Are you working abroad and you are looking to move to Kenya for investments or settlement? Then the first thing you need to do is to open a bank account. And you can do that while still abroad or if you are a foreigner.
Can you open a bank account in Kenya if I am a non-resident?
You can open a bank account in Kenya as a foreigner if you are either living in the country or have an address. Most banks in the country need proof of residency and address to open an account.
This implies that you may not apply for a Kenyan bank account while still abroad. You, therefore, need to visit the country and have all the relevant documents to get your account set up.
You may, however, inquire with some Kenyan banks if there are any specialist accounts available for non-residents.
Can you open a bank account online?
In most cases, you will have to visit a bank in person to open an account. You will also need to carry relevant documents during the visit.
There are exceptions though since banks such as KCB and Standard Chartered offer online bank applications through their mobile apps.
You can, however, only make an initial inquiry online before visiting your bank for paperwork.
Can you open a bank account if you are still abroad?
If you have a work/residence permit and a relevant visa for Kenya, you can start the process of applying for your Kenyan bank account from abroad.
To open an account, you will have to issue proof of residence as well as your Kenyan address.
Most banks in the country will let you start the application process online while abroad as well as an initial inquiry. You can even contact your bank to see if you can get further as various banks have their own procedures.
In other cases, you may also be required to visit a local branch of the bank in person to verify your ID, present relevant documents, and complete the process.
