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Business Registration & ComplianceUIFUIF RegistrationEmployer RegistrationSouth AfricaUIF Employer

UIF Employer Registration Guide

Complete guide to UIF employer registration in South Africa. Learn UIF registration requirements, process, contributions, declarations, and how to register as an employer with UIF.

Business Law Expert
May 9, 2026
12 min read
UIF Employer Registration Guide

UIF Employer Registration Guide

UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) employer registration is mandatory for all employers in South Africa. Understanding UIF registration requirements, process, and obligations helps you comply with UIF requirements and protect your employees. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UIF employer registration.

What Is UIF?

Understanding UIF

UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund):

  • Social security fund for employees
  • Provides unemployment benefits
  • Covers illness, maternity, adoption
  • Mandatory for employers
  • Employee and employer contributions

Purpose:

  • Protect employees
  • Provide unemployment benefits
  • Support during illness/maternity
  • Social security system
  • Employee protection

Registration Requirements

When Registration Is Required

Must Register If:

  • Employing one or more employees
  • Employees work 24+ hours per month
  • Paying salaries/wages
  • Operating as employer

Registration Timeline:

  • Register within 21 days of first employee
  • Register before paying salaries
  • Complete registration promptly
  • Maintain registration

Registration Process

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare Information

  • Company registration details
  • Business information
  • Employee information
  • Contact details
  • Bank account details

Step 2: Access uFiling System

  • Visit www.ufiling.co.za
  • Create account or log in
  • Navigate to employer registration
  • Select new employer registration

Step 3: Complete Registration Form

  • Enter company information
  • Provide business details
  • Enter employee information
  • Provide contact details
  • Enter bank account details

Step 4: Submit Registration

  • Review information
  • Verify accuracy
  • Submit registration
  • Receive confirmation

Step 5: Receive UIF Number

  • UIF registration number issued
  • Registration confirmed
  • Can start contributions
  • Keep registration number safe

Alternative: In-Person Registration

  • Visit Department of Labour office
  • Complete registration form
  • Submit in person
  • Receive UIF number

Required Information

Registration Details

Business Information:

  • Company name
  • Registration number
  • Business address
  • Contact details
  • Business type

Employee Information:

  • Number of employees
  • Employee details
  • Employment information
  • Salary information

Bank Account:

  • Bank account details
  • For UIF payments
  • Payment method
  • Account verification

UIF Contributions

Contribution Requirements

Contribution Rate:

  • Employee Contribution: 1% of salary (deducted)
  • Employer Contribution: 1% of salary (paid by employer)
  • Total Contribution: 2% of salary
  • Maximum Salary: R17,712 per month (2026)

Contribution Calculation:

  • Calculate 1% from employee salary
  • Pay employer 1% contribution
  • Pay total 2% to UIF monthly
  • Pay by 7th of following month

UIF Declarations

Declaration Requirements

Monthly Declarations:

  • Submit monthly UIF declarations
  • Declare all employees
  • Declare contributions
  • Submit by 7th of following month

Declaration Process:

  • Log in to uFiling
  • Complete monthly declaration
  • Declare employees and contributions
  • Submit declaration
  • Pay contributions

Common Issues

Registration Problems

Issue: Registration Delayed

  • Follow up with Department of Labour
  • Provide additional information
  • Contact for assistance
  • Complete registration

Issue: Contribution Calculation

  • Verify calculation method
  • Check maximum salary cap
  • Ensure correct deductions
  • Pay accurate amounts

Tips for UIF Registration

Best Practices

  1. Register Promptly: Register within 21 days
  2. Use uFiling: Online registration is convenient
  3. Calculate Correctly: Ensure accurate contributions
  4. Pay on Time: Pay by 7th of month
  5. Submit Declarations: Submit monthly declarations
  6. Keep Records: Maintain UIF records

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for UIF?

Create account on uFiling (www.ufiling.co.za), complete employer registration form with company and employee information, submit registration, and receive UIF registration number. Register within 21 days of first employee.

When must I register for UIF?

Register for UIF within 21 days of employing your first employee who works 24+ hours per month. Register before paying salaries to ensure compliance.

How much are UIF contributions?

UIF contributions are 2% of salary (1% employee, 1% employer), up to maximum salary of R17,712 per month in 2026. Pay monthly by 7th of following month.

What are my UIF obligations after registration?

After registration, you must deduct 1% from employee salaries, pay employer 1% contribution, pay total 2% to UIF monthly, submit monthly declarations, and register all employees.

Can I register for UIF online?

Yes, register for UIF online through uFiling system (www.ufiling.co.za). Online registration is convenient, faster, and recommended. You can also register in person at Department of Labour offices.

Conclusion

Registering for UIF requires creating uFiling account, completing employer registration form with company and employee information, submitting registration, and receiving UIF registration number. Register within 21 days of first employee, calculate and pay 2% contributions monthly (1% employee, 1% employer), submit monthly declarations, and maintain accurate records. Understanding UIF registration helps you comply with UIF requirements and protect your employees in South Africa.

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About the Author
Business Law Expert

Business Law Expert

Specializing in South African business registration, CIPC compliance, tax requirements, BEE certification, and business law with extensive knowledge of company registration processes.