company forms. The current BRS fee schedule lists FC2, FC4 and FC6 among the documents lodged. -
File through BRS/eCitizen and pay the invoice.
Submit the application on the registry process and pay the government fee shown by the portal. The portal invoice should be treated as the final payable government amount. -
Monitor registry queries.
Respond quickly to any BRS query on certification, names, local representative details, address, forms or parent company documents. -
Receive Certificate of Compliance.
Once approved, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Compliance for the foreign company branch. -
Complete post-registration setup.
Apply for branch KRA PIN, tax obligations, bank onboarding, county business permit and sector licences where required.
Timeline for Foreign Company Registration in Kenya
BRS lists 3–5 days for foreign company registration where the filing is complete. The full client timeline may be longer because the registry filing is only one part of the process.
| Stage | Typical timing | What can delay it |
|---|---|---|
| Document review and structure decision | 1–2 working days | Incomplete parent company records or unclear signing authority. |
| Certification / notarisation / translation | Varies by country | Foreign registry delays, embassy/legalisation requirements, non-English documents. |
| BRS/eCitizen branch filing | Official schedule: 3–5 days after complete filing | Registry queries, name issue, local representative mismatch, defective scans. |
| KRA PIN and bank onboarding | Several days to a few weeks | Bank KYC, ownership chain, tax agent requirements, foreign director documentation. |
Practical planning range
For client communication, state the official BRS timing clearly but plan the entire project around document readiness. A clean file can move quickly; a file requiring foreign notarisation, translation and banking support can take longer.
After Registration: KRA PIN, Banking and Compliance
The Certificate of Compliance allows the branch to proceed with operational setup. Most foreign branches still need tax, bank and sector-specific compliance before they can trade smoothly in Kenya.
Immediate post-registration steps
- Apply for branch KRA PIN / tax profile.
- Register relevant tax obligations such as corporation tax, PAYE, VAT or withholding tax where applicable.
- Prepare bank account opening pack and KYC documents.
- Apply for county business permit where the branch has a physical business activity.
- Confirm sector licence needs, for example ICT, construction, energy, finance, tourism or import/export.
Ongoing compliance
- Keep local representative details current.
- Notify registry changes in parent company documents, directors, branch address or representative details.
- Maintain accounting and tax records for Kenya operations.
- File tax returns and make statutory deductions where relevant.
- Ensure expatriate staff have the correct immigration status before working in Kenya.
Work permits and foreign directors
Registration of a branch does not automatically authorise foreign directors or employees to work in Kenya. Foreign nationals who will work, manage operations or take up employment in Kenya should assess the correct immigration route, such as a Class D work permit or an investor-related permit where the facts support it.
Common Pitfalls That Delay Foreign Company Registration
- Using subsidiary language on a branch application, or confusing branch registration with local company incorporation.
- Submitting uncertified or poorly scanned foreign incorporation documents.
- Using non-English parent documents without certified translations.
- Failing to prepare a clear local representative acceptance letter.
- Providing inconsistent director names, passport numbers, addresses or parent company names across documents.
- Assuming the Certificate of Compliance is enough for banking, tax and sector licensing.
- Not checking whether the branch needs a county business permit, sector licence or work permits for expatriates.
Frequently Asked Questions on Foreign Company Registration in Kenya
Is “foreign company registration in Kenya” the same as “company registration in Kenya for foreigners”?
Not always. Foreign company registration in Kenya often refers to registering a branch of an existing foreign parent company. Company registration in Kenya for foreigners often refers to incorporating a new Kenyan private limited company owned by foreign shareholders. The correct route depends on whether the client wants a branch of the parent or a separate Kenyan subsidiary.
Who should use the branch registration route?
Use the branch route where an existing foreign company wants to operate in Kenya as the same legal entity, maintain parent-company identity, obtain a Certificate of Compliance and then proceed with KRA PIN, banking and licensing. Use local company incorporation where the client wants a separate Kenyan company.
What is registration of a branch of a foreign company in Kenya?
It is the process through which a company incorporated outside Kenya is registered by the Business Registration Service to carry on business in Kenya as a branch. The branch remains an extension of the foreign parent company and receives a Certificate of Compliance after approval.
How much does it cost to register a branch of a foreign company in Kenya?
The official BRS fee schedule lists foreign company branch registration at KES 7,550. This does not include professional fees, notarisation, certification, translation, local representative support, KRA PIN, bank onboarding or sector licences.
What document is issued after registering a foreign company branch?
The Registrar issues a Certificate of Compliance. This is the branch’s registration evidence in Kenya.
Does a foreign company branch need a local director in Kenya?
A branch is not the same as a Kenyan subsidiary, so the issue is usually a local representative, not a local shareholder or local director. The representative’s details and acceptance letter are central to the filing.
Can a foreign company use its parent company name in Kenya?
Yes, generally the branch may seek registration using the parent company name. Where the name is unavailable or unsuitable, an alternative name may be required for use in Kenya.
Is a branch better than a subsidiary in Kenya?
It depends on the client’s tax, liability, licensing, banking and contracting needs. A branch may suit a parent company that wants to operate directly. A subsidiary may be better where the client wants a separate Kenyan company with local legal identity.
How long does foreign company registration take in Kenya?
BRS lists a 3–5 day processing time for complete foreign company applications. Practical completion may take longer where documents must be notarised, legalised, translated, corrected or supplemented.
Does branch registration include KRA PIN and bank account opening?
No. The Certificate of Compliance is the registration output. KRA PIN registration, tax obligation setup, bank onboarding, county permits and sector licences are post-registration steps and should be planned separately.
Do foreign directors or employees need work permits after branch registration?
Yes, where they will work, manage operations or take up employment in Kenya. Branch registration does not by itself give foreign nationals permission to work in Kenya.
Official and Reference Sources
Talk to BIEA About Registration of a Branch of a Foreign Company in Kenya
BIEA assists with registration of a branch of a foreign company in Kenya, including document review, local representative support, BRS filing, Certificate of Compliance, KRA PIN, banking readiness and related immigration or licensing issues.