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EPF employer registration (establishment code) on Shram Suvidha

  • Once you have 20 people on the rolls, PF is compulsory.
  • Deadline: Practitioner guidance: apply within 30 days of the headcount reaching 20; Form V for existing employees within 15 days of the scheme applying
  • Done in 5 working days after documents and DSC (EPFO verification time varies)
  • Prepared by your Savvy, checked by a CA
  1. PAN of the establishment
  2. On what date did your headcount
  3. Check coverage
  4. Establishment code and registration confirmation
The law and the stepsPay and start · ₹2,499One time, + 18% GST

Answer in brief

Once you have 20 people on the rolls, PF is compulsory. We register your business with EPFO on the Shram Suvidha portal, map your DSC, file the first employee return and set up your login so monthly PF can start without back-dated damages.

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From the official sources

What the law says, and what trips people up

From the official portal's manuals and FAQs, with the source for each point.

The law

  • Code on Social Security 2020, Sections 1 to 14 and 17 to 141, in force from 21 November 2025 (S.O. 5319(E))

    The Code now governs provident fund, ESI, gratuity and related registration; earlier Acts are repealed subject to savingsSource

  • Employees' Provident Funds Scheme 2026, G.S.R. 525(E), 29 June 2026

    Replaces the EPF Scheme 1952; sets electronic returns, Form V consolidated return within 15 days of applicability and ₹500 a day late filing feeSource

  • EPF Scheme 2026, Form VI ownership return

    Ownership details filed on registration and updated within 15 days of any changeSource

  • Social Security (Central) Rules 2026 and OSH Code universal registration (notified 8 May 2026)

    Establishments already registered under central labour laws must update registration details on Shram Suvidha within 6 monthsSource

  • Code on Social Security 2020, Section 127; S.O. 2698(E), 29 May 2026

    Simple interest at 12% a year on any amount due from an employer under the Code, from the due date to paymentSource

  • Government fee

    No government fee for EPF registration was found in the sources read. Source: https://www.taxaj.com/learn/epf-registration-online-employers-india/ (lists documents and steps, no fee).

  • Late fee or penalty

    Late filing of any return under the EPF Scheme 2026: ₹500 a day, capped at that month's administrative charges. Source: https://www.zoho.com/in/payroll/academy/taxes-and-compliance/epf-scheme-2026-guide.html . Late registration also means back-dated contributions with 12% interest (S.O. 2698(E), https://www.sgcms.com/regulatory-updates/3380-2/) and damages (see LAB-EPF-02).

On the portal

  1. Open the Unified Shram Suvidha Portal and sign up; verify the email link and set a user ID and password (case sensitive)
  2. Login > Register for EPFO-ESIC > Apply for New Registration
  3. Select the Act or Acts that apply (PF, ESI or both)
  4. Enter establishment name as per PAN, address, set-up and ownership details; Save Draft > Next
  5. Fill e-contacts, contact persons (primary owner and manager), identifiers such as GSTIN, employment details, branches and activities
  6. Upload proof of address, proof of set-up date, licence proof and specimen signature; attach DSC and submit
  7. Use the login details received by email on the EPFO Unified Employer Portal; register the DSC and complete Form VI and Form V

What trips people up

  • Contract and temporary workers left out of the headcount, so registration is late

    Count every person employed directly or through a contractor when testing the 20-employee limitSource

  • Registering late after crossing 20 employees leads to back-dated contributions with interest and damages

    Register as soon as the limit is crossed; check whether the Enrolment Campaign 2026 window can be used for missed staffSource

  • Unsure whether employee details are needed at the registration stage

    Practitioner guides differ; keep the employee list ready and follow what the live form asksSource

  • Ownership change not reported, so notices go to old directors or partners

    Update Form VI within 15 days of any changeSource

People ask

We have 12 employees. Can we still register for PF?

Yes. Establishments below 20 can register voluntarily, and coverage usually continues even if the headcount later falls.Source

Is the EPF Act 1952 still the law?

The Code on Social Security came into force on 21 November 2025 and new EPF, EPS and EDLI Schemes 2026 were notified on 29 June 2026. Old proceedings continue under savings provisions. Confirm the exact legal basis for any notice.Source

Can PF and ESIC be registered together?

Yes. The Shram Suvidha form lets you pick ESI, EPF or both in one application.Source

Who must be enrolled after registration?

Every employee whose EPF wages are up to the wage ceiling, ₹25,000 a month from 17 September 2026. Employees above it may join voluntarily with employer consent.Source

Is there any interest if we register late?

Yes. Amounts due carry 12% simple interest a year from the due date under Section 127 of the Code.Source

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Step 1 of 4 · What we need from you

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  • PAN of the establishment
  • Incorporation or registration certificate
  • Proof of address and set-up date
  • Owners' PAN, Aadhaar, contact details
  • DSC of authorised signatory
  • Cancelled cheque or bank statement
  • Employee list with wages, joining dates
  • GSTIN, MSME or licence numbersOptional
  • Specimen signature

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One time. Delivered in 5 working days after documents and DSC (EPFO verification time varies). Due: Practitioner guidance: apply within 30 days of the headcount reaching 20; Form V for existing employees within 15 days of the scheme applying

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