Do I Have to Register My Employee for UIF?
Quick Answer
Do I Have to Register My Employee for UIF?
Yes. Every employee who works 24 hours or more per month must be registered for UIF – full-time, part-time and domestic workers included. Registration is free on uFiling, and contributions are 2% of remuneration (1% from the employee, 1% from you), declared monthly.
What this means in plain language
UIF is not optional and not size-based: the one-person household with a weekly gardener and the 200-staff factory carry the same obligation. The only common exemption is under 24 hours a month.
Registration happens on uFiling (the Department of Employment and Labour’s online system), and contributions are usually paid to SARS with your monthly EMP201 if you are PAYE-registered, or directly to the UIF if not.
Who this applies to
- Every employer with staff working 24+ hours a month
- Households employing domestic workers, gardeners or au pairs
- Directors paying themselves a salary – they are employees for UIF too
Step by step
- Register yourself as an employer on uFiling.
- Register each employee with their ID number, start date and remuneration.
- Deduct 1% UIF from each salary and add your 1%.
- Declare and pay monthly (with the EMP201 if PAYE-registered, or directly to the UIF).
- Submit a UI-19 form whenever an employee’s service ends or changes.
What it costs
| Item | Cost / detail |
|---|---|
| UIF registration | Free |
| Monthly contribution | 2% of remuneration (1% + 1%), capped at R17,712/month remuneration |
| Maximum monthly contribution | R177.12 each, R354.24 combined |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking part-time or domestic staff are exempt – the only threshold is 24 hours a month.
- Deducting 2% from the employee – only 1% is theirs; the other 1% is yours.
- Never submitting the UI-19 when someone leaves – it blocks their claim and your compliance.
A South African example
A Stellenbosch family employs a domestic worker three days a week at R3,500 a month. She works more than 24 hours a month, so they register her on uFiling, deduct R35 from her pay, add R35 themselves, and pay R70 a month to the fund.
Related questions
- How Does UIF Work for Employers in South Africa?
- UIF vs PAYE: What's the Difference?
- UIF and COIDA: The Complete Employer Compliance Guide for South Africa
Always verify this information with official South African government sources. Rules, fees and thresholds change. Check SARS, CIPC, the Department of Employment and Labour or gov.za before you act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I register a domestic worker for UIF?
Yes, if they work 24 hours or more per month for you. Domestic workers are employees for UIF purposes – register on uFiling and pay the standard 1% + 1% contributions.
What happens if I never registered my employee for UIF?
You owe the historical contributions plus interest and penalties, and the Department of Employment and Labour can inspect and fine non-compliant employers. Register and catch up voluntarily – it is far cheaper.
Are commission-only earners covered by UIF?
Yes, if they are employees. UIF is calculated on remuneration, which includes commission. Independent contractors who are genuinely self-employed are not covered.
Want UIF registration handled for you? A dedicated UIF service registers employers and employees.
Official sources
About BizAnswers: BizAnswers is a privately owned South African company – not a government department. Our guides are free to read and show you how to do things yourself through official channels. If you would rather have the paperwork handled for you, we assist individuals and businesses with filing their South African tax returns and staying compliant, which is a paid service, not a free government service. Contact us for help.
Last reviewed: September 2026 by the BizAnswers editorial team. How we write and check our guides.
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