How to Acquire a KRA PIN for Your Foreign-Owned Company in Kenya (2025)
Step-by-step guide to corporate KRA PIN registration in Kenya for foreign investors. WKA Advocates handles incorporation, nominee director, iTax, banking, permits, and immigration.
Step-by-Step: WKA’s Fast-Track Path to Your Corporate KRA PIN
1) Incorporate the Company (BRS/eCitizen)
Handled end-to-end by WKA Advocates:
Name reservation & availability checks (BRS).
CR1, CR2, CR8 + BOF1 (Beneficial Ownership ≥10%).
Memorandum & Articles of Association (customized for fintech, agribusiness, logistics, construction, gold trading).
Registered office (WKA can provide).
Output: Certificate of Incorporation, CR12 (directors/shareholders).
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2) Meet the Director/Local Presence Requirement
Kenyan workflows require a resident director or local contact for filings and PIN linkage (Companies Act, 2015).
Nominee Director (non-shareholding) provided by WKA; zero voting/ownership, temporary, removed post-registration.
Foreign director KRA PINs (non-resident) obtained via licensed tax agents, where permanent directorships are intended.
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3) Apply for the Corporate KRA PIN (iTax)
WKA executes and monitors the full iTax flow:
Create company profile (Non-Individual).
Verify with BRS data (name, registration no., address).
Activate tax obligations: Income Tax, VAT (when eligible), PAYE.
Link director PINs (nominee/permanent).
Respond to KRA queries and obtain the Corporate KRA PIN Certificate.
Typical timeline: 5–10 business days (document readiness dependent).
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What You Can Do Immediately After the PIN Is Issued
Open a corporate bank account: KCB, Equity, NCBA, Absa, Standard Chartered, Stanbic (multi-currency, M-Pesa Business, FX).
Register for payroll & social schemes: PAYE, NSSF, NHIF / SHA.
Apply for permits: County Business Permit, NEMA EIA (if applicable), AFA/KEPHIS/KEBS licenses.
Immigration: Investor (Class G) or Employment (Class D) permits via eFNS.
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Documentation Checklist (Foreign-Owned Companies)
Certificate of Incorporation, CR12, CR8.
MemArts (Articles of Association) + (optionally) Shareholder’s Agreement.
Director/Shareholder KYC: notarized passports, emails, phone, address.
Registered office (Kenyan address).
Director KRA PINs (or WKA-facilitated non-resident PINs).
Board resolution (for banking).
Proof of address (utility/lease).
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Compliance Calendar (Post-Registration)
Corporate Income Tax returns (annual), installments if applicable.
VAT (monthly) once registered; maintain export zero-rating evidence.
PAYE (monthly), NSSF/NHIF (statutory).
Annual returns with BRS, BOF1 updates on ownership changes.
Permits & licenses renewals (County/AFA/NEMA/KEBS/KEPHIS).
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WKA Advocates: Complete Foreign-Investor Setup
PLC incorporation via BRS/eCitizen.
Nominee/Resident Director services (strictly non-shareholding, documented limits).
KRA PINs (company & non-resident directors).
Bank account onboarding (pre-approvals, video-KYC/POA if bank supports).
Licensing: NEMA, AFA/KEPHIS/KEBS, SEZ/EPZ, County.
Immigration: Class G/D permits, dependants (eFNS).
Ongoing corporate secretarial & tax (BRS filings, KRA filings, renewals).
CTA: Start now with WKA Advocates — one partner for foreign company registration in Kenya, KRA PIN, banking, permits, and immigration.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Applying for a corporate KRA PIN before incorporation (won’t work).
Lacking a resident/nominee director for iTax linkage.
Using generic Articles that don’t limit nominee authority or set bank mandates (dual signatories).
Premature VAT registration without hitting KES 5M threshold (unless strategically needed).
Incomplete BOF1 transparency filings.
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FAQ — Corporate KRA PIN for Foreign-Owned Companies
1) Can I get a corporate KRA PIN remotely?
Yes. With WKA Advocates, the process is fully remote using apostilled/notarized documents and Power of Attorney.
2) How long does it take?
Typically 5–10 business days after incorporation documents are in order.
3) Do I need a Kenyan director?
You need a resident/nominee director (for iTax linkage & KYC). WKA provides a non-shareholding nominee removed post-setup.
4) What docs are required?
Certificate of Incorporation, CR12, director passports, director KRA PINs, registered office details, and (for banking) board resolution.
5) When must I register for VAT?
When turnover exceeds KES 5,000,000 (or earlier by choice). WKA advises on timing and compliance.
6) What happens after I get the PIN?
Open bank accounts, register for PAYE/NSSF/NHIF, apply for licenses, and begin operations.
7) Does WKA handle ongoing compliance?
Yes — annual returns, tax filings, BO updates, permit renewals, and company secretarial.