CHECKLIST for Foreign Company Registration in Kenya
Foreign Company Registration in Kenya – Are you looking to start up a Business in Kenya? Here is a checklist to help you start a Business in Kenya as a foreigner. This will help you avoid the many Pitfalls that you might come across.
- Decide on a Business Name/ Company name
What is in a Business/Company Name? A Business Name can make a very big difference on how well you are able to penetrate the market. Business & Company Names make a significant impact on Branding and Marketing of any company or business hence it’s very important to choose an Appealing Name. The name of your Business can be your own personal name or a “fictitious” name. It is important to note that the name should also be available for reservation.
- Search Availability of Name(s)
You will want to ensure that your Chosen Name is not trademarked or used as an Internet Domain name by another entity. If you choose to do business as your legal name, this shouldn’t be a problem.
- Register your Company
Under the Companies Act 2015 the start-ups are now provided with standard Articles which can be adopted by a company. However, Articles to Supplement or Modify the Standard Articles may be provided. It takes 12 days on average to complete the whole registration process. Once your Company/ Business Name is registered it can’t be registered by anyone else; and if another entity uses this Name, it will be easier to take legal action.
- Register for Taxes at the Kenya Revenue Authority PINs
The Pin Numbers are issued to every individual and Companies Operating in Kenya for the purposes of Transacting Business with Kenya Revenue Authority, other Government agencies and private Companies in Kenya
- Office/ Ware house leasing
Business location can also determine how well your Company/ Business performs. If you are setting up a Small Consultancy firm, you can rent an Office Space in one of the Serviced Office spaces Available and it is a large or medium Manufacturing company, you can lease space in the Industrial Area or choose to lease Land and set up the structures yourself.
- Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
This will involve Processing of all the Relevant Business licenses like the Business Permits form the local County Council, Manufacturing and Quality Standard Licenses from the Kenya Bureau of Standards, an Environmental Licenses from the National Environmental Management Authority and Lastly you will need to Process Work permits for the foreigners in the Company From the Department of Immigration and registration of Persons
- Bank Account Opening
This is very essential to operate your Accounts Receivables and Payables. You can choose a banking partner from over 40 Stable Local And International Banks in Kenya with reliable Internet Banking Solutions making it easy for you to Bank From whichever part of the region you are in.
- Staff recruitment
Lastly, you will need a reliable workforce to help you realize your Business/Company Objectives. The Workforce in Kenya is generally educated and Pro Active hence you can easily train the Human Resource on how you want to run your business.
Click here to find out more on Foreign Company Registration in Kenya
