You have been abroad for years, working hard and building your life. Now you are coming back home, but the thought of paying those crazy import duties on your car is stressing you out.
This article gives you the clear, step-by-step process to bring your vehicle in duty free as a returning resident. It is simpler than you think, and we break down everything you need to know so you can drive home without the hassle.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you even think about shipping your car, you must have your paperwork in order. KRA does not play around, and missing one document can delay your clearance for weeks. Here is what you need to have ready:
- Valid Passport and Visa Stamps: You need proof that you have lived outside Kenya for at least two years. Your passport must show entry and exit stamps confirming this.
- Certificate of Residence (COR): This is your golden ticket. You get it from the Immigration Department in Nairobi. Without it, KRA will not consider you a returning resident.
- Proforma Invoice or Bill of Lading: This shows the value of your car and proves you actually own it. Get this from the dealer or shipping agent abroad.
- Original Logbook (Registration Document): KRA wants to see that you are the registered owner of the vehicle. Make sure the name on the logbook matches your passport.
- Shipping Documents: You will need the bill of lading and a packing list from your shipping agent. These confirm your car is on its way to Mombasa.
There are no application fees for the duty-free exemption itself, but you will pay for the COR processing at Immigration, which costs around KES 1,000. Also budget for port charges and inspection fees, which vary depending on the car.
Step-by-Step: How to Import Your Car to Kenya Duty Free as a Returning Resident in Kenya
Follow these six steps, and you can clear your car within two to three weeks after it arrives in Mombasa, if your documents are in order.
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Step 1: Get Your Certificate of Residence (COR) on eCitizen
Log in to eCitizen and apply for a Certificate of Residence under the Immigration department. Upload scanned copies of your passport biodata page, all visa stamps, and a letter explaining your stay abroad. This step takes about 5-7 working days and costs KES 1,000.
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Step 2: Submit Your Duty Exemption Application on iTax
Go to iTax and file the Duty Exemption application under “Exemptions.” You will need your COR number and car documents ready. KRA reviews this online, so no physical visit is required yet. Approval takes around 3-5 working days.
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Step 3: Ship Your Car and Get the Bill of Lading
Arrange shipping from your country of residence to Mombasa port. Once the ship sails, your agent will give you the Bill of Lading and packing list. Make sure the consignee name matches your passport exactly — this is where many Kenyans mess up.
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Step 4: Engage a Licensed Clearing Agent
You cannot clear your car yourself at the port. You must hire a KRA-licensed clearing agent who will handle customs entries and port logistics. Ask for quotes from at least three agents in Mombasa to get a fair price. Expect to pay between KES 30,000 and KES 60,000 depending on the car.
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Step 5: Submit Documents to KRA for Verification
Your clearing agent will submit your COR, duty exemption approval, bill of lading, logbook, and passport copy to KRA customs at the port. KRA will verify the documents and issue a Customs Entry number. This step usually takes 2-3 days.
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Step 6: Physical Inspection and Port Clearance
KRA officers will physically inspect your car at the container freight station (CFS) to confirm it matches the documents. They check the chassis number, engine number, and overall condition. Once approved, you pay port charges and your agent arranges release. You can drive your car out of Mombasa the same day.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Your Certificate of Residence is Rejected
This usually happens because your passport stamps do not clearly show you lived abroad for two continuous years. The fix is to get a letter from your former employer or landlord abroad confirming your stay, then resubmit on eCitizen. Call Immigration at 0800 221 000 for guidance before reapplying.
Your Duty Exemption Application is Delayed on iTax
KRA often holds applications if your car value is too high or documents are unclear. Log into iTax and check the status. If it is stuck for more than a week, visit the KRA Exemptions desk at Times Tower in Nairobi with printed copies of all documents. Physically following up speeds things up.
Your Car Arrives Before Your Exemption is Approved
If your car lands in Mombasa before KRA approves your exemption, it will sit at the port and accumulate storage charges. Avoid this by shipping your car only after you receive the duty exemption approval letter from KRA. Storage fees are around KES 3,000 per day after the first seven free days.
The Chassis Number on Your Documents Does Not Match the Car
This is a common mistake from dealers abroad who transpose numbers. Before shipping, double-check that the chassis number on your logbook matches the one stamped on your car’s chassis. If they differ at inspection, KRA will impound the vehicle until you get a corrected logbook from the country of origin.
Cost and Timeline for How to Import Your Car to Kenya Duty Free as a Returning Resident in Kenya
Here is a breakdown of what you will pay and how long each stage takes. These are official government fees and standard port costs, so plan your budget accordingly.
| Item | Cost (KES) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Residence (eCitizen) | 1,000 | 5-7 working days |
| Duty Exemption Application (iTax) | Free | 3-5 working days |
| Clearing Agent Fee | 30,000 – 60,000 | Throughout process |
| Port Storage Charges (after 7 free days) | 3,000 per day | Varies |
| KRA Inspection Fee | 1,500 | 1 day |
| Number Plate Issuance (if new) | 3,250 | 1-2 days |
One hidden cost many Kenyans forget is transport from Mombasa to your upcountry location. Budget at least KES 20,000 to KES 50,000 depending on the distance and whether you use a truck or drive yourself. These costs are the same across all counties since clearance happens at Mombasa port only. The total process from shipping to driving your car home takes approximately three to four weeks if everything goes smoothly.
The Bottom Line
Bringing your car home duty free as a returning resident is absolutely doable if you get your Certificate of Residence first and ship your car only after KRA approves your exemption. The secret is having your paperwork perfect before anything moves. Pole kwa stress, but following these steps saves you thousands in penalties.
Did this guide help you? Share it with another Kenyan coming back home, or leave a comment below if you have a question about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Import Your Car to Kenya Duty Free as a Returning Resident in Kenya
Can I import a car that is not registered in my name?
No, the car must be registered in your name for at least one year before you ship it. KRA uses this to confirm you are not importing for someone else.
If the car is under a spouse or company name, you will not qualify for the duty-free exemption. Transfer ownership to yourself well in advance.
How long must I have lived abroad to qualify as a returning resident?
You must have lived outside Kenya continuously for at least two years. KRA checks your passport stamps and visa records to verify this.
Short visits back to Kenya during those two years are allowed, but they should not exceed a total of three months. Longer visits may disqualify you.
What happens if my car arrives before my exemption is approved?
Your car will sit at the port and accumulate storage charges of KES 3,000 per day after the first seven free days. This gets expensive fast.
To avoid this, only ship your car after you receive the duty exemption approval letter from KRA. Patience here saves you thousands.
Can I import any type of car duty free, including a luxury vehicle?
Yes, you can import any car as long as it is for personal use. There is no value limit on the duty-free exemption for returning residents.
However, KRA may scrutinise very expensive cars more closely to ensure you are not importing for resale. Keep all proof of ownership and payment ready.
Do I need to be physically present in Kenya during the import process?
Not entirely. You can apply for the COR and duty exemption online from abroad. But the physical inspection at Mombasa port requires a representative.
Your clearing agent can stand in for you during inspection. Just ensure you sign a power of attorney letter authorising them to act on your behalf.