From our experience we know that every relocation is difficult, if you’re planning to move to you will only need three documents a Residence/Work Permit, a Foreign/Alien ID card and a taxpayer’s pin (KRA PIN) although it will take some time until the process is finished. This documentation is essential; it allows expats to:
- Bring used, personal effects into Kenya duty free
- Enter lease arrangements for accommodation
- Open a bank account
- Register a car or any other vehicle
- Buy an insurance
Residence/Work Permit:
Residence/Work Permits, issued by the Department of Immigration are classified from A-M depending upon the type of assignment. The process to obtain a Residence/Work Permit is very lengthy and can take up to 12 weeks.
It’s advisable to employ a consultant to help you complete a successful application. Once rejected, it’s difficult to re-apply for a Residence/Work permit.
Foreign/Alien ID card:
Once you’ve received your Residence/Work Permit, you must apply for a Foreign/Alien ID card. An alien Id is processed by the Ministry of interior and coordination of national government (through the directorate of Immigration. All foreign nationals looking to apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) must acquire an Alien card first. It can take up to eight weeks for the application to be approved.
KRA Pin:
The KRA PIN provided by the Kenya Revenue Authority, is not only important for expats, but also for anyone over the age of 18 living in Kenya. You need a unique pin for transacting business with the Kenya Revenue Authority, other Government agencies and service providers (hiring an insurance, registering a vehicle, taking an accommodation on lease or ownership, etc.
This process is quick and easy. As mentioned above, once you have your Foreign/Alien ID card, you can register on the KRA system to get a PIN – activation takes approximately ten days.
Contact our local moving company in Kenya for further information and assistance.