A1 Certificate - Why It's Important to Have One Before Travelling Abroad

In spite of advice from experts, many project employees don't take the time to secure their A1 Certificates prior to their business trips within the EU. This poses risks to both the employee as well as the host company.

Employees with lengthy schedules could face additional scrutiny during the A1 form process, depending on EEA country regulations and Brexit-related updates. Working with an EOR to reduce compliance risks can be beneficial.

What is an A1 Certificate?

The A1 Certificate is an official document that proves a person is part of the country's social security system. It permits them to remain within their country's benefits scheme while working temporarily abroad and thereby avoiding the payment of social security contributions in their host country.

It's important for companies who employ employees who travel frequently between countries for work or business trips. They could lose valuable benefits or incurring expensive fines if they do not possess it. To reduce the risk, it is essential to know what the A1 Certificate means and why it is so important.

In general generally speaking, the A1 Certificate is required whenever an employee travels to another EU or EEA (European Economic Area) member state or Switzerland to conduct business. This includes both work and business trips, as well trips to a neighbouring country for a seminar or meeting. The A1 Certificate is issued by the social security authorities in the person's home country and contains standardized content. zertifikat goethe 's usually valid for the duration of the period for which it was posted in the host country, and in some cases up to 24 months.

However, certain countries are stepping up their control and enforcement of the A1 Certificate even for short-term visits such as a day trip to a seminar or meeting. This could be a huge pain point for both employees and employers and makes it even more difficult for employers and employees to manage the task of complying with the employment laws of multiple countries.

It is, however, possible to reduce the risk with the help of an experienced partner. We at WorkFlex offer bespoke solutions to reduce or eliminate the requirement for an A1 Certificate when traveling for business in Europe.

We take care of all formal employment requirements, including global payroll and compliance with local laws regarding employment, on behalf of our clients. Contact us today to discover the ways our services can save you time and money. We would be happy to discuss with you your particular requirements and provide more information about our flexible staffing model. You can also download our free A1 Certificate cheat sheet for helpful tips for efficient processing and common mistakes as well as solutions.

Why is it necessary to travel for business in the EU?


If you are often posted to other countries for business, having the right A1 Certificate that proves you pay social security in your home country can make a huge difference. Understanding the way this regulation works is essential to avoid the repercussions of non-compliance, both for employees and employers.

The A1 Certificate is issued by the country of residence of the employee to prove that they pay social security contributions. It is legally required for anyone who travels to another EU or EEA state on business for work purposes. This is regardless of whether the trip was planned by the individual or in the direction of their employer. The A1 Certificate is also mandatory for self-employed individuals who travel to other EU or EEA states for business reasons.

Inability to obtain the A1 Certificate before traveling for work in another EU or EEA country could result in being denied access at the hotel, or being refused entry into the company premises or even being fired. In certain countries, such as France and Austria this could result in significant fines for both the employer and the employee.

Some EEA countries have strict interpretations of what constitutes "regular work." For example, workers in the UK are qualified to receive the A1 Certificate if they spend 25% or more of their time in the UK. This can be difficult to verify for workers who work irregularly or work during the seasons.

The European Court of Justice is currently reviewing a number of these regulations and it's possible that changes are in the works. In the near future, it is likely that the requirements for obtaining an A1 Certificate may be relaxed. This could make it simpler and less expensive to obtain this certificate for employees and employers who regularly travel across Europe. This could also provide assurance to those who are concerned about being subjected to national discretion which could violate the freedom of movement of goods and labor within the EU.

How do I get an A1 Certificate?

If your employees plan to work in multiple EU countries for longer durations it is recommended that an A1 Certificate is required to minimize the chance of having to pay social security contributions that are due in more than one country. In the majority of cases the application process is simple and straightforward - though it can vary from one country to the next. This is due to the fact that each European country has its own A1 Certificate Application Process. Your employee must contact the social security agency in their country of residence to request an A1 certificate. This can be done online or by contacting a specific individual within the company of your employee. The person you contact will be able to provide them specific guidance on how to apply for an A1 Certificate in their particular country.

Many people believe that an A1 Certificate is only necessary when they intend to stay in an EU country for more than 60 days, it's actually required from the very first day of work abroad. The A1 Certificate confirms the country in which a person pays their social insurance. This is important for workers who work or travel to Europe as per EU policy, every worker can only contribute to the system of one country at a time.

The A1 certificate is available from the social insurance institution of the country of origin. It's usually a form or a questionnaire that asks for details about the individual and the reason for visiting the destination. When it's received it should be taken with the person on all trips to avoid penalties from labor inspectors.

A1 Certificates can be issued in as little as two weeks or up to 6 months, depending on the official turnaround time of your country and the details required to process the application. It is crucial that your employees complete their application prior to their first overseas trip.

While an A1 Certificate may seem like an easy document to get at the end of the day however, it's actually quite complicated, especially when you consider the many processes that each European country has. This is why it's crucial to choose a service company that is familiar with the specifics of all the different countries and can simplify the process for you.

How long does it take to get an A1 Certificate?

The A1 Certificate is an official document that shows the state of your employment in the country where you pay your social security payments. It is required when travelling to work in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. It is crucial to plan ahead as the process of applying for an A1 Certificate can vary from country to country. The time it takes to get an A1 certificate can also vary according to the official turnaround time for processing applications in each country.

In general, it's a good idea to apply for an A1 Certificate well in advance of your travels to Europe. This will allow you to avoid delays and ensure your application is processed in a timely manner. If you are planning to recruit employees from abroad or expand your workforce internationally, then it is recommended to work with an employer-of-record (EOR) like RemoFirst. An EOR is legally accountable for formal tasks related to employment like global payroll and ensuring compliance with local labor laws.

The primary purpose of an A1 Certificate is to show that an employee or self-employed worker is covered by the social security system of their home country when temporarily working in a different European Union country for business reasons. This helps to avoid double social security benefits and can help companies reduce the risk of costly penalties for non-compliance with local employment laws.

A1 Certificates are therefore a requirement for all employees who frequently travel between countries within the EU for business. Although the process is complex but it's worth the effort to safeguard your employees from the pitfalls of non-compliance.

If you're not sure if your business travels within EU require a A1 Certificate, consult with international mobility and tax experts to gain a clear understanding of what is required. This will enable you to minimize the risk of facing an expensive penalty for non-compliance and shield your company from a reputational smear or bureaucratic hassles, or dual social security payments.