Register a foreign company (branch) in Kenya
Business Registration Service · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Before doing business in Kenya, apply on the BRS eCitizen portal with Form FC 1, notarized company documents and a Kenyan-resident local representative, and pay KSh 7,550. BRS issues a Certificate of Compliance, usually in 3 to 5 days.
- Fee
- KSh 7,550Registration of a foreign company
- How long
- About 3 to 5 days
- Where
- Online on the BRS portal on eCitizen
What you need
- Form FC 1 (application for registration as a foreign company)
- Notarized copy of the certificate of incorporation from the home country
- Notarized copy of the company's constitution (charter, statutes or articles)
- List of directors with their details, and a list of shareholders
- Signed appointment and consent of the local representative
- Form BOF1 with beneficial owners' details
- Certified English translation of any document not in English
Steps
- Appoint at least one local representative: a person who lives in Kenya.
- Before you start trading, apply on the BRS portal on eCitizen and pay KSh 7,550.
- Upload Form FC 1 and the supporting documents on brsv2.ecitizen.go.ke.
- Once approved, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Compliance, which is proof the company is registered in Kenya.
Watch out
- The local representative is responsible for the company's compliance and can be personally liable for its penalties.
- Every year you must file financial statements with the Companies Registry.
- Report changes (name, directors, local representative, address and others) within one month, on Form FC5.
Who can apply
- Companies formed outside Kenya that will have a place of business or branch in Kenya.
Official sources (3)
- PN/07: Foreign companies (2025) brs.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Fee Schedule - Companies Registry brs.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- BRS on eCitizen brsv2.ecitizen.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026