Certificate A1: Key document for working in Europe
What is an A1 certificate?

A1 Certificate is an important document for people who want to temporarily work abroad in Europe while remaining insured for social security in Germany. This document officially confirms that the employee is still covered by German social security law during his work abroad. The employer uses the A1 Certificate to verify this data to avoid legal problems, as according to EU rules social security contributions can only be made in one country
A1 Certificate must be obtained by employees of companies, civil servants, and self-employed individuals who temporarily work in the European Union countries, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. The A1 Certificate for the self-employed is particularly significant for self-employed individuals, as it serves as an official confirmation of your professional status in other countries.
It should be noted the close connection between the A1 Certificate and medical insurance. Having a valid A1 Certificate guarantees the validity of German medical insurance in the country of temporary residence, which is important for the medical insurance of the worker abroad.
Considering all this, it is strongly recommended to take care of obtaining an A1 Certificate before starting international work activities. This will provide legal protection, preserve social guarantees, and enable smooth professional activity in EU countries.
List of countries where the A1 certificate is valid
A1 form, application for an A1 certificate, and also an A1 certificate form for filling out may be required for submitting documents in a specific country, such as Switzerland or Austria. It is important to know what an A1 certificate is and what its requirements are in different countries, as well as to familiarize yourself with the list of countries for obtaining an A1 certificate. For the self-employed, there is also the possibility of obtaining an A1 certificate for legal work abroad.
List of countries where the A1 certificate is valid - Switzerland, Austria, France, and Poland. Are you planning to work in the EU? Order your A1 certificate right now! We guarantee you fast processing and comprehensive support. Important information for employees, civil servants, and freelancers.
Application for an A1 certificate - how to fill out
Application for an A1 certificate or A1 certificate form for filling are important steps in document processing.
Application for an A1 certificate is considered within an average of three working days provided that all documents are correctly submitted. After approval, you will receive an electronic notification along with the A1 certificate in PDF format. It is important to note that a paper version of the document is no longer required – an electronic copy is sufficient.
A1 certificate for a business trip is processed through an employer, however, if you work as a self-employed abroad, you may also need an A1 certificate to confirm your status.
A1 certificate permanent is used for long-term business trips lasting more than 24 months. In such a case, it is necessary to draft a special agreement on tax exemption. The application is submitted electronically through GKV-Top Association (DVKA) – the German medical insurance association for international matters.
By planning your business trip correctly, you will avoid problems with compliance with the law. Learn what an A1 certificate is and check if the country is in the list of countries for obtaining an A1 certificate to be sure of legal protection while working.
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Who needs to apply for an A1 certificate?
The employer usually handles the issuance of an A1 certificate for an employee. He submits a request for form A1 in the country where the employee resides and notifies both the country of residence and the destination country about social payments based on it.
This requirement applies to the following groups
Features of the application process for self-employed
Self-employed individuals, including managing partners and those who work in a company but have self-employed status under social security legislation, apply online only.
Features of application submission for self-employed
Self-employed persons, including managing partners and those working in a company but having the status of a self-employed under social security legislation, apply online only.
Is the A1 certificate mandatory?
Yes, all EU Member States, EEA countries, and Switzerland require an A1 certificate. This form is available in the official language of each of these countries. Without the A1 certificate, it is impossible to verify where you pay social security contributions, and you risk receiving a fine.
Additional aspects of the A1 certificate
The A1 certificate is valid for two years. If you want to stay in the country for more than 24 months, you will have to either get a new A1 certificate or start paying social security in the new country.
If the validity of the certificate expires and work abroad continues, it is necessary to apply for an extension in a timely manner. The extension process is usually simpler than the initial acquisition, but requires attention to deadlines.
In the context of the growing popularity of remote work, this aspect takes on special significance. Even if an employee works from home in another country, an A1 certificate may be necessary to comply with social security legislation.
In some cases, it is possible to obtain an A1 certificate on an expedited basis. This can be relevant during unexpected business trips or urgent projects abroad.
The presence of an A1 certificate is closely linked to health insurance. It ensures that German health insurance remains valid in the country of temporary residence, which is critically important for ensuring the medical safety of an employee abroad.
Recently, there has been an increase in control over the presence of an A1 certificate in cross-border employment. This is related to new rules aimed at combating undeclared work and wage dumping. The absence of a certificate can lead to serious fines and legal consequences.
An A1 certificate may be required even for short-term business trips. This is especially important to consider when planning business trips.
Timely receipt of the A1 certificate is not just a formality, but a necessary condition for legal work abroad. It provides legal protection, preserves social guarantees, and allows for unimpeded professional activity in European countries.
We are ready to help you understand all the nuances of obtaining the A1 certificate and ensure a safe and successful start to your work abroad.
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Working abroad: what you need to know about the A1 certificate

Short-term business trips and remote work. Permanent A1 certificate
Many people wonder if an A1 certificate is needed for a business trip. Indeed, the A1 certificate is very important even for short business trips. It confirms that the employee remains in the social security system of their country, which is necessary to comply with EU legislation.
Interestingly, there is some flexibility regarding short business trips lasting up to a week. In such cases, the A1 certificate can also be issued post facto. However, if you are planning a trip to countries with strict controls, such as France, Austria, or Switzerland, it is better to take care of obtaining the document in advance.
Special attention should be paid to situations related to remote work from another country. Recently, this topic has become especially relevant. If you are working from a home office in a country other than your employer's country, you will also need an A1 certificate. With it, you can avoid potential problems with tax authorities and social security.
For those who regularly work in several EU countries, such as truck drivers or participants in international conferences, there is a convenient solution. You may be issued a permanent A1 certificate valid for up to five years, which will be valid in all EU countries where you work.

Features of working in non-EU countries and changes in legislation
Working in countries outside the EU requires a special approach. Thus, working in the USA or China requires a certificate different from A1 certificate. This document cannot yet be issued online, which may cause some inconvenience. However, for countries with which Germany has not concluded a social security agreement, such as Mexico or Indonesia, no special A1 certificate is usually required. In these cases, the employer must study the applicability of German legislative norms.
It is important to remember that the world of international employment is constantly changing. Rules and requirements may be updated, so it is always recommended to check current information at official sources or consult with experts in international law before planning work abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions - General Questions about the A1 Certificate
What is an A1 certificate?
An A1 certificate (also known as an A1 certificate) is a document confirming that an employee on a business trip abroad in the EU, EEA member states or Switzerland remains under the protection of his country's social security law.
Who needs an A1 certificate?
An A1 certificate is required for all employees temporarily assigned to foreign countries in the EU, EEA member states or Switzerland for business purposes. This includes:
- Employees sent on business trips for business representations, meetings, and conferences
- Employees working on projects or on contract assignments
- Employees receiving a pension or pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland
How to get an A1 certificate?
- Provide the A1 certificate electronically through the appropriate payroll program or online
- Apply for an A1 certificate. You need to apply to medical insurance, pension insurance, a professional community of professional utility services or to DVKA, depending on the specific case:
- If the worker is insured within the country - apply to medical insurance, pension insurance or professional community of professional utility services.
- If the A1 certificate is one-time - apply to DVKA.
- If the A1 certificate is permanent - apply to medical insurance, pension insurance or professional community of professional utility services.
What happens if I don't have an A1 certificate?
If an employee does not have an A1 certificate, they may face:
- Fines
- Immediate dismissal from work within the country
- Social security payment in the host state
Is an A1 certificate required for short-term or short-term business trips?
As a rule, an A1 permit is required for any business trip abroad in the EU, EEA or Switzerland, regardless of the duration of the trip. However, in the case of short-term business trips lasting up to seven days and very short trips, it is possible to apply for an A1 certificate after the fact. However, it is necessary to check whether this is possible in the destination country.
Is an A1 certificate required for transit countries?
A short-term A1 certificate for transit countries is only required if the worker also performs his work activity in these countries. For example, if an employee is traveling to Italy from Germany, but still attends business meetings in Austria along the way, he will need an A1 certificate for both Italy and Austria. On the other hand, if the employee performs his work activity only in Italy, an A1 certificate for the transit country Austria is not required.
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