SARS UIF registration
We register your company for UIF contributions with SARS as part of your payroll taxes.
UIF registration
Register your company for UIF.
Every employer has to register for UIF and contribute for their staff. Smartbook registers your company for UIF with SARS and the Department of Labour so your employees are covered and you stay compliant.
What you get
- UIF registration with SARS and the Department of Labour
- Employer and employee details set up correctly
- Compliant from your first hire
- UIF reference number delivered to you
From
R1 500
Turnaround
20 days
For
South African companies with at least one employee
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) pays out to employees when they lose their job or take maternity, illness, parental or adoption leave. In exchange, every employer must register and contribute 2% of each employee's salary each month — 1% from the employee and 1% from you. It's mandatory from your very first hire.
UIF registration actually spans two bodies: SARS (for the contributions) and the Department of Labour (for the employee declarations that make claims possible). Smartbook registers you correctly on both sides and delivers your UIF reference number, so your staff are covered and you're not exposed to penalties.
When you need this
Register for UIF when you:
- Hire your first employee, full-time or part-time
- Start paying yourself a salary and employ others
- Need employees to be able to claim UIF benefits
- Are registering for PAYE and need UIF alongside it
- Have staff but never registered for UIF (and need to fix it)
What's included
Department of Labour
We register you with the Department of Labour's UIF system so employee declarations can be filed.
Employer setup
We set up your employer and employee details correctly so contributions are recorded properly.
Document review
We check your documents so neither SARS nor the Department of Labour bounces the application.
Follow-up
We manage queries from both bodies until your registration is confirmed.
Reference number
We deliver your UIF reference number so contributions and declarations can start.
How it works
Send us your details
Share your company and employee details so we can register you on both systems.
We register you
We register you for UIF with SARS and the Department of Labour and follow up on queries.
You're covered
We deliver your UIF reference number so your staff are protected and you're compliant.
What we need from you
- Registered company (CIPC certificate)
- Company SARS tax reference number
- Business bank account details
- Director's certified ID and proof of address
- Employee details (names, ID numbers, salaries)
Common questions
Who has to register for UIF?
Every employer with at least one employee, including part-time and domestic workers. The threshold is one employee, and registration is required regardless of how small the business is.
How much is the UIF contribution?
A total of 2% of the employee's remuneration each month — 1% deducted from the employee and 1% contributed by the employer — up to the monthly earnings ceiling set by the Department of Labour.
Why does UIF involve two registrations?
SARS collects the contributions through your payroll, while the Department of Labour records employee details so they can actually claim benefits. Both are needed for full compliance, and we handle both.
How long does it take?
Around 20 working days once we have your documents. Turnaround depends on SARS and the Department of Labour, and we follow up on your behalf.
What can employees claim from UIF?
UIF pays out for unemployment, illness, maternity, parental and adoption leave, and there are dependants' benefits. Employees can only claim if the employer has registered and declared them correctly.
Can you handle my monthly UIF declarations too?
Yes. Our payroll and accounting plans file your monthly declarations and contributions so your UIF stays current without you having to think about it.
Related services
Last reviewed: June 2026. Smartbook keeps this page current with CIPC and SARS rules.
Ready to get this sorted?
Tell us about your company and we'll send a free compliance check.
Register for UIF