At what employee count does PF registration become mandatory for a startup?
18-person startup planning to hire
1 Answer
Aicountly Payroll Desk
Compliance
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Correction notice: Updated for accuracy.
PF registration becomes mandatory once an establishment has 20 or more employees. At 18 people you are not yet required to register, but you must register once headcount reaches 20.
Establishments with fewer than 20 employees can still register voluntarily if the employer and employees agree. Once covered, the establishment generally stays covered even if headcount later drops. Check the current position with your CA or the EPFO before you cross the threshold.
Aicountly Payroll Desk · Aug 6, 2026
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