EPF registration (provident fund): documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
Compulsory once 20 or more people are employed (voluntary earlier): 12% of basic wages from the employee and 12% from the employer.
The Code on Social Security, 2020 replaces the EPF Act as its provisions are notified; registration stays on the EPFO portal.
How to apply online, step by step
- Register on the EPFO Unified Portal / Shram Suvidha portal (companies can do it in SPICe+ AGILE-PRO-S).
- Add employees with their UAN and file the monthly ECR return.
How to apply offline (in person)
- No paper route for registration; the regional EPFO office answers questions.
Documents required for EPF registration (provident fund), and how to get each
PAN card of each founder / director / partner
Get it online
- Instant e-PAN: on the Income Tax e-filing portal choose 'Instant e-PAN', enter Aadhaar and the OTP; the e-PAN PDF arrives in minutes, free.
- Or apply on Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL with Form 49A for a printed card.
Get it in person
- Fill Form 49A at a PAN centre (Protean / UTIITSL facilitation centre), attach ID, address and date of birth proof and a photo, pay the fee; the card is posted to you.
Fee: Instant e-PAN free; printed card about Rs 107 (Indian address) · Time: Minutes (e-PAN); about 2 weeks (printed card) · Official site
Constitution documents: incorporation certificate, MoA and AoA (company), LLP agreement, or partnership deed
Get it online
- Company: the Certificate of Incorporation, e-MoA and e-AoA come with SPICe+ on the MCA portal.
- LLP: the LLP agreement is filed in Form 3 on the MCA portal within 30 days of incorporation.
Get it in person
- Partnership: print the deed on stamp paper of the value the State prescribes, sign before witnesses, notarise, and register it with the State Registrar of Firms.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State · Time: With incorporation · Official site
Proof of the business address: rent agreement or ownership papers, owner's NOC, and a recent utility bill
Get it online
- Rented premises: buy an e-stamp paper for the rent agreement online (SHCIL e-stamping in most States) and get it signed by both sides; some States register leave-and-licence agreements online.
- Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner allowing business use of the address.
- Download the latest electricity, water or gas bill of the premises (not older than 2 months).
Get it in person
- Buy stamp paper from a licensed vendor or the sub-registrar's office, draft the agreement, sign before witnesses and notarise it (register it at the sub-registrar's office if the State requires).
- Ask the owner for a signed NOC and a copy of the property tax receipt or utility bill.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State; notary fee nominal · Time: 1 to 3 days · Official site
Bank account proof in the business name (cancelled cheque or bank statement)
Get it online
- Many banks open a current account online after incorporation using the certificate, PAN and a video KYC.
Get it in person
- Visit a branch with the incorporation certificate or registration, business PAN, MoA / AoA or deed, board resolution and the signatories' KYC; collect the cheque book.
Fee: Free; minimum balance set by the bank · Time: 1 to 7 days
Board resolution or letter of authorisation for the person who signs applications
Get it online
- Draft on the letterhead, have it signed by the directors or partners and scan it as a PDF.
Get it in person
- Same, signed on paper; keep the original.
Fee: Free · Time: Same day
Questions people ask
How much does EPF registration (provident fund) cost?
Free to register
How long does EPF registration (provident fund) take?
Same day to a week
Who issues EPF registration (provident fund)?
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation
Can I apply for EPF registration (provident fund) without an agent?
Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.
Official source: https://www.epfindia.gov.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
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