If you're a foreign national living, working, or investing in Kenya, a KRA PIN is the single credential that unlocks almost everything else: opening a bank account, signing a lease, registering a company, buying property, or even getting a mobile money Till number. TaxAgent.co.ke prepares your file correctly the first time, submits it under our registered tax agent credentials, and tracks it through to certificate issuance.
Why Foreigners in Kenya Need a KRA PIN
A KRA PIN (Personal Identification Number) is Kenya's core taxpayer ID, issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority. Without one, you'll hit a wall trying to:
Open a bank account — every commercial bank and microfinance institution asks for it
Get hired or invoice clients — employers need it to remit PAYE on your behalf
Buy or lease property — required for land transactions, title transfers, and stamping
Register a business — mandatory for company, partnership, or business name registration
Import goods or clear customs — needed for cargo clearance and Till/Paybill setup
Apply for a work or investor permit renewal — immigration and tax records are cross-checked
Bid for government tenders or contracts — a valid PIN is a prerequisite
Set up utilities — Kenya Power connections and water deposits both require it
Even foreigners with no taxable Kenyan income can register under a non-obligation PIN, which satisfies these administrative requirements without triggering annual tax filing duties.
Documents needed for KRA PIN application for non-Residents
Kenya's process for non-citizens is more document-heavy than for locals. Here are the documents typically required for foreigners to obtain a KRA PIN:
- A valid original passport (data page, plus visa/entry stamp if applicable)
- Email Adrress
- A local phone number
For minor use cases like opening a personal business account, only the passport, email and phone number are required.- Proof of legal status in Kenya - a work permit, investor permit, dependent pass, or equivalent (for investment purposes)
- A tax agent introduction letter - this must come from a KRA-registered agent (we provide ours as part of the service)
- Investment proof, where relevant - a project proposal, CR12, or KenInvest endorsement for investor-category applicants
Missing or mismatched documents are the #1 reason applications stall on iTax. We check every file before it's submitted, so you don't lose weeks to a preventable rejection.
Our Services Help Foreigners Get a KRA PIN Quickly
Our process for foreign employees to obtain a KRA PIN only has one goal: turning a multi-week bureaucratic headache into a two-day formality.
Consultation - Tell us your situation (employee, investor, dependent, student, etc.) and we confirm exactly which documents you need.
Document review - We check your passport, permit, and supporting paperwork against KRA's current requirements before anything is submitted.
iTax submission - Our registered tax agents file your application directly on the KRA iTax portal, under our agent credentials.
Tracking & follow-up - We monitor your application status and handle any KRA queries on your behalf.
Certificate delivery - Once approved, we send you your KRA PIN certificate, ready to use.
Typical turnaround: Maximum of 2 business days, compared to the weeks it can take when applying without agent support.
Our online platform exists to assist foreigners register for the KRA PIN quickly from any location, and therefore do not need to present themselves in person. If one requires in person services, we are also open to assisting, although the waiting time might vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners really get a KRA PIN without a Kenyan ID?
Yes. Non-citizens with a valid passport and Kenyan permit (work, investor, or dependent) can register for a KRA PIN through the non-citizen application track on iTax.
Where can I find official KRA PIN application forms for foreigners?
The official digital KRA PIN registration forms can be found online through the KRA iTax Portal. Our services help you navigate through this. You only need to submit your documents and wait; no need to struggle finding the forms
How long does KRA PIN registration take?
Self-filed applications can take days to weeks, especially if documents are incomplete. Through TaxAgent.co.ke, most applications are processed within 2 business days.
Do I need a tax agent to apply?
Not in all use cases. Non-citizen PIN applications typically require an introduction letter from a registered Kenyan tax agent or advocate for investment purposes. We provide this as part of our service, so you don't need to source one separately.
Can I get a KRA PIN if I'm not earning income in Kenya?
Yes. KRA offers a "PIN with no obligation" for foreigners who need a PIN for administrative purposes (banking, permits, property) but aren't currently earning taxable income locally.
How much does the service cost?
Pricing depends on your application category (employee, investor, dependent, etc.). Contact us for a quote - our fee covers document review, agent introduction, filing, and follow-up.
Skip the Queue. Get It Done Right the First Time.
Don't let a stalled iTax application hold up your bank account, lease, or business registration.
Contact TaxAgent.co.ke today for a free consultation and a same-day quote on your KRA PIN registration.