Free Payroll Software for SMEs
Free payroll software, provided with the Nexarisi Micro SME package. Provided free with the Nexarisi Micro SME package. Payroll software is provided free with the Micro SME package. Payroll software is free; the package is paid. Micro SME is a paid package, so there is no payroll licence fee and no payroll add-on cost.
Micro SME is a paid package that covers payroll, HR core, onboarding, leave, QMS, and compliance for up to 10 employees while keeping payroll software free with no licence fee.
Nexarisi mirrors the structure used by enterprise payroll teams, then makes it accessible to community businesses, boutiques, and agencies. Instead of stitching together spreadsheets, WhatsApp approvals, and Manager.io exports, you run everything inside one Africa-ready operating system where payroll software is provided free with the Micro SME package.
Free payroll is not a gimmick — it is the quickest way to onboard SMEs without delaying compliance. Micro SME is a paid package, but there is no payroll licence fee or payroll add-on cost, and as you scale, payroll remains included across every tier while HR, QMS, and discipline workflows keep feeding the same evidence trail.
Micro SME package
Everything you need to run compliant payroll
- ✓Unlimited payslips, pay elements, and downloadable payroll packs
- ✓Leave policies, overtime rules, and approvals synced to payroll calendar
- ✓Signed contract storage with expiry alerts and secure sharing links
- ✓Warnings, hearings, and case evidence for CCMA/DRC proof
Need to benchmark against other tools? Micro SME is a paid package with no payroll licence fee or payroll add-on cost, so read the Manager.io alternative comparison to see how it stacks up.
Upgrade path when you grow
Startup
11–30 employees · payroll included · add analytics + API hooks.
Growth
31–80 employees · payroll + bureau previews · implementation partner.
Agency
81–250 employees or bureaus · payroll + multi-brand billing + regional expansion.
Frequently asked
Free payroll FAQ
Who qualifies for Nexarisi's free payroll? ▼
The Micro SME package is a paid subscription for founder-led teams with up to 10 people. Payroll software is provided free with the Micro SME package, so there is no payroll licence fee and no payroll add-on cost while you formalise operations.
When you need more seats you simply upgrade inside Nexarisi — your data, workflows, and audit trails remain intact, and payroll software remains included as you scale.
Is the free payroll tier limited or time-bound? ▼
There is no countdown or forced upgrade. Provided free with the Nexarisi Micro SME package, payroll software is free; the package is paid, so you keep the benefit while paying only for the subscription.
All modules remain unlocked, so you get HR core, onboarding, QMS, training, and discipline tools alongside payroll without a payroll licence fee or payroll add-on cost.
What happens when I pass 10 employees? ▼
Nexarisi notifies you when you approach the limit. Upgrading to Startup (11–30 staff) or Growth (31–80 staff) is seamless and keeps payroll software free inside those paid tiers.
No data migrations, no retraining. You simply unlock more storage, analytics, and support while the payroll licence fee stays at zero.
Does the free payroll plan include compliance features? ▼
Payroll without compliance is risky. Nexarisi bundles warning workflows, disciplinary packs, leave policies, and signed document tracking into the same workspace.
That means every payslip is backed by contracts, policies, and approvals you can prove, and you never pay a payroll licence fee on the Micro SME package.
Can agencies or accountants use the free tier for clients? ▼
Payroll bureaus and accountants often onboard new clients on the paid Micro SME package because it includes free payroll software with no payroll add-on cost.
The Agency plan unlocks bureau-level billing and multi-brand controls while keeping every client's history intact.
How do I get started? ▼
Click “Start Free Payroll” to register, add your first employees, and run your first payroll dry run with no payroll licence fee.
Need help? Book a call with our team and we'll walk you through implementation at no extra payroll add-on cost.