COIDA Registration for Domestic Employers South Africa | COIDASA
COIDA Registration for Domestic Employers in South Africa
Register your nanny, gardener, caregiver or household driver with the Compensation Fund. Stay legally compliant from only R350. Fast, professional service — 7-day turnaround.
Get Registered TodayWhat Is COIDA for Domestic Employers?
COIDA coverage now protects all domestic workers in private households across South Africa
The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) is South Africa’s mandatory workplace injury compensation system. Since the 10 March 2021 Constitutional Court ruling in Mahlangu v Minister of Labour, all private households employing domestic workers must register with the Compensation Fund.
This means if you employ a nanny, gardener, household driver, caregiver, or any domestic worker, you are legally required to register as an employer with the Compensation Fund within 7 days of employment. COIDA protects your domestic worker with medical expense coverage, temporary and permanent disability benefits, and death benefits for dependants — while protecting you from personal liability and civil claims.
The 2026 Return of Earnings (ROE) submission window closes on 30 June 2026. Late submissions automatically attract a 10% penalty on your assessment amount. Register now to avoid penalties.
Who Must Register for COIDA?
Under Section 80 of COIDA, you must register if you employ any of the following in a private household:
- Nannies and childminders — full-time, part-time, or live-in
- Gardeners and groundskeepers — including casual or weekly workers
- Household drivers — including chauffeurs and school-run drivers
- Caregivers for the elderly, sick, or disabled
- Housekeepers and cleaners — including those working one day per week
- Cooks and domestic helpers
There is no minimum hours threshold and no exemption for casual or part-time employment. If someone works in or around your home and you pay them, COIDA applies to you.
COIDA and UIF are separate obligations. UIF covers unemployment, illness, and maternity leave through monthly contributions. COIDA covers workplace injuries and occupational diseases through an annual assessment paid by the employer only. You must register for both. Learn more about UIF registration for domestic employers.
Documents Required for Domestic Employer Registration
To register your domestic worker with the Compensation Fund, you need the following documents:
| Document | Description | Format |
|---|---|---|
| CF-1E Form | Application for registration of a private domestic employer | Completed & signed |
| Employer ID | Certified copy of your ID, passport, or work permit | PDF / JPG |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, bank statement, or municipal account (not older than 3 months) | PDF / JPG |
| Worker ID | Certified copy of your domestic worker’s ID or passport | PDF / JPG |
| Employment Contract | Signed employment agreement between you and the domestic worker | PDF / Scan |
Note: The CF-1E form is available in Government Gazette No. 44250, Notice 106 of 2021 on the Department of Employment and Labour website.
How to Register Your Domestic Worker for COIDA
Follow these 5 steps to complete your COIDA registration and ensure your domestic worker is fully covered:
Gather Documents
Collect your ID, proof of address, your worker’s ID, and the signed employment contract. Download the CF-1E form from labour.gov.za.
Complete the CF-1E Form
Fill in all sections accurately. Include your residential address, worker details, and employment start date. Errors cause delays of 4–8 weeks.
Submit Your Application
Submit online via onlineservice.labour.gov.za, email RegistrationCF@labour.gov.za, or visit your nearest Labour Centre.
Receive CF Number
Once processed, the Compensation Fund issues your unique employer CF registration number. Keep this safe — you need it for every ROE submission and LOGS request.
Submit Annual ROE
Every year before 30 June, submit your Return of Earnings declaring your worker’s total remuneration. The minimum domestic assessment for 2025/2026 is R560.
COIDA registration process flowchart for domestic employers in South Africa
COIDA Registration Costs for Domestic Employers
Understanding the difference between our professional registration fee and the government’s annual assessment fee:
| Cost Item | Amount | Who Pays | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| COIDASA Registration Service (Domestic) | R350 | Employer | Once-off |
| COIDASA Registration Service (Commercial) | R500 | Employer | Once-off |
| Minimum Assessment (Domestic) — 2025/2026 | R560 | Employer | Annual |
| Minimum Assessment (Commercial) — 2025/2026 | R1,621 | Employer | Annual |
| Late ROE Submission Penalty | 10% of assessment | Employer | If late |
| Interest on Late Payment | Prime rate | Employer | Monthly |
Our R350 domestic employer package includes: completion of the CF-1E form, document review and verification, submission to the Compensation Fund on your behalf, follow-up tracking, receipt of your CF registration number, and guidance on your first Return of Earnings submission. We handle the admin so you don’t have to queue at a Labour Centre.
Benefits Your Domestic Worker Receives Under COIDA
Once registered, your domestic worker is covered for the same benefits as any other South African employee:
- Medical Expenses — Full coverage for doctor visits, hospitalisation, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation related to a workplace injury or occupational disease
- Temporary Disability — Income compensation if your worker is booked off for more than 4 months due to a work-related injury (up to 24 months maximum)
- Permanent Disability Lump Sum — One-time payment for permanent partial or total disability resulting from a workplace incident
- Permanent Disability Pension — Monthly pension for workers who can never return to work due to permanent disability
- Death Benefits — Funeral expenses, widow’s lump sum, widow’s pension, and child pensions paid to dependants if a worker dies from a work-related injury or disease
- Transport Coverage — Injuries sustained while travelling to or from work are now covered under the 2026 amendments
These benefits are paid by the Compensation Fund, not by you — provided you are registered and your assessments are up to date.
Official Government Resources
Build trust and verify all information directly with the Department of Employment and Labour:
Department of Employment & Labour Links
Compensation Fund Call Centre
- Toll-Free: 0800 321 322 / 0860 105 350
- Gauteng North (Pretoria): 012 309 5000
- Gauteng South (Johannesburg): 011 497 3222
- KwaZulu-Natal (Durban): 031 366 2000
- Western Cape (Cape Town): 021 441 8000
- Eastern Cape (East London): 043 701 3000
- Free State (Bloemfontein): 051 505 6200
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since 10 March 2021, all South African households employing domestic workers, gardeners, nannies, caregivers, or household drivers must register with the Compensation Fund under COIDA. This follows the Constitutional Court ruling in Mahlangu v Minister of Labour. There is no minimum hours threshold — even if your worker only comes one day per week, you must register.
Our professional COIDA registration service for domestic employers is R350 once-off. In addition, the Compensation Fund charges a minimum annual assessment fee of R560 for the 2025/2026 assessment year. This assessment is based on your worker’s earnings and is paid directly to the Compensation Fund annually.
COIDA covers workplace injuries and occupational diseases through an annual employer-paid assessment to the Compensation Fund. UIF covers unemployment, illness, and maternity leave through monthly contributions deducted from payroll. They are separate laws, separate funds, and both are mandatory for domestic employers. You can register for UIF at ufiling.labour.gov.za.
You need: (1) Completed CF-1E form, (2) Certified copy of your ID, (3) Proof of your residential address, (4) Certified copy of your domestic worker’s ID, and (5) A signed employment contract. We handle all of this for you with our R350 registration service.
If your domestic worker is injured at work and you are not registered for COIDA, you become personally liable for all medical costs, disability compensation, and potential civil claims. Under the 2026 amendments, you also face administrative penalties. Registration protects both you and your worker.
The annual Return of Earnings must be submitted by 30 June each year. For 2026, the submission window opened on 1 April 2026 and closes on 30 June 2026. Late submissions attract an automatic 10% penalty on your assessment amount, with interest charged at the prime rate.
Yes. You can register online through the Compensation Fund portal at onlineservice.labour.gov.za. Alternatively, you can email your documents to RegistrationCF@labour.gov.za or submit them in person at your nearest Department of Labour office.
Related Services
Complete your employer compliance with these related services:
Register Your Domestic Worker for COIDA Today
Don’t risk personal liability. Get compliant in 7 days for only R350. Our team handles the paperwork, submission, and follow-up with the Compensation Fund.
Start Your Registration — R350Questions? Call or WhatsApp 074 918 7130 | Mon–Fri 8am–4pm
Or fill in the form below and we’ll call you back:
COIDASA is a division of AdminBoss — South African employer compliance specialists. Cell: 074 918 7130 | Email: info@adminboss.co.za
All information verified against Department of Employment and Labour sources. Last updated: 28 June 2026.
