How much does UIF registration cost for an employer?
Nothing, at the Fund. The Department of Employment and Labour charges no fee to register an employer, whether on uFiling, by email or at a labour centre. The money is the monthly contribution, 2% of each employee’s pay, and the arrears if you register late, because the duty started the day you first employed someone.
Independent, not a government body. ProperSA is a private company. Everything in this guide can be done directly with the authority at its own fees; our service fee pays for it to be prepared, lodged and followed up for you.
The amounts
- Registration fee: none. The Department charges nothing. You register on uFiling, by email to the Fund’s registrations address, by post or at a labour centre.
- Contributions: 2% of pay. 1% deducted from the employee and 1% paid by you, on earnings up to the ceiling of R17 712 a month, declared and paid by the seventh of the following month.
- Service fee, if someone does it: ProperSA charges R690 for the employer registration and the first declarations, and R590 for a household employing a domestic worker, which also covers the Compensation Fund registration.
Who must register and when
- Any employer with an employee who works 24 hours or more a month, including a household with a domestic worker, gardener or carer.
- The Act sets no number of days to register; the Department’s guidance is to register as soon as you employ someone, because the first contribution is due by the seventh of the next month.
- Employers who pay through SARS on the EMP201 still declare the employee details on uFiling, and need the UIF reference number to do so.
What late registration costs
- The Fund backdates the account to the first employee, so registering late means arrears of 2% a month for every month missed, not a clean slate.
- Without a registration number no declarations can be filed, so the employee cannot claim unemployment, maternity or illness benefits when the time comes.
- A UIF compliance certificate, the tender letter, is only issued once registration, declarations and contributions are current.
Frequently asked questions
Is UIF registration free?
Yes. The Department of Employment and Labour charges no fee to register an employer. The cost is the monthly contribution of 2% of pay, half of it deducted from the employee, up to the earnings ceiling of R17 712 a month.
How much does ProperSA charge for UIF registration?
R690 for a business, covering the employer registration and the first employee declarations. R590 for a household with a domestic worker, which includes the Compensation Fund registration as well.
How long does UIF registration take?
Registration on uFiling is quick once the details are complete; emailed registrations to the Fund often get no acknowledgement and are chased weekly. We lodge within one business day of your documents.
Do I have to register a domestic worker?
Yes, if the worker works 24 hours or more a month for you. The same 2% applies, and a domestic employer may declare and pay once a year instead of monthly, provided nobody's employment ends in between.
What if I never registered and my employee wants to claim?
Register now. The Fund backdates the account and you pay the arrears, and the employee can then claim. The longer it waits the larger the arrears, and a worker who cannot claim can report the employer to a labour inspector.
Figures from the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002 and the earnings ceiling notice of 28 May 2021, and the Department of Employment and Labour’s published guidance for employers. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Figures were checked on 15 October 2026; authorities change fees and rules, so confirm anything you rely on.