Answers to the questions we hear most.

Typically 60–120 working days depending on class and Directorate workload.

No. Employment in Kenya requires a valid work permit or Special Pass.

A work permit is a long-term authorisation (1–2 years, renewable). A Special Pass is a short-term authorisation up to 6 months.

Yes — they require a Dependant Pass linked to the principal's permit.

PR is granted for life, subject to continued residency conditions.

Yes. Kenya recognises dual citizenship for adults.

The Alien ID is a mandatory identification card for foreign residents aged 18+ on work permits or PR.

Up to 90 days, extendable once for another 90 days.

Yes, from Kenya and from your country of origin for most work permit and PR applications.

Yes, after 3 years of marriage and continuous residence, subject to conditions.

Anyone earning income in Kenya, buying property, opening a bank account, importing, or dealing with government services.

By 30 June for income earned in the prior calendar year.

Within six months of the company's financial year end.

A simplified tax at 3% of gross sales for businesses with turnover between KES 1M and KES 25M.

16% standard rate, with 8% and 0% applying to specified goods and services.

PAYE is progressive from 10% to 35%. We prepare accurate payroll computations.

Penalties apply: KES 2,000 for individuals and KES 20,000 for companies, plus interest on unpaid tax.

Registered NGOs may be exempt on qualifying income but must still file returns and comply with PAYE and WHT.

Yes, via iTax. We also offer iTax training if you'd like to file in-house.

At least 5 years, per the Tax Procedures Act.

We provide advisory and documentation support. For litigation, we work with a network of trusted advocates.

Yes. We prepare shareholder agreements, employment contracts, NDAs, service agreements and more.

We operate under strict confidentiality protocols and can sign bespoke NDAs on request.

Yes — full registration under the NGO Coordination Act or the Societies Act as appropriate.

Yes. We assist with pre-qualification, tax compliance certificates and supporting documentation.

Yes — governance, compliance, restructuring, and regulatory advisory.

A police-issued clearance required for many permits, employment, and PR applications. We assist with fast-tracking.

Yes. We assist with due diligence, KRA PINs and compliance for property transactions.

Yes. We prepare HR policies, code of conduct, and compliance manuals.

We offer fixed fees for standard matters and hourly rates for complex advisory. Estimates are always agreed upfront.

Log into the eCitizen Business Registration Service (BRS), select Companies Registry Services, make an application for Registration of a Business Name, provide 3–5 preferred names, fill the required details, sign the auto-generated form and upload it.

The main options are a sole proprietorship (business name), partnership, private limited company, public company, limited liability partnership, and branch of a foreign company.

Yes. Foreign nationals can incorporate and own Kenyan companies. Most sectors do not require a local shareholder, though regulated industries may have specific local-participation rules.

Not as a legal requirement. A company can have all-foreign directors, but having at least one resident director is often practical for banking and compliance.

You typically need proposed company names, director and shareholder details (including KRA PINs), passport copies, registered office address, memorandum of association, and beneficial ownership information.

Government fees vary by structure. A business name registration costs KES 950, while a private limited company registration starts around KES 10,650 plus stamp duty depending on share capital. Check the latest BRS fee schedule for exact amounts.

Business name registration can be completed within 1–3 days. Private limited company incorporation typically takes 1–2 weeks if all documents are in order.

A business name is not a separate legal entity — the owner is personally liable. A limited company is a separate legal person with limited liability, perpetual succession, and can own assets.

Yes. Every director must have a KRA PIN before they can be registered on a Kenyan company. Foreign directors can obtain a KRA PIN for non-citizens.

After incorporation, you typically need to register for KRA iTax, open a company bank account, apply for county business permits, register for NSSF/NHIF, and file annual returns with the Companies Registry.

Annual returns must be filed with the Companies Registry, company accounts prepared, tax returns filed, and any licenses renewed. Companies must also hold annual general meetings and maintain statutory records.

Yes. A private limited company in Kenya can have a single shareholder and a single director.