Registering a sole proprietorship or business name is one of the simplest business structures available. Essentially, the business name serves to identify the business owner, provide a legal address, and indicate the date of incorporation.
For foreigners interested in setting up a sole proprietorship in Kenya, the process can be simple.
Here is a quick rundown of the steps involved:
Searching for a name
The first step in registering a sole proprietorship is to search for a name. This can be done through the eCitizen portal, which allows you to reserve your desired business name . Reserving a name ensures that the name you choose will be available for your use.
Registration
Once the name reservation is complete, you can proceed to register your sole proprietorship. It is important to note that this type of business entity can be wholly foreign owned. The registration form you need to fill out is called Form BN2 and requires the details of the business owners.
Required Documents
You will need the following documents to complete the registration process:
- A copy of your passport or foreign national ID card.
- A passport-sized color photograph.
Online Registration
The entire registration process can be completed online via the eCitizen portal. This allows for convenient and efficient registration from anywhere with an internet connection.
Processing Time
Usually, registration of a sole proprietor is completed within 7 days, making the process relatively quick.