When running a business, the last thing you want is to get into trouble with the authorities over licensing. The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) formally the Nairobi City County Government requires all businesses to comply with the licensing of premises and trades by getting a business permit in Nairobi.
New businesses must apply afresh for permits while renewing their licenses each year. There are currently two ways to get the permit. You can apply online or you can visit the KRA Times Tower office or city county offices for a physical application.
In this article, we are going to take you through the processes and requirements for getting a business permit in Nairobi.
Why Get a Business Permit in Nairobi
It is a Legal Requirement
A business permit is a legal requirement. you are required by law to register your business. the only way to meet this requirement is to get a permit.
Meet the tax obligations
registering a business makes it easy for the government to collect tax since they can monitor all the registered businesses.
Peace of Mind
you get peace of mind when you know that you have met all the legal requirements. with a business permit, you can now focus on growing your business.
Online Application for Business Permit Nairobi
Before you start the online application, make sure that you have all the documents ready. It would be best if you had a KRA pin, ID number, phone number, and e-mail address before you start the application.
The next step is to create an account NCCG e-account at Nairobi e-services Portal. Creating an account helps you to access all the online services offered by the Nairobi city county government including the business permit application.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Once your account is ready log into the Nairobi e-services Portal with your ID number and password.
- Scroll to the services section and click the Business Licensing Services.
- Go to the single business permit section
- Select register a new business
- An online form will appear for you to fill in all the personal and business details
- Review the form to make sure that you have filled everything correctly
- Once you confirm everything is correct tap the finish button
- Make the payment at any of these two accounts: Cooperative Bank of Kenya – City Hall Branch – account no 0114170941000 and National Bank of Kenya – Times Tower Branch – account no 01071225251100
- Wait for an SMS to confirm business registration
- You can now download the permit from the portal
Physical Application for Business Permit Nairobi
For the physical application of the business permit in Nairobi, you can visit the KRA offices at Time Tower. You can also visit the Nairobi City County Government offices at City Hall.
Before going for the physical application. Here are some documents to carry with you; copy of identification card, copy of KRA pin, approved business permit application form, copy of the certificate of incorporation, and payment permit invoice
After filling out the application form and getting the documents ready, please submit them to the inspection officers.
They will be verified and stamped.
Later you can collect your business permit at the dispatch office.
FAQ
What is the validity period for the business permit?
The business permit has a validity of one calendar. You need to renew it as soon as it expires because delays or late payments attract a penalty of 3%.
How much is the Nairobi business permit?
The cost of the permit depends on the type and size of the business. Small businesses like shoe-shiners pay Ksh 3500 per year. Businesses with less than four employees pay Ksh 4,000. A small workshop can pay up to Ksh 15,000. However, all businesses have to pay an application fee of Ksh 200.
What are the different types of business permits in Nairobi?
The business permit by the Nairobi city cunty government is called a single business permit. You do not have to get different permits such as health and fire licenses. It covers everything so you are good to go.
