For decades, South African nurses have associated the start of the year with the arrival of a small, printed card, the Annual Practising Certificate (APC). In 2026, that era has officially ended. The South African Nursing Council (SANC) has completed its digital migration, making the Electronic Annual Practising Certificate (e-APC) the only legal proof of registration.
This shift is not just about a format change; it represents a total overhaul of how SANC interacts with the workforce. For the over 280,000 nursing professionals in South Africa, 2026 is a year of “Digital Compliance.” Failing to understand the new payment codes, the digital verification process, or the updated restoration fines can lead to immediate removal from the register, loss of salary, and legal prosecution for practicing without a license.
The SANC 2026 Fee Schedule: Understanding Your Category
In accordance with SANC Circular 3/2025 and the Government Gazette published on 13 June 2025, annual fees have been adjusted for the 2026 calendar year. These fees include 15% VAT and are rounded to the nearest R10.
| Category | Normal Annual Fee (2026) | 25% Reduction (Age 60-64) | 50% Reduction (Age 65+) |
| Registered Nurse (RN) / Midwife | R870.00 | R660.00 | R440.00 |
| Enrolled Nurse (EN) / Midwife | R520.00 | R390.00 | R260.00 |
| Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA) | R370.00 | R280.00 | R180.00 |
Critical Eligibility for Reductions:
To qualify for the 2026 discounts, you must have reached the age of 60 or 65 on or before 1 January 2026. SANC may require a certified copy of your ID to activate these discounts in their system. Do not pay the reduced amount if your profile has not been updated, as the system will flag it as an “underpayment,” and your e-APC will not be issued.
The Implementation of the e-APC
From July 2026, the Council has fully implemented the resolution to stop issuing printed certificates. The pilot phase (which ran throughout 2025) is over.
READ ALSO: Specialist Nurse Certification in 2026: Navigating SANC and NMCN Requirements
How to Receive Your e-APC:
The certificate is no longer sent via SAPO (South African Post Office). Instead, it is delivered via an encrypted link sent to your registered email address.
- Payment Reflects: Once your payment reflects in the SANC bank account (usually 3–5 working days), the system automatically generates the certificate.
- Encryption: For security and POPI Act compliance, the PDF is password-protected. Your password is typically your ID number or a unique code sent via SMS.
- QR Code Verification: Every 2026 e-APC contains a unique QR code. Employers (HR Managers) are now required to scan this code to verify your status against the SANC live database.
Fines and Legal Consequences
The deadline for the 2026 fees was 31 December 2025. If your payment was not received by this date, you have been automatically removed from the register.
The Cost of Restoration in 2026:
Returning to the register is significantly more expensive than the annual fee.
- RN Restoration Fee: R2,610.00
- EN Restoration Fee: R1,560.00
- ENA Restoration Fee: R1,110.00
The “Practising Without a License” Risk
In 2026, SANC increased its “Inspectors of Nursing” patrols. If you are found working on a ward without a valid 2026 e-APC, both you and your employer face criminal charges under the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005). Furthermore, your professional indemnity insurance (such as DENOSA or private insurance) is void if your SANC registration is not active.
Paying from the Diaspora: A Guide for Overseas Nurses
With thousands of South African nurses working in the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East, “Maintained Registration” is a common concern. You must remain registered with SANC if you intend to return to SA or if you need a Letter of Good Standing.
Step-by-Step for Overseas Payment:
- Use FNB Online: SANC’s primary bank is First National Bank (FNB). International SWIFT transfers can be slow and often incur high “intermediary bank fees” that result in SANC receiving less than the required R870.
- The “Family” Strategy: SANC officially recommends having a friend or family member in South Africa pay via a local EFT to ensure the exact amount is received.
- The Reference Code: This is the #1 reason for failed registrations. Your reference MUST be your 8-digit SANC number followed immediately by the code ANLFEES (e.g.,
12345678ANLFEES). Do not put a space or your name in the reference.
Updating Contact Details: The Circular 2/2025 Campaign
Because the 2026 e-APC is sent via email, an outdated email address is now a “career-ending” oversight. SANC has launched a massive campaign (Circular 2 of 2025) urging nurses to update their details via the SANC Online Portal.
How to Update:
- Visit www.sanc.co.za.
- Click on the “Update of Contact Details” link.
- Provide a personal email address (Gmail/Yahoo). Avoid using hospital/work emails, as you may lose access if you change jobs, leaving you unable to retrieve your e-APC.
The eRegister: The Final Source of Truth
In 2026, the physical certificate is considered “secondary” to the eRegister.
- For Nurses: You can check your own status 24/7 at www.sanc.co.za/eRegister. If the system says “Registered,” you are legally safe to work.
- For Employers: HR departments are mandated to use the eRegister for all new hires and annual audits. If your name does not appear on the eRegister, you cannot be on the payroll.
FAQ: SANC 2026 Compliance
Q: Can I pay my fees at the SANC office in Pretoria?
A: SANC has moved toward a “cashless” environment in 2026. While the office remains open for queries, they strongly discourage in-person payments, preferring EFT or FNB branch deposits.
Q: I used my name as a reference instead of my SANC number. What happens?
A: Your payment will go into the SANC “Unallocated” account. You will remain “Removed” from the register until you send proof of payment and an affidavit to customerservice@sanc.co.za, and then link the payment manually. This can take months.
Q: Does SANC offer a grace period?
A: No. The deadline is strict. Even if you pay on 1 January, you must pay the full Restoration Fee to be reinstated.
Q: What is the “Voluntary Removal” option?
A: If you are going on maternity leave or travelling and do not plan to work in 2026, you can apply for Voluntary Removal. This allows you to avoid the high Restoration Fee later, paying only a “Reduced Restoration Fee” (R180) when you return.
References
- South African Nursing Council (2025). Circular 3/2025: Annual Fees for 2026. SANC Official Document
- Government Gazette (13 June 2025). Notice on Nursing Fees and Fines. National Gazette Archive
- SANC News (May-June 2025 Special Edition). The Digital Transition: e-APCs and eRegister Implementation. SANC Portal
- A24Group (2025). The 2026 SANC Payment Plan for Agency Nurses. Agency Compliance Guide
