Are EPF contributions mandatory for small businesses?

The statement that EPF contributions are mandatory for small businesses with more than 20 employees is accurate. In many jurisdictions that implement Employee Provident Fund (EPF) schemes, businesses are required to enroll their employees and make contributions to the fund once they cross a certain employee threshold, typically set at 20 employees. This regulation ensures that a larger workforce has access to retirement benefits and social security mechanisms designed to support employees after retirement.

The rationale behind this requirement is rooted in the intention to provide baseline social security, thus protecting employees’ financial futures. Smaller companies with fewer than 20 employees may be granted exemptions or more flexible contribution terms, encouraging entrepreneurship while still working toward inclusive workforce welfare as business scales.