COIDA Registration Overview

Every employer in South Africa who employs one or more workers must register with the Compensation Fund under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). Registration is not optional — it is a criminal offence to operate without being registered.

Once registered, you will receive an employer reference number and be assigned a tariff or risk class based on your industry. This determines your annual assessment rate. You must also submit a Return of Earnings (ROE) every year by 31 March.

Required Documents for COIDA Registration

Before you start the registration process, gather the following documents:

• CIPC Company Registration Certificate (or CK1/CK2 for close corporations)
• Identity documents of all directors, members, or the sole proprietor
• Proof of business address (utility bill or lease agreement not older than 3 months)
• Estimated annual earnings of all employees for the current financial year
• Banking details for assessment debit orders (cancelled cheque or bank letter)
• Industry description (what your business does — this determines your tariff)

For domestic employers, you only need your ID, proof of address, and the domestic worker’s ID and employment details.

Online Registration Steps (CF Online)

The fastest way to register is through the Compensation Fund Online Portal. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit cfonline.labour.gov.za and click “New Employer Registration.”
• Step 2: Fill in your CIPC registration number, trading name, physical address, and contact details.
• Step 3: Enter director information (names, ID numbers, contact details).
• Step 4: Enter estimated total annual employee earnings.
• Step 5: Select industry description for tariff class assignment.
• Step 6: Upload CIPC certificate, ID documents, proof of address, and banking details.
• Step 7: Submit and receive your employer reference number.

If you get stuck, email RegistrationCF@labour.gov.za or use our professional registration service below.

Paper-Based Registration

If you prefer manual registration, download the W.As.2 form from the Department of Labour website. Complete and submit with certified copies to your nearest provincial Compensation Fund office.

Paper applications take 21 to 30 working days. We strongly recommend online registration.

Domestic Employer Registration

Domestic employers must also register with the Compensation Fund. The process is simpler:

• Complete the domestic employer registration form
• Submit your ID and proof of address
• Provide the domestic worker’s ID and employment start date
• Declare estimated annual wages

See our COIDA for Domestic Workers Guide and UIF Registration for Domestic Employers.

Assessment Fees & Tariffs

Your annual COIDA assessment is calculated as a percentage of total employee earnings:

• Low-risk industries: Approximately 0.21% to 0.50% of total earnings
• Medium-risk industries: Approximately 0.51% to 1.50% of total earnings
• High-risk industries: Approximately 1.51% to 8.50% of total earnings

The minimum assessment is usually R250 per year. Submit your Return of Earnings (ROE) by 31 March annually.

For payment queries, email cfdebtors@labour.gov.za. For clarification, email Clarification@labour.gov.za.