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Employing a carer in South Africa from abroad
Many South Africans overseas pay for a carer, domestic worker or gardener for a parent at home. Doing it properly protects the worker, and it protects your family if something goes wrong.
What it costs, in pounds and euros
At the minimum wage of R30.23 an hour, including the 1% UIF the employer adds, at R21.93 to the pound and R18.56 to the euro (2026-10-15).
| Hours worked | Cost a month | In pounds | In euros |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 hours, 5 days a week | R2 646 | £121 | €143 |
| 8 hours, 2 days a week | R2 117 | £97 | €114 |
| 8 hours, 3 days a week | R3 175 | £145 | €171 |
| 8 hours, 5 days a week | R5 292 | £241 | €285 |
| 9 hours, 5 days a week | R5 954 | £271 | €321 |
Work out a different wage. Add the Compensation Fund minimum of R560 a year for a household.
First decide who the employer is
The employer is the person the worker works for. When a carer looks after your mother in her home, that is usually your mother's household, even if you send the money. Whoever is the employer registers for UIF and the Compensation Fund, signs the written terms and gives the payslips. Agree this as a family, and write it down.
uFiling registers a household employer with a South African ID number. If the employer has none, contact the UIF on 0800 030 007 for the route that applies.
The same rules apply
- Written terms and the minimum wage
Hours, duties, pay and leave in writing, and at least R30.23 an hour. A day of under 4 hours is paid as 4 hours.
- UIF
If they work 24 hours or more a month: 1% deducted, 1% added, declared and paid on uFiling by the 7th of each month. The UIF guide.
- The Compensation Fund
Cover if the worker is injured at work, which matters with lifting and caring. Register within 7 days. Minimum R560 a year for a household.
- A payslip every pay day
Domestic workers must always get one, and you keep a copy for 3 years.
- Leave and notice
21 consecutive days of annual leave a year, sick leave, and 4 weeks' notice once they have worked for more than 6 months.
Paying from overseas
- Pay the wage in rand into the worker's own bank account, so there is a clear record. Avoid cash where you can.
- Pay on the same date every month, and no later than 7 days after the end of the month worked.
- Ask someone you trust nearby to be the worker's contact for day-to-day questions and emergencies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Exchange rates are European Central Bank reference rates; your bank's rate will differ.