Company registration in Kenya: business setup and incorporation services

All jurisdictions

🇰🇪

Company Registration in Kenya

On Request Africa

3-4 weeks

Apply Now Ask a question

Processing Time

3-4 weeks

Corporate Tax

30%

Foreign Ownership

100% Allowed

Remote Setup

Available

Kenya offers excellent opportunities for international businesses. We connect you with trusted local partners who handle every step of the company registration process, ensuring compliance with all local regulations.

Onshore developing 100% Foreign Ownership Remote Setup

Tax rates

30%

Corporate

35%

Personal

10-15%

Dividend

Special taxation terms & incentives

• Standard corporate income tax rate is 30% for resident companies. • Special Economic Zone enterprises: 10% for the first 10 years, then 15% for the next 10. • Export Processing Zone companies: 0% for the first 10 years, then 25% for the next 10. • Goods entering an SEZ are outside Kenya's customs territory (no import duty, VAT, or excise). • Nairobi International Financial Centre start-ups: 15% for the first 3 years, then 20% for 4 years. • 150% investment deduction for projects of at least KES 1 billion outside Nairobi and Mombasa.

Incorporate in Kenya

Banking

Business

Available at local banks

Personal

With connections/status

Legal & compliance

Substance requirements

Minimal, but serious banks need office

Tax treaties

Limited

Ownership structure

100% foreign ownership allowed. Land restrictions remain (foreigners can only lease max 99 years). Some sectors (insurance, telecom) require local share %. Standard Ltd (LLC) has no foreign restrictions. Min one Kenya resident director technically required (2015 law - enforcement varies). Recommended to have at least nominal local director for banks.

Ideal for

Local market/Africa region

Good to know

Medium risks

Kenya registration services & pricing

Transparent pricing: each price is the base scope for that service, including its government registration and agent fees. Route-specific authority or ongoing costs, if any, are confirmed in your written quote before you pay.

Incorporation

Basic Registration $4,200 one-time

Additional Services

Virtual Office $360 /year

Accounting $240 /month

Visas & Residency

Residence Visa $780 one-time

What's included in Kenya registration

Company registration with local authorities
Business license
Company seal/stamp
Certificate of incorporation
Basic compliance setup

How to register a company in Kenya

Submit Application

Upload your documents online

Document Review

We verify everything is in order

Government Filing

We handle all official submissions

Company Ready

We forward the documents issued by the registry

Kenya: common questions

How long does it take to register a company in Kenya?

Registration typically takes 3-4 weeks once your documents are complete. Actual timing depends on the registry and the route for your activity; we confirm it in your quote.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Kenya?

Foreign ownership is generally permitted, but rules can depend on the activity, the route and the legal structure. Some jurisdictions also require a local director or company secretary. We check what applies to your case before you start.

Can I register a company in Kenya remotely?

In many cases the registration steps can be completed remotely. Some routes, authorities or banks may still ask for an in-person step; we tell you before you commit.

Does company registration include a bank account?

No. Company registration and banking are separate. We support bank account applications through licensed partners; the bank decides on approval, documents and timing.

Ready to register your company?

Get started today and we'll guide you through every step of the process. Starting from $4,200 for the base registration scope. Your quote confirms any route-specific fees.

Apply Now Ask a question