---
title: "Company & SA Registration Details"
space: "SA Practitioner Guide"
url: "https://product.cohenix.cloud/sa-guide/foundation-setup-both-tracks/company-registration"
updated: "2026-06-14"
---

# Company & SA Registration Details

![](/files/image.webp)

Everything in `za_local` is scoped to a **Company**. Create and configure the company first — VAT settings, payroll, COIDA and reports all reference it.

## 1. Create the company

If this is a brand-new site, ERPNext's setup wizard creates the first company. Otherwise create one via **Company → New**. Set:

- **Company Name** and **Abbreviation**
- **Country**: South Africa
- **Default Currency**: ZAR
- **Default Letter Head** (optional, used by print formats)

> `za_local` contributes a non-blocking, server-side stage to ERPNext's setup wizard; it does not add its own wizard slide. ERPNext still owns creation of the Company, Fiscal Year and Chart of Accounts.

## 2. Complete the South African registration fields

Open the company and find the **South African Registration** section (added by `za_local`). Complete the fields that apply:


| Field                     | When to complete                  | Notes                                                                   |
| ------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| VAT Number                | VAT-registered businesses         | 10-digit SARS VAT number. Used on tax invoices and VAT201.              |
| PAYE Reference Number     | Running payroll                   | SARS-allocated PAYE employer number. **Required** before EMP201/EMP501. |
| UIF Reference Number      | Running payroll                   | UIF employer reference.                                                 |
| SDL Reference Number      | Liable for SDL                    | SDL employer reference.                                                 |
| COIDA Registration Number | COIDA-registered                  | Used by the COIDA module.                                               |
| Trading Name              | If different from registered name | Appears on documents.                                                   |
| Business Address          | Recommended                       | Link to an Address record.                                              |


In the **Additional Configuration** section you can also set:

- **SETA** (link to a SETA record) — for skills levy/grant context.
- **Bargaining Council** (link) — if the company falls under one.
- **Sectoral Determination** — select the applicable sector (Domestic Workers, Farm Workers, Private Security, Hospitality, Wholesale/Retail, or Other) where a sectoral wage applies.

> **ERPNext-only track:** complete the VAT number (if registered). The PAYE/UIF/SDL fields are reference-only when you are not running payroll, so you can leave them blank.

## 3. Capture addresses in SA format

`za_local` extends **Address** with South African fields (unit number, complex name, street number, suburb/district, country code defaulting to "ZA", and postal-address fields such as PO Box / Private Bag). Capture the company's registered and postal addresses here so they flow onto tax invoices and IRP5 certificates correctly.

## Next

Set up the [Chart of Accounts](chart-of-accounts) so VAT and (if applicable) payroll postings have the accounts they need.