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The Daily Insight

What is a foreign company in Kenya?

Author

Robert Guerrero

Updated on February 13, 2026

A Foreign Company is a Company registered outside Kenya, under the laws of that country and given compliance under Kenyan Law to do Business in Kenya. Companies incorporated outside of Kenya can do business in Kenya by registering a branch.

Accordingly, what are the foreign companies?

Foreign company means one or more of the entities issuing any of the Pledged Collateral which is not organized under the laws of any state of the United States of America, which is, or should be, described on Schedule A. Foreign company means a Company within the meaning of Section 591 of the Companies Act, 1956.

Furthermore, how do I register a foreign company? To register Foreign Entity you need to file an application with the concerned authorities and pay a fee. In most states, registration requires disclosure of the company name, state of incorporation/organization and the name and address of the registered agent in the state for which the application is being made.

Also, can a foreigner be a director of a Kenyan company?

The new procedures now allow a single person to register a limited Company as a Foreigner; this means you do not need a Kenyan director to co-own the company with you. You can own the company 100%.

How do I register a subsidiary company in Kenya?

Documents Required for Subsidiary Company Registration

  1. Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA) for the Kenya subsidiary firm.
  2. Incorporation certificate of the parent company.
  3. A corporate undertaking declaring the appointment of an individual to sign necessary subsidiary documents at the behest of the parent company.

Related Question Answers

Is Pan required for foreign company?

India: The PAN for foreign companies is no longer necessary in all cases. The Permanent Account Number PAN introduced in India in 2010 is no longer mandatory in all cases for foreign companies since June 1, 2016. Even without the PAN, withholding tax deductions according to the double taxation agreement are guaranteed.

Are foreign companies liable to pay mats?

ANSWER: Foreign companies are not immune from MAT, if they have business in India as was decided in Advance Ruling P.No. Liability for non-Indian income should not be possible either under the domestic law or Double Tax Avoidance Agreement so that foreign companies should not be additionally liable for MAT.

Do foreign companies pay taxes in India?

Corporate Tax in India. Domestic as well as foreign companies are liable to pay corporate tax under the Income-tax Act. While a domestic company is taxed on its universal income, a foreign company is only taxed on the income earned within India i.e. is being accrued or received in India.

How do I find foreign company details?

Short of jumping on a plane and visiting in person, here are seven ways to find out.
  1. Ask the Foreign Company for References.
  2. Check Industry Sources, Including Big Banks, Law Firms and Accounting Firms.
  3. Do a Google Search.
  4. Conduct a WHOIS Network Solutions Search on Their Domain Name.

Is TDS applicable on foreign company?

Further, as per section 115A(1)(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the tax on fees for technical services on a foreign company received from an Indian company is 10%. If the foreign company does not wish to obtain the PAN in India, then higher rate of TDS @20% needs to be deducted.

What is a global company?

A global corporation, also known as a global company, is coined from the base term 'global', which means all around the world. It makes sense to assume that a global company is a company that does business all over the world.

What is non resident company?

It means a foreign company whose control and management is situated wholly or partially outside India will be a non-resident company.

What is a foreign company under Income Tax Act?

Foreign company means a company which is not a domestic company, i.e. a company registered outside India in any other foreign country. The Foreign Company may be treated as Domestic Company if such company makes prescribed arrangement in India as per Rule 27.

How can a foreigner become a Kenyan citizen?

How a foreigner can become a Kenyan citizen by lawful residence. A person who has been lawfully resident in Kenya for a continuous period of at least seven years, and who satisfies the conditions prescribed by an Act of Parliament, may apply to be registered as a citizen.

Can a foreigner start a business in Kenya?

Registration of a sole proprietorship Company for foreigners This is done on the eCitizen portal and enables one to reserve the name that they intend to use for the business. After the reservation is done, the registration can take place. This type of entity can be wholly owned by a foreigner.

Can a foreigner buy land in Kenya?

Indeed there is no law that prohibits non-citizens from acquiring and owning freehold land, the Constitution however restricts that ownership to leasehold of a period of 99 years. The restrictions on ownership of land by foreigners are contained in Kenya's Constitution and in the Land Control Act.

What business can I start with 500k in Kenya?

Capital You Will Need To Start Any Business In Kenya
  • Selling second hand clothes. This is one of the easiest businesses to start in Kenya.
  • Butchery.
  • Gym and fitness center.
  • Grocery shop.
  • Mobile money transfer business.
  • Wines and spirits.
  • Cleaning Business.
  • Car wash business.

How can I get work permit in Kenya?

While each work permit may have specific documentation requirements, the following are all required:
  1. Dully filled and signed application Form 3.
  2. Covering letter from employer/self/organisation depending on the class (as applicable)
  3. Copies of the foreign national's passport.
  4. Two coloured Passport size photographs.

What is needed to start a business in Kenya?

Legal Business Requirements in Kenya
  1. Reserve a unique company name at the Huduma Center.
  2. Apply for company registration.
  3. Application fee – Kshs. 200.
  4. Permit fees.
  5. Register with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
  6. Make a company seal.

How do I start a limited company in Kenya?

Limited Company. To start trading in Kenya, you need to register your company with Company Registry and then register with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). With the introduction of the Company Act 2015, it only requires a minimum of 1 director. Company director must be 18 years old or over.

How much does foreign qualification cost?

To foreign qualify an LLC in California, you file an Application to Register a Foreign LLC with the Secretary of State. You'll pay at least $90 in state fees (a $70 registration fee and the $20 Initial Statement of Information fee mentioned below).

What is an example of international business?

Examples of International Companies Examples of international firms include: Apple, a company that produces consumer electronics such as computers, tablets, mobile phones, etc. Any small local business who may purchase materials from, or sell products to, other countries is technically an international business.

What does it mean when a company is legally registered in a country?

Incorporation is the legal process used to form a corporate entity or company. It is the process of legally declaring a corporate entity as separate from its owners.

Do I need a foreign qualification?

States generally require foreign qualification when an out-of-state entity conducts business in their jurisdiction. Common reasons why businesses foreign qualify include: Hiring an employee who is a resident of a state other than the state of incorporation. Purchasing property or a building.

What is the difference between a foreign and domestic LLC?

The term "foreign" just means that the primary location of the business is outside the state. The first state where you are doing business is the domestic LLC; all succeeding states are registered as foreign LLC's. If you don't register, you are subject to fines and penalties from that state.

Which legal entity is the easiest to create?

sole proprietorship

What is a foreign entity certificate?

Foreign Entity - Any business organization that transacts business outside of its state of formation is recognized as “foreign” in the states in which it obtains a certificate of authority. Foreign Qualification - Refers to registering your business or nonprofit outside its state of formation.

Can you incorporate in multiple countries?

They won't necessarily be incorporated in every country, but they will have companies around the globe - some of which are operational, and some of which are there for legitimate tax planning purposes. This is still a registered presence and a company is involved.

How can a non US citizen start a business?

Fill a certificate of incorporation after your name and the agent has been established. File an incorporation report and pay the tax for your company. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) that will allow you to hire workers, pay taxed, open a bank account and attain any necessary licenses.

What is the difference between branch and subsidiary?

While a branch has no separate legal standing, a subsidiary company is a separate legal entity and has an identity different from its holding company. In case of branches, there may be the joint or separate maintenance of accounts, whereas the subsidiaries maintain their own separate accounts.

What is a holding company Kenya?

1.4. 11 „holding company? means a company that controls one or more companies. 1.4. 12 „institution? is as defined under Section 2 of the Banking Act. 1.4.