ESIC Registration – Process, Benefits and Documents Required

ESIC registration enrolls employers and employees under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme, providing benefits like medical care, maternity leave, disability support, and financial assistance during illness or injury.
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3 min
02-June-2025

The government introduced the Employee State Insurance (ESI) scheme for Indian workers, managed by the Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). ESIC, an autonomous body established by law under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, provides various benefits to covered employees, including medical care, sickness allowance, maternity benefits, disability benefits, and dependent benefits. Read this article to learn about the ESIC registration process, benefits, document requirements, and eligibility criteria for both employers and employees.

Who needs ESIC registration?

Under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948, registration is mandatory for all factories and establishments—including private educational institutions—that employ more than 10 people (or 20 employees in certain states). This requirement applies to all businesses that fall under the scope of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

Employees earning up to Rs. 21,000 per month (or Rs. 25,000 in the case of employees with disabilities) are eligible to receive benefits under the ESI scheme.

Employer contributions and registration process

As the first step in the registration process, employers must contribute a specified percentage of each eligible employee’s wages to the ESI scheme. These contribution rates are defined by the Ministry of Labour and are shared between the employer and employee, with the employer bearing a larger portion. The contributions fund essential benefits like medical care, disability compensation, and maternity coverage.

To complete ESI registration, employers need to provide key documents such as:

  • PAN card of the business
  • List of employees with salary details
  • Articles of Association or relevant incorporation documents

The entire process can be completed online via the official ESIC portal, where a unique 17-digit Registration Number is generated for each establishment. Registered employers can manage their contributions, update records, and ensure compliance through the Employer Login on the ESIC platform.

Compliance and ongoing requirements

To stay compliant, employers must furnish additional details such as:

  • Details of the establishment’s health insurance plan (if applicable)
  • Any required declarations as per state or central government guidelines

This applies to businesses under the Factories Act or any relevant establishment laws, including sectors like private education.

ESIC eligibility criteria for online registration

Any non-seasonal factory or establishment with more than 10 employees (20 in some states) earning a maximum basic wage/salary of Rs. 21,000 per month (Rs. 25,000 for persons with disabilities) must register with the ESIC within 15 days of becoming applicable.

Under the ESI scheme, employers contribute 3.25% of the total monthly wage payable to the employee, while employees contribute 0.75% of their monthly wage. Employees earning less than Rs. 176 per day are exempt from contributing.

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ESIC registration process online

To apply for ESIC registration, follow these steps for online ESIC registration:

  • Step 1: Log in to ESIC portal
    An employer can register on the ESIC portal by clicking on the ‘Employer Login’ option on the home screen. After clicking on the ‘Sign Up’ button on the next page, employers are required to fill in their details and submit the form.
  • Step 2: Email verification
    Upon submitting the sign-up form on the portal, the employer will receive a confirmation email sent to the registered email ID and mobile number provided during sign-up. This email will include the username and password details for registering as both an employer and an employee under the ESIC scheme.
  • Step 3: Employer registration Form 1
    Proceed by accessing the ESIC portal through the 'Employer Login' on the home screen, using the username and password provided in the email. This action will redirect to the page featuring the 'New Employer Registration' option, which you should click on. Afterward, choose the 'Type of Unit' from the dropdown menu and proceed by clicking the 'Submit' button. This action will display the 'Employer Registration – Form 1,' where the employer must input unit, employer, factory/establishment, and employee details. Upon completing the form, click the 'Submit' button.
  • Step 4: Complete the payment
    Following submission of the ESI Registration Form (Form-1), a prompt will appear on the screen for payment of advance contribution. Click on the ‘Pay Initial Contribution’ link, and the initial contribution amount will be displayed. Opt for the ‘Online’ option and click ‘Submit.’ Note the displayed ‘Challan Number’ and proceed by clicking ‘Continue.’ On the subsequent ‘Payment Gateway’ page, select the desired mode of payment and input the required amount.
  • Step 5: Registration letter
    Upon successful payment of six months advance contribution, the ESIC department sends the employer a system-generated Registration Letter (C-11) via email, containing a 17-digit Registration Number. This letter serves as valid proof of the employer's registration.

What are the benefits of ESIC registration

ESI registration not only ensures compliance with statutory norms but also strengthens employee welfare by offering comprehensive health and financial benefits. It helps employers avoid penalties while giving employees access to critical support during medical or family emergencies.

Medical benefits for employees

From the moment of registration, employees and their dependents are entitled to full medical coverage under the ESI scheme. This includes hospitalisation, outpatient treatment, specialist consultations, and preventive care—ensuring access to quality healthcare without the burden of high medical expenses.

Maternity benefits

The ESI scheme provides maternity benefits to female employees, including paid leave during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal recovery. These benefits also cover cash allowances and medical treatment, helping ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and child during a crucial phase of life.

Disability and dependent support

In the event of a work-related injury or illness, the scheme offers disability benefits—whether temporary or permanent. In case of an employee’s death, dependent benefits are extended to their family, offering vital financial assistance to those left behind.

Funeral expense assistance

The ESI scheme also provides financial aid for funeral expenses, helping families manage the immediate costs in the unfortunate event of an employee’s death. This lump-sum benefit supports them during a difficult time.

Documents required for ESIC registration

As the registration process is conducted online, there is no need to submit physical documents. The documentation required during online registration includes:

  • Registration Certificate obtained under either the Factories Act or the Shops and Establishment Act.
  • Certificate of incorporation, such as Certificate of Company Registration for Partnership deed, GST certificate and Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association for companies.
  • Address proof of the establishment, which can be utility bills and rental agreement/property tax receipts.
  • List of all employees.
  • PAN Card of the business establishment and its employees
  • Compensation details of all employees
  • Cancelled cheque of the company's bank account
  • Lists of directors and shareholders
  • Attendance register of employees

Entities covered under ESIC

The following entities must register under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948:

  • Factories with 10 or more employees (using power) and involved in manufacturing processes.
  • Shops, establishments, and service providers employing 10 or more individuals (20 in some states).
  • Private educational institutions, including schools and colleges, crossing the employee threshold.
  • Cinemas, hotels, and restaurants not engaged in manufacturing but meeting employee eligibility.
  • Medical institutions, including private clinics and hospitals.
  • Mines, newspaper establishments, and road transport undertakings.
  • Any organization where employees earn up to Rs. 21,000/month (Rs. 25,000/month for persons with disabilities) is eligible for ESI coverage.

Compliances after ESI registration

Once ESI registration is complete, employers must follow regular compliances to stay aligned with ESIC regulations:

  • Timely contribution payment: Employers must deposit ESI contributions (employer and employee shares) before the 15th of every month.
  • Maintain employee records such as attendance, wages, and accident registers.
  • File ESI returns (half-yearly) with complete employee and contribution details.
  • Display statutory notices at the workplace about ESI rights.
  • Update changes like employee exits or salary revisions on the ESIC portal.
  • Ensure IP numbers are shared with employees for accessing benefits.    
  • Comply with inspections or audits conducted by ESIC officers periodically.

Returns to be filed after ESIC registration

After registering with ESIC, employers must submit ESI Returns biannually. The necessary documents for filing returns include:

  • Attendance register for employees.
  • Form 6 Register.
  • Wage register.
  • Accident register for incidents occurring on business premises.
  • Monthly returns and challans.

ESIC act

The ESIC Act provides social security benefits to employees in case of sickness, maternity, disability, or death due to employment injury.

Employee State Insurance Act 1948

The Employee State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948 was enacted by the Government of India to provide financial and medical assistance to workers in the event of illness, maternity, or work-related injuries. This legislation applies to factories and certain establishments employing 10 or more persons (or 20 in some states). It mandates both employer and employee contributions to the ESI fund, which enables access to benefits like hospitalization, maternity support, and compensation for disabilities. The Act is governed by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

ESIC registration fees

There is no government fee for ESIC signup or registration. However, businesses may incur a nominal service fee if they choose to register through third-party consultants or platforms. The ESIC registration process can be completed online via the official ESIC portal, making it easy and cost-effective for employers to comply with labour laws and provide social security to their employees.

Conclusion

ESIC registration is a mandatory requirement for employers with ten or more employees earning wages up to Rs. 21,000 per month. This registration ensures social security and health insurance coverage for employees and their dependents. Employers can complete the ESIC registration process online via the ESIC portal by submitting necessary documents and paying applicable fees. Employees enrolled under ESIC are eligible for a range of benefits, including medical care, sickness allowance, maternity benefits, disability benefits, and dependent benefits.

Also, read: ABHA card registration

Frequently asked questions

What is ESIC registration?
ESIC registration is a mandatory process for employers with ten or more employees earning up to Rs. 21,000 per month. It provides social security and health insurance coverage to employees and their dependents, offering various benefits such as medical care and maternity benefits.
How can I register for ESIC online?
To register for ESIC online, visit the ESIC portal, fill out the registration form, submit required documents, and pay the prescribed fees. Once registered, employers can access benefits such as medical care and maternity benefits for their employees.
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