How to Register a Security Company in South Africa

The full stack

1. 1

   Register your Pty Ltd at CIPC

   Cost: R175 + R50 nameTime: 1-3 working days via BizPortal

   Standard short-form MOI is fine. You'll need at least one director with a SA ID. If your directors include foreigners, use eServices instead of BizPortal.

2. 2

   SARS company tax registration

   Cost: Free (auto via BizPortal) or do it yourself on eFilingTime: Same day if BizPortal does it

   You'll get an income-tax reference number. VAT registration is separate and only required if you cross R1m turnover (or voluntarily above R50k).

3. 3

   PSIRA registration - business

   Cost: Application fees from R600 + R420/director annual feeTime: 4-12 weeks

   Applies to any company providing security services. You file CoR forms + criminal record checks for every director and proposed security officer. https://www.psira.co.za

4. 4

   PSIRA registration - each security officer

   Cost: Grading fee per officerTime: Per officer

   Every employee who works as a security officer must be PSIRA-registered, graded (Grade A-E) and trained at an accredited institution.

5. 5

   COIDA / Compensation Fund (Workmen's Comp)

   Cost: Annual ROE based on salaries; Grade 1 reg is freeTime: 1-4 weeks via the COIDA portal

   Mandatory for any company with employees. Security work is high-risk so premiums are higher than office work.

6. 6

   UIF + PAYE registration

   Cost: Free (auto via BizPortal) or via SARS eFilingTime: 1-7 days

   Required as soon as you employ anyone.

7. 7

   BBBEE affidavit (if turnover under R10m) or full verification (above)

   Cost: Free template; commissioned at police stationTime: Same day

   Most security tenders score on BEE. EME affidavit covers turnover under R10m. /tools/bbbee-affidavit" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color:#0f766e;text-decoration:underline;">https://www.ourpower.co.za/tools/bbbee-affidavit

8. 8

   CSD registration (if you'll do government work)

   Cost: FreeTime: 1-2 weeks

   Central Supplier Database. You need CIPC + tax + bank account first. https://secure.csd.gov.za

9. 9

   Open a business bank account

   Cost: R50-R250/month account feeTime: 1-3 weeks (depends on KYC)

   Banks want CIPC docs (CoR14.3 + MOI), director IDs, proof of registered address, and now PSIRA proof for security businesses.

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