The South African Nursing Council (SANC) has officially published the 2026 Annual Fee structure following the release of Circular 3 of 2025 and the Government Gazette dated 13 June 2025. For the 2026 calendar year, the standard annual fee for a Registered Nurse is R870.00, while Enrolled Nurses will pay R520.00.
To maintain your registration and legal right to practice, payment must be received by the council before the annual deadline. This year also marks a critical operational shift as the SANC begins phasing out printed certificates in favor of electronic Annual Practising Certificates (e-APCs).
At a Glance: SANC 2026 Fee Summary
If you are looking for the quick figures for your 2026 payments, here are the official details:
- Final Payment Deadline: 31 December 2025.
- Registered Nurses & Midwives: R870.00.
- Enrolled Nurses & Midwives: R520.00.
- Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries: R370.00.
- Restoration Fee (Normal): R2,610.00 (RN) / R1,560.00 (EN).
- Important Change: e-APCs will be emailed starting July 2025; printed certificates are being discontinued.
Note on Payments: Ensure your payment reflects in the SANC bank account on or before 31 December 2025. Payments from non-FNB banks may take up to 3 working days to process.
Below is the comprehensive breakdown of age-based discounts, restoration fees, and the new e-APC verification process.
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1. Annual Fees for 2026
The fees below include 15% VAT and apply to the registration period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.
A. Normal Annual Fees (Under 60 Years of Age)
Most practitioners fall into this category.
| Category | Annual Fee (2026) |
| Registered Nurses and Midwives | R870.00 |
| Enrolled Nurses and Midwives | R520.00 |
| Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries | R370.00 |
B. Reduced Fees: 60 to 64 Years
25% Reduction
Applicable if you are between 60 and 64 years of age on 1 January 2026.
| Category | Annual Fee (2026) |
| Registered Nurses and Midwives | R660.00 |
| Enrolled Nurses and Midwives | R390.00 |
| Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries | R280.00 |
C. Reduced Fees: 65 Years and Older
50% Reduction
Applicable if you are 65 years of age or older on 1 January 2026.
| Category | Annual Fee (2026) |
| Registered Nurses and Midwives | R440.00 |
| Enrolled Nurses and Midwives | R260.00 |
| Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries | R180.00 |
Note on Discounts: To qualify for age-based discounts, the SANC may require a certified copy of your identity document to confirm your age.
2. Restoration Fees (2026)
If you have been removed from the register and wish to be restored, the following fees apply starting 1 January 2026.
| Category | Normal Restoration Fee | Reduced Restoration Fee* |
| Registered Nurses and Midwives | R2,610.00 | R180.00 |
| Enrolled Nurses and Midwives | R1,560.00 | R180.00 |
| Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries | R1,110.00 | R180.00 |
| Retired Nurses | R180.00 | R180.00 |
*Who Qualifies for the Reduced Restoration Fee?
The significantly lower fee of R180.00 is only applicable if:
- You were previously removed from the register at your own request (Voluntary Removal); OR
- You are 60 years of age or older on 1 January 2026. (You must confirm this with the Council before paying).
3. Major Change: Electronic APCs (e-APC)
SANC is phasing out printed Annual Practising Certificates to modernize the system.
- Pilot Phase (July 2025): The SANC will begin emailing electronic certificates (e-APCs) to practitioners upon receipt of their 2026 fee payment.
- Full Implementation (July 2026): Printed certificates will no longer be issued.
- Action Required: You must update your contact details (specifically your email address and cell phone number) on the SANC website. If your email is incorrect, you will not receive your certificate.
For Employers:
Employers must verify the authenticity of an e-APC using the SANC eRegister facility.
4. Important Notes for Specific Groups
Community Service Practitioners
- Do NOT Pay Annual Fees: Community Service Practitioners are not eligible for an APC.
- Next Step: Once you complete your Community Service, you must pay a Conversion Fee (using code
REGFPRA) to register as a full practitioner.
Public Service Employees (PERSAL)
- If you are employed by the Department of Health (Provincial), do not pay the fees yourself.
- Fees are automatically deducted via PERSAL (Resolution 3 of 2019). Double payments are difficult to refund, so check with your HR department if you are unsure.
Voluntary Removal
- If you are unemployed, retiring, or leaving the country, you can request a Voluntary Removal in writing.
- This removes your name from the register effective 31 December.
- Benefit: You stop paying annual fees, and if you ever decide to return to nursing, you qualify for the Reduced Restoration Fee (R180) instead of the full penalty fee.
5. Other Administrative Fees (2026)
If you require additional documentation from SANC, the following fees apply:
- Certificate of Status: R2,740.00
- Duplicate Certificate: R540.00
- Transcript of Training: R2,740.00
- Verification Fee: R2,740.00
- Exam Fee (per paper): R540.00
- Application for Foreign Qualification (SADC): R1,720.00
Disclaimer: This information is based on SANC Circular 3 of 2025. Please always check the official South African Nursing Council website for the latest updates or specific banking details.
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