The central Bank of Kenya regulations requires all foreign nationals who intend to open a bank account in Kenya to have immigration status or a local Kenyan mandated signatory to the account.

Can a foreigner open a bank account in Kenya?

Foreign nationals and foreign owned Businesses may open Bank accounts in Kenya in certain circumstances.

Requirements for a foreigner to open a Bank account in Kenya.

• Foreign Passport of directors / share holders.
• Proof of address
• Proof of immigration status in the country.
• Personal PIN (Tax certificate) of the Directors / shareholders
• PIN certificate of the Company.
• Copy of the Certificate if incorporation of the foreign owned company
• Copy of Copy of CR12 of the company
• Copy of Company memorandums and Articles of the Company.
• Work pemit of foreign directors.
• Local representative or director where a foreign director does not have immigration status.

In many instances, the foreign directors / shareholders are required to show some form of immigration status in Kenya. Either a Work permit or a Investor immigration permit.

Foreign National Personal Bank account.

Non Kenyans not engaged in Business, tourists, transit travelers etc are generally restricted in opening Bank accounts in Kenya and they may not achieve the threshold required to open a Bank account such as proof of permanent local address, immigration status, PIN certificate etc. However, in some instances where a foreign national is in the country for a long duration and has a multiple entry Permit, Special pass or other status may open a Bank account.

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