If you just moved to Nairobi, one of the first things you’ll need is a local bank account. It makes your life easier. You can pay rent, receive your salary, buy groceries, move money between accounts, and run mobile payments without headaches.

But the process can feel confusing when you’re new.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to open a bank account in Kenya as a foreigner, what documents you’ll need, how long it takes, and what to expect with major banks like Equity, KCB, Co-operative Bank, Standard Chartered, and Absa.

Why You Need a Kenyan Bank Account

You can survive for a while with your foreign account, but eventually you’ll hit limits. Many landlords want rent paid through M-Pesa or local transfers.

Some employers and contractors pay only to Kenyan accounts. And daily life is cheaper when you avoid international card fees.

A local account helps you:

  • Pay rent and deposits

  • Receive salary locally

  • Withdraw cash without foreign charges

  • Use M-Pesa without limits

  • Pay utilities and buy groceries easily

  • Move money faster and cheaper

What You Need Before Opening an Account

Banks in Kenya follow strict identity and compliance checks. Most will ask for the same core documents.

You’ll need:

1. Passport

Your passport is your main ID. Carry the original and a photocopy.

2. Valid Visa or Residency Document

Depending on your status, this could be:

  • Tourist visa

  • Work permit

  • Dependent pass

  • Student pass

  • Special pass

  • Residency card (alien card)

Some banks accept a tourist visa for basic accounts. Others need at least a special pass. It depends on the branch.

3. Proof of Address

Banks want to know where you live. You can use:

  • A lease agreement

  • A utility bill

  • A letter from your employer

  • A letter from your embassy

If you’ve just arrived and don’t have a long-term place yet, you can use a serviced apartment address. Our properties in Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, and Westlands provide clean, verifiable addresses that banks accept.

4. Passport Photos

Most banks still ask for one or two, but some take photos at the branch.

5. KRA PIN (Sometimes Required)

A KRA PIN is a Kenyan tax number.
Some banks require it for foreigners. Others don’t.

If you plan to:

  • Work

  • Run a business

  • Buy a car

  • Rent long-term
    …you’ll eventually need a KRA PIN anyway.

6. Minimum Opening Deposit

Most banks ask for a small deposit (KES 1,000–5,000).
Some premium accounts require more.

Step-by-Step: How to Open a Bank Account in Kenya as a Foreigner

Here’s the simplest, clearest walkthrough.

Step 1: Choose your bank

Think about what you want:

  • Low fees

  • A branch near your home

  • Easy M-Pesa integration

  • Good online banking

  • Fast service

  • USD accounts

You’ll find a summary of major banks below.

Step 2: Visit the branch with your documents

Walk in with your passport, visa, address proof, photos, and (if needed) your KRA PIN.

Tell the staff:
“I want to open an account as a foreigner.”

They’ll give you a form. Fill it out in about five minutes.

Step 3: Complete KYC checks

The bank verifies your identity. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 48 hours depending on the bank and your visa category.

Step 4: Make the initial deposit

Deposit the required amount to activate your account.

Step 5: Receive your ATM card

You usually get the debit card within:

  • Same day

  • Next day

  • Or 3–5 days for some banks

They’ll ask you to choose a PIN.

Step 6: Activate online banking & mobile banking

This step is easy. Staff will guide you:

  • Download the bank’s app

  • Create a login

  • Set up M-Pesa linking

Once this is done, your account is live.

How Major Kenyan Banks Handle Foreigner Accounts

Here’s what you can expect from the most common banks for expats.

1. Equity Bank

Equity is everywhere. Their branches are busy, but they accept most foreign documents.

Good for:

  • Easy M-Pesa integration

  • USD accounts

  • Convenience (massive branch network)

They may ask for:

  • Passport

  • Visa or special pass

  • Address proof

  • KRA PIN (sometimes)

Processing time: 1 day
Card pickup: Same day or next day

2. KCB (Kenya Commercial Bank)

KCB has good online banking and a strong presence across the country.

Good for:

  • Stable long-term banking

  • Smooth mobile banking

  • Fast service at most branches

Documents are the same as Equity.

Processing time: Same day
Card pickup: Same day

3. Co-operative Bank

They take foreigners, but they’re stricter.

Good for:

  • Reliable customer support

  • Strong compliance

They may require:

  • Passport

  • Visa

  • KRA PIN

  • Two passport photos

  • Proof of employment or letter from embassy (sometimes)

Processing time: 1–3 days
Card pickup: 2–3 days

4. Absa Kenya

Absa is popular with professionals and expats.

Good for:

  • Clean branches

  • Fast service

  • Strong online banking

  • Good USD account options

They usually need:

  • Passport

  • Visa/residence permit

  • Address proof

  • Opening deposit (KES 5,000–10,000)

Processing time: Same day
Card pickup: Same or next day

5. Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered is stricter but very good for people with stable employment or high income.

Good for:

  • International banking

  • Multi-currency accounts

  • Fast global transfers

They require:

  • Passport

  • Work permit or residence permit

  • Proof of income

  • Address documents

Processing time: 2–5 days

Can You Open a Kenyan Bank Account Online?

Partially.

Some banks let you begin the process online, but you’ll still need to show up in person with your documents. Kenyan regulations require physical identity checks for foreigners.

So consider the online process more of a “pre-registration.” You still complete everything at the branch.

What About M-Pesa? Can You Use It Without a Bank?

Yes, but with limits.

M-Pesa lets you:

  • Buy groceries

  • Pay bills

  • Send money

  • Receive payments

But:

  • International cards charge fees

  • Your transaction limits are lower

  • Some employers and landlords won’t accept it without a local ID

Most foreigners use M-Pesa with a Kenyan bank account. It’s the easiest way to live in Nairobi.

Tips to Make the Process Smoother

A few things will save you time:

1. Bring extra photocopies

Banks love paperwork. Bring:

  • 3 passport copies

  • 3 visa copies

  • 2 passport photos

Better to have too many than too few.

2. Go early in the morning

Banks fill up by 10:30am. Go at 8:30–9:00am.

3. Use a serviced apartment address

It helps when you’re new. If you need a clean, verified address, check out our properties in:

These locations work well when banks ask for proof of residence.

4. Save every document

Kenyan banks sometimes ask for the same papers twice.

5. Be patient but firm

If a teller gives unclear instructions, ask them to explain the steps one by one. Staff are friendly, but branches can be busy.

FAQs Foreigners Ask About Kenyan Bank Accounts

Can I open an account on a tourist visa?
Some banks accept it. Others require a work permit or special pass.

Do I need a Kenyan phone number?
Yes. Get one before visiting the bank.

Can I open a USD account?
Yes. Most major banks offer it.

Can I receive international transfers?
Yes. It takes 3–5 days depending on your bank.

Are banking apps reliable?
Mostly yes. Absa, KCB, and Equity have solid apps.

Final Thoughts

Opening a bank account in Kenya as a foreigner takes some paperwork, but it’s straightforward once you know what to expect. Bring the right documents, go early, and pick a bank that fits your needs.

If you’re still settling in and need a place to stay while sorting out paperwork, you can browse furnished apartments in Nairobi or book a short-term stay in Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, or Westlands.

Need a car while you’re running these errands? We also offer car hire in Nairobi with flexible daily, weekly, and monthly plans.