If you employ staff in Zimbabwe, you must register with the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), pay monthly contributions and file monthly returns. Staying compliant also gets you the NSSA compliance certificate that tender committees, PRAZ and many corporate buyers ask for.
Who must register
Registration is compulsory for employers. NSSA’s guidance is that employers register within 30 days of becoming an employer, through NSSA’s online self-service portal. Once registered, the business receives a Social Security Number, and each employee is registered with their own number.
The two main schemes
| Scheme | What it covers | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pension and Other Benefits Scheme (POBS) | Retirement, invalidity and survivors’ benefits | Shared — the employer deducts the employee’s share and adds its own |
| Accident Prevention and Workers Compensation Scheme (APWCS) | Injuries and diseases at work | Employer only — a rate set by industry risk, applied to basic salaries |
At the time of writing, POBS contributions are commonly quoted as 4.5% from the employer and 4.5% from the employee, subject to an insurable earnings ceiling. Confirm current rates with NSSA, as they are reviewed.
Monthly obligations
- Submit the monthly P4 return on the NSSA portal after each payroll run — no later than the 10th of the following month
- Pay contributions by the 10th of each month
- Register new employees and record leavers, address changes and deaths
- Keep payroll and deduction records for inspection
The NSSA compliance certificate
A compliance certificate shows that your business is registered and up to date with returns and contributions. Certificates are issued for a limited period — often running to the end of a quarter — so they need renewing regularly. Each certificate carries a verification code that buyers can check.
The easiest way to always have a valid certificate is simply never to fall behind: file every P4 and pay every month, then request the new certificate as soon as the current one nears its end date.
Stay NSSA compliant without the admin
We register you, file returns on a monthly retainer, and get your compliance certificate renewed before it expires. From US$70.
Common reasons for not getting a certificate
- A missed or late P4 return in an earlier month
- Contributions paid but not matched to the right period
- Employees on payroll who were never registered with NSSA
- Business details out of date — for example after a change of company name
NSSA and your other registrations
NSSA sits alongside your ZIMRA PAYE obligations — PAYE registration is required within 14 days of becoming an employer. For tenders you will usually need NSSA compliance together with a valid tax clearance (ITF263) and PRAZ registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need NSSA if I only have one employee?
Yes. Registration applies to employers regardless of size.
Are domestic workers covered?
Domestic workers are exempt from some NSSA schemes. Check NSSA’s current rules for your situation.
Can you file our monthly returns?
Yes. Our NSSA service covers registration, monthly returns and certificate renewals.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change — confirm the current position with the relevant authority or ask us before you act.