Introduction:
Your workforce is your greatest asset and safeguarding their future through statutory compliance is a sign of a responsible business. Two key pillars of employee welfare in India are Provident Fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) registration. While crucial, the registration process often feels complicated for new or growing businesses.
That’s where we come in.
At FilingPool, we simplify the PF and ESIC registration process online, ensuring your business stays compliant, secure, and employee-friendly from the start. Whether you’re an MSME in Lucknow or a growing startup in Delhi, this guide will show you the exact steps to register for PF and ESIC in 2025 with clarity and confidence.
Understanding PF and ESIC: What Are They?
- Provident Fund (PF): A long-term savings scheme for employees, offering retirement security and financial support during employment transitions.
- Employee State Insurance (ESIC): A health insurance scheme offering medical, maternity, sickness, and disability benefits to employees and their families.
Benefits for Employers & Employees:
- Enhances employee loyalty and trust.
- Meets legal obligations under Indian labour laws.
- Provides tax benefits and builds a culture of social security.
Why PF and ESIC Registration Is Mandatory
- PF Registration: Mandatory under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
- ESIC Registration: Required under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Fines, backdated contributions, and even prosecution.
- Loss of reputation and employee dissatisfaction.
Timely PF and ESIC compliance is not just a legal formality, it’s an ethical business practice that sets you apart as a trusted employer.
Eligibility Criteria for PF and ESIC Registration
- PF Registration (EPF):
- Mandatory: If you employ 20 or more employees.
- Voluntary: If you have fewer than 20 employees (with consent).
- Employees earning up to ₹15,000/month are automatically covered.
- ESIC Registration:
- Mandatory: If your organization has 10 or more employees (20 in some states).
- Employees earning up to ₹21,000/month (₹25,000 for PWDs) must be enrolled.
Note for New Companies: Registration numbers may be assigned at the time of incorporation, but compliance begins only after the employee threshold is crossed.
Step-by-Step Guide: Online PF and ESIC Registration Procedure
Both PF and ESIC can now be registered on the Unified Shram Suvidha Portal (USSP).
Step 1: Create an Account on the USSP
- Provide email ID, contact number, and basic business information.
Step 2: Select Registration Type
- Choose either or both:
- Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1952
- Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948
Step 3: Fill the Online Form
- Use Form 5A for PF and Form 1 for ESIC.
- Enter establishment details, business activity, employee strength, and authorized signatory info.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
(See the next section for a full list.)
Step 5: Attach Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- DSC is mandatory for submitting the form.
Step 6: Submit & Receive Codes
- Receive EPF Establishment Code and ESIC Code instantly upon approval.
- Confirmation and ESIC Registration Letter (C-11) sent via email.
Documents Required for PF and ESIC Registration
Company-Level Documents:
- PAN Card of the establishment
- Certificate of Incorporation / GST Certificate
- Address Proof (Rent Agreement, Utility Bill)
- Cancelled Cheque or Bank Statement
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Promoter/Director Documents:
- PAN and Aadhaar
- Photo and Address Proof
Employee Details:
- Employee List (Name, DOB, DOJ, Salary, Father’s Name)
- Salary or Attendance Register
Post-Registration Compliance: What Comes Next?
- Monthly Contributions:
- PF: 12% employer + 12% employee
- ESIC: 3.25% employer + 0.75% employee
- Deadlines: Contributions must be deposited by the 15th of the following month.
- Returns Filing:
- PF: Monthly ECR (Electronic Challan Cum Return)
- ESIC: Monthly and half-yearly returns
- Record Keeping: Attendance, salary registers, and challans for audits
- Employee KYC: Keep employee KYC updated to avoid processing issues
Recent Updates for PF & ESIC Registration in 2025
- Full Digitization: All registrations are now paperless through USSP.
- Faster Processing: Improvements in backend integration have reduced approval times.
- Auto Allotment of Codes: Some businesses may receive PF/ESIC codes during MCA registration.
While the core registration process hasn’t changed, digitization has made it easier and faster for employers across Delhi and Lucknow.
Why Choose FilingPool for PF & ESIC Registration?
- Expert Consultants: Get professional guidance tailored to your business size and sector.
- Fast & Paperless: We handle the complete process forms, filings, DSC, follow-ups.
- Accurate Compliance: We stay updated with the latest PF and ESIC regulations to avoid any penalties.
- Affordable Plans: Cost-effective packages for startups, SMEs, and corporates.
- Localized Support: Whether you need PF and ESIC registration in Delhi or PF and ESIC consultants in Lucknow, we’ve got you covered.
Your Compliance Partner
“Don’t let statutory complexity slow down your business. Partner with FilingPool, your trusted PF and ESIC registration agency in Delhi NCR and Lucknow.”
Conclusion:
By understanding the PF and ESIC registration process and completing it correctly, you’re not just fulfilling legal obligations, you’re investing in your team’s future and building a culture of accountability.
Let FilingPool help you do it right on time, every time.