Business licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow individuals or companies to conduct business within the government’s geographical jurisdiction. It is the authorization to start a business issued by the local government
Apply for a Business License In Kenya
Apply In-Person
Step 1 Reserve a business name
- Visit the department of registrar of companies in the office of the attorney general to make the application for a name search and reservation.
- Present the proposed business names in order of preference so that a name search can be done.
- Upon successful completion of a name search the business name will be reserved for a period of 60 days.
- During this 60 days you can register the business name.
Step 2 Business name registration
- At the registrar of companies offices you will be given Form BN/2 Statement of Particulars Registration to fill and complete.
- Submit the competed application form and pay the prescribed application fees of Ksh 850.
- After verification of details you will issued with a business registration certificate.
Step 3 Obtain a single business permit.
- Start by visiting the county ward office to make your application for a new business permit.
- Here you will be give an application form BR-1 Form by the ward licensing officer to fill and submit.
- You should fill the required information and attach the documents to the application form. These include :-
(a). Registered Business name
(b). Physical address.
(c). Business identification number,
(d). Copy of certificate of incorporation,
(e). National ID/Asylum Pass/ Passport No/ Alien ID - After submission the ward licensing officer will visit your business premises within a day to carry out inspections.
- The information obtained by the inspection visit will determine the fees to charge for the permit. The BR-1 form is then stamped and you will be referred to the main county licensing office. E.g. City Hall for businesses in Nairobi.
- At the main licensing office, the form is approved and the data entered in the single business permits database.
- This is followed by the generation of an invoice bill and payment is made to the cash office. The permit fees vary depending on the size of business.
- Application fee – Kshs. 200
- Permit fees e.g.(i). Large trader (21-50 employees) – KShs. 20,000
(ii). Medium Trader (5-20 employees) – Kshs. 10,000
- After making the payments, the business permit is signed and you will be advised to collect it from the dispatch office on the same day.
- Once you have acquired the permit, display it on your business premises as the law requires
Apply Online
Step 1 Reserve a business name
- Register with E-citizen to have a name search and reservation.
- Pay for business name search and reservation, Ksh 150
- Obtain name approval
Step 2 Business name registration
- Assessment of application through E-Citizen
- Pay for business name registration
- Obtain certificate of registration
(i) Visit E-citizen to make the online application.- In case you are applying from Nairobi visit the Nairobi County :Self Service Portal
- County Government of Mombasa: Single Business Permit Management System
- County Government Of Kisumu Trade License Issuance
Step 3 Make Online Application
A. For the counties of Mombasa and Kisumu
(a). Click on Add business
(b). Fill in the required information; which include.
(i). Business Identification and Address
(ii). Owner/Contact Person Details
(iii). Business Details
(c). click continue to generate an invoice for business licence fees
(d). Click on proceeded to make payment, confirm details.( Amount to be paid will be provided)
(e). Print generated single business permit and payment invoice.
(f). Once you have printed it the permit, display it on your business premises as the law requires
B. In the case of Nairobi click on the Unified Business Permit (UBP) Tab
(a). Under the UBP tab select Register New Business.
(b). Agree on the Terms and conditions
(c). Fill in the required information , click next to obtain an invoice for business licence fees
(d). Top up the eWallet using the payment options provided. You will receive a confirmation text from Nairobi county that your payment has been received.
(e). Click on proceeded to make payment, confirm details.( Amount to be paid will be provided)
(f). The system will prompt you with two links, one will be to print your business permit and the other one will be about printing the receipt. Print the business permit by clicking on the print permit tab and also download it.
(g). Once you have printed it the permit, display it on your business premises as the law requires.
Required Documents
- Business name
- Physical address.
- Business identification number,
- Copy of certificate of incorporation,
- National ID/Asylum Pass/ Passport No/ Alien ID
Eligibility
- Prospective business owners. ( persons intending to do business)
Fees
- Application fee – Kshs. 200
- Permit fees
(i). Large trader (21-50 employees) – KShs. 20,000
(ii). Medium Trader (5-20 employees) – Kshs. 10,000
How much does a business license cost in Kenya?
The cost for a business permit is around Ksh.15,200 for those with five employees whereby Ksh. 200 is the application fee. The rates for a single business permit also depend on the size in square meters of your business.
How do I get a business license in Kenya?
Required Documents 7 expand more expand less
- Business permit application form.
- Certificate of incorporation.
- Company PIN Certificate.
- Approved business permit application form.
- Permit payment invoice.
- Payment invoice-category of business.
How much does a single business permit cost in Kenya?
Counties Section
| Type of Business | Name of License | Fees (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Store, Hypermarket | Single Business Permit | 90,000 |
| Large Trader, Shop, Retail Store or Personal Service | Single Business Permit | 8,000 |
| Medium Trader, Shop or Retail Service | Single Business Permit | 4,000 |
| Small Trader, Shop or Retail Service | Single Business Permit | 2,000 |