Company Registration Services
in Kenya for Foreigners —
Done Right, First Time.

Yes — Kenya's Companies Act, 2015 permits 100% foreign ownership of Private Limited Companies in most sectors. There is no requirement for a Kenyan national to hold shares or serve as a director in general trading and services companies. Exceptions apply in specific regulated sectors — including banking, insurance, land ownership, media broadcasting, and aviation — where local ownership thresholds or additional licences are imposed by sector-specific legislation. Two Max Group advises on sector restrictions before any registration is initiated.

No — Two Max Group manages the complete registration process remotely. Foreign directors and shareholders provide certified, authenticated copies of their passport and address documents via secure digital transfer. All statutory forms and consents are executed remotely. The Certificate of Incorporation and KRA PIN certificate are delivered digitally. No travel to Kenya is required at any stage of the incorporation process.

From the date of complete document submission by the client, Two Max Group typically completes Kenya company registration in 7 to 14 business days. The timeline includes name reservation, document preparation, eCitizen portal submission, and Certificate of Incorporation issuance by the Business Registration Service. KRA PIN registration adds approximately 2–3 additional business days. The most common cause of delays is incomplete or incorrectly authenticated foreign documents — which Two Max Group's pre-submission review prevents.

Under the Companies Act, 2015, there is no prescribed minimum share capital for a Private Limited Company in Kenya in most sectors. Companies are commonly registered with a nominal share capital of KES 100,000 (1,000 shares at KES 100 each) for practical purposes. Certain regulated sectors — banking, insurance, microfinance — require minimum paid-up capital as specified in their governing legislation. Two Max Group advises on the appropriate share capital structure for your specific sector and business plan.

The Companies Act, 2015 does not require a Kenyan national as a director of a Private Limited Company in most sectors — a company can be registered with all-foreign directors. However, having a local Kenya-based director can facilitate bank account opening, government liaison, and operational management. Two Max Group can provide a nominee director service where required. Certain regulated sectors impose local management requirements — Two Max Group advises on sector-specific obligations.

A Private Limited Company is a separate legal entity incorporated in Kenya — it has its own legal personality, separate from the foreign parent, and limits shareholder liability to share capital. A Branch Office is a registered extension of the foreign parent company — it is not a separate legal entity, meaning the foreign parent company is directly liable for all Branch Office obligations in Kenya. For most foreign investors, the Private Limited Company structure is preferred because it provides liability protection and a cleaner due diligence profile. The Branch Office is typically used by large multinationals who prefer to maintain brand continuity under the parent entity name.

Most Kenyan commercial banks require at least one signatory to be present in Kenya for initial account opening — though some international banks with Kenya operations (such as Standard Chartered, Citi, and HSBC) may accommodate remote account opening for existing corporate clients. Two Max Group assists with bank account opening by preparing the required corporate documentation package (Certificate of Incorporation, CR12, M&A, KRA PIN, board resolutions) and advising on which banks are most accommodating for foreign-owned companies. Two Max Group can also provide an authorised representative for the account opening process where required.

A Kenya-registered company — regardless of foreign ownership — is subject to Kenya Revenue Authority taxes including: Corporate Income Tax at 30% of net profit (25% for newly listed companies); VAT at 16% on taxable supplies above the KES 5 million annual turnover threshold; PAYE on employee remuneration; and Withholding Tax on dividends, management fees, and royalties paid to non-residents. Kenya has Double Taxation Agreements with several countries — including the UK, India, Germany, and the Netherlands — that may reduce withholding tax rates. Two Max Group advises on tax structure as part of the entity advisory process.

Yes — Two Max Group provides a Nairobi registered office address as a standard component of the company registration service. Every Kenya company is legally required under the Companies Act, 2015 to maintain a registered office address in Kenya from the date of incorporation. This address is recorded on the Certificate of Incorporation and in the BRS register. Two Max Group's registered office service includes receiving and forwarding of statutory correspondence — meaning clients can establish a Kenya entity before securing operational premises.