Author:
Edward Omondi,
Last updated: 23 January 2026
This page is ONLY for registering a company incorporated outside Kenya as a branch (foreign company). For a Kenyan company (subsidiary/private limited), use Company Registration in Kenya.
• Register a Kenyan private limited: Local Company Registration
• Foreigners forming a Kenyan subsidiary: Foreign-Owned Business (Kenyan Company)
| Feature | Branch (Foreign Company) | Subsidiary (Kenyan Company) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal identity | Extension of parent company (not separate) | Separate Kenyan legal entity |
| Primary certificate | Certificate of Compliance | Certificate of Incorporation |
| Ownership in Kenya | No Kenyan share structure (parent remains owner) | Shares issued in Kenya |
| Local representative | Required | Not required as a “local rep” (directors/registered office apply) |
A foreign company is a company incorporated outside Kenya that establishes a place of business or carries on business in Kenya. In practice, registration is treated as a branch, and approval results in a Certificate of Compliance.
The core requirement is to lodge certified/notarised parent company documents plus details of a local representative and a Kenyan registered office address for service.
Tip: BRS fee schedule references FC forms and includes “acceptance letter from Local Rep” as a key lodged item for foreign company registration.
Covers certified documents, local representative, BRS fees, timelines, and common rejection reasons.
📄 Download Checklist (PDF)This foreign company branch registration checklist in Kenya summarises the required certified documents, local representative requirements, BRS filing steps, and post-registration compliance.
Reserve your corporate name (or an alternative name where applicable). Keep spelling consistent across all documents and filings.
Arrange notarisation/certification in the country of origin, and certified translation where needed. This is the #1 cause of delays.
Complete the foreign company registration workflow on BRS/eCitizen, upload documents, and ensure the local representative’s acceptance letter is included.
On approval, you can download the Certificate of Compliance from the portal.
BRS lists foreign company registration as KES 7,550 and indicates the output as a Certificate of Compliance, with a typical processing time shown as 3–5 days when documents are complete. Your eCitizen/BRS invoice is the final payable figure.
Planning tip: allow 5–15 working days end-to-end if documents are being prepared internationally.
The local representative is the statutory point of contact for service of notices and compliance coordination. Choose carefully and define scope in writing.
A branch is an extension of the parent company, but it must appoint a local representative resident in Kenya.
You get a Certificate of Compliance.
Yes—registration is done online via BRS/eCitizen.
We assist with document preparation guidance, local representative setup support, filing on BRS/eCitizen, and post-registration compliance planning.
We provide practical solutions to individuals, Businesses and organizations for you registration and compliance requirements all over Kenya