An A1 certificate verifies the country where an employee pays social security contributions when working temporarily in another European nation.
The EU allows free movement from one country to another. You can live in France, work in Germany, and take meetings in Belgium. No visas. No hours-long waits at border checkpoints. It's all pretty seamless.
But when you travel to another EU country for work, there's still some coordination that needs to happen behind the scenes. One of the big things is which country gets your social security contributions. Because under EU law, you can only pay into one country's system at a time.
And that's where the A1 certificate comes in.
It essentially says: "This person is working in another EU country, but they're still covered by the social security system back home." It's kind of like carrying a note from your government explaining the situation, so there are no misunderstandings.
For employers, it's a way to stay compliant, to show you're following the rules. For employees, it offers protection. It helps avoid unexpected costs or being enrolled in a foreign system you didn't mean to join. It also prevents what's sometimes called "social dumping"-when employees are treated unfairly because of cross-border pay or benefit differences.
And there's another benefit, too. The A1 certificate helps keep the tax paperwork in order. Without it, you might miss out on deductions or end up doing a lot of explaining to multiple tax offices.
So here we're going to look at a few basic things: When do you need an A1 certificate? How long is it valid? And how do you get one? Simple questions. But like a lot of things with international work, the answers can take you in some unexpected directions.
When is an A1 certificate required?
An A1 certificate is necessary when employees or self-employed individuals conduct business activities in any EU member state, Switzerland, or a European Economic Area (EEA) country other than their home nation. The requirement applies regardless of the duration of the stay or assignment.
Business travelers must obtain this certificate even for short trips, such as attending conferences, meeting clients, or participating in training sessions. The document remains mandatory whether the work arrangement involves a brief visit or an extended temporary assignment.
Remote workers operating from another European country must also secure an A1 certificate to establish their social security contribution status. This requirement applies to all professional activities, including consulting, project work, and temporary relocations.
For self-employed professionals, the certificate validates their social security status and prevents potential complications with local authorities. The documentation process helps maintain compliance while preserving access to home country benefits when working remotely from another country.
Where is an A1 certificate valid?
An A1 certificate is valid in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. The EEA includes all EU member states, plus Lichtenstein, Norway, and Iceland.
The EU member states are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
The certificate's validity also extends to several non-EU states that have been integrated into the European single market, including:
- Akrotiri and Dhekelia
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Northern Ireland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
Keep in mind the list of countries that use A1 certificates may change as treaties and policies evolve.
Related read: Complete Guide to Payroll Tax
Is an A1 certificate mandatory?
Yes, an A1 certificate is a requirement in all EU member states, EEA countries, and Switzerland. The form is available in each country's official language to facilitate compliance across borders. Without this documentation, workers risk substantial penalties and may face difficulties proving their social security status.
Recent regulatory changes have strengthened enforcement measures, with many countries implementing strict controls and workplace inspections. Noncompliance penalties can include significant fines, retroactive social security payments, and potential business restrictions in the host country.
How long is an A1 certificate valid?
An A1 certificate is valid for a maximum period of 24 months and generally covers the specific duration of the professional stay abroad. For employees who work frequently in multiple European countries, a simplified one-year certificate can be obtained if they work abroad at least one day per month or five days per quarter.
Extensions are possible in certain situations. After the initial two-year period, employees can request an extension of up to three additional years through negotiations between their home country and host country authorities. Without a valid certificate or extension, employees must either obtain a new A1 certificate or transition to paying social security contributions in their host country.
How to apply for A1 certification
The employer typically applies for A1 certification on behalf of the employee. Organizations request an A1 form from their employee's home country and use it to inform both the home country and destination country about social security payments.
The application process varies by country but generally requires detailed information about the assignment, including its duration, nature of work, and the employee's role. Social security institutions usually process applications within 5-10 working days, though processing times can extend to several weeks during peak periods. For urgent cases, some countries offer expedited processing options.
Documentation done right, and on your behalf
At Pebl, our day-to-day is helping teams work across borders-smoothly, legally, and without the headaches. One essential piece? The A1 certificate. It confirms your employees are still paying into their home country's social security system when they travel for work in Europe. Without it, things can get complicated fast.
Good news: we handle it for you. Through our Employer of Record (EOR) service, we secure the right documentation, ensure compliance with local labor laws, and keep your team focused on what they do best-which is probably something other than navigating bureaucracy.
Need support? Let's talk. That's what we're here for.
Disclaimer: This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided "as is," and no representations are made that the content is error-free.
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