The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a social security program in South Africa that provides financial support to eligible employees who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Who Needs to Register for UIF?

By law, any employer who hires employees for more than 24 hours a month needs to register with the UIF.

This applies to both domestic and commercial employers, as well as Tax Agents.

How to Register for UIF Online

The UIF online registration process is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the UIF website: Go to the Department of Labour’s UIF online filing system, uFiling, at https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/.
  2. Click on “Register”: On the uFiling homepage, locate the “Register” button and click on it.
  3. Select your registration type: A new page will display, prompting you to choose your registration type. There are three options:
    • Domestic Employer: Select this if you employ domestic workers.
    • Commercial Employer (SMME): Choose this if you are a small, medium, or micro-sized enterprise.
    • Tax Agent: This option is for individuals or entities that handle tax matters on behalf of employers.
  4. Complete the online form: Depending on your chosen registration type, you will be directed to a specific online form. Fill out the form accurately, providing the following information:
    • Account Details: Select the type of UIF application you are registering for (e.g., Domestic UIF Registration).
    • Personal Details: Enter your full name, email address, and contact number.
    • Business Details (if applicable): For commercial employers, provide your business name, registration number, and physical address.
    • Security Details: Create a strong password for your uFiling account.
  5. Review and submit: Once you have completed the form, carefully review all the information you entered. Make any necessary corrections before submitting the application.
  6. Confirmation email: Upon successful registration, you will receive a confirmation email with your uFiling login credentials.