Certificate A1: Key document for working in Europe

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 German social security law continues to apply to the worker during their 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 company employees, civil servants, and self-employed individuals who temporarily work in the European Union, 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 that there is a close connection between the A1 certificate and health insurance. Having a valid A1 certificate guarantees the validity of German health insurance in the country of temporary stay, which is crucial for the health insurance of the worker abroad.

Considering all this, it is strongly recommended to obtain an A1 certificate before engaging in international employment. This will ensure legal protection, maintain social guarantees, and make possible smooth professional activity in EU countries.

A1 form, application for an A1 certificate, and also a blank A1 certificate 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 self-employed there is also an opportunity to arrange 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 obtaining an A1 certificate or A1 certificate form for filling out are important steps in document processing.

Application for obtaining an A1 certificate is considered on average three working days provided that all documents are correctly submitted. After approval, you will receive an electronic notification along with A1 certificate in PDF format. It is important to note that the paper version of the document is no longer required – an electronic copy is sufficient.

A1 certificate for a business trip is processed through the employer, but 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 cases of long-term business trips longer than 24 months. In such a situation, it is necessary to draft a special agreement on tax exemption. The application is submitted electronically through GKV-Höhere Verband (DVKA) – the German Association of Health Insurance for International Issues.

By planning your business trip correctly, you will avoid problems with compliance with legislation. Find out what an A1 certificate is and check whether the country is on the list of countries for obtaining an A1 certificate, to be sure of legal protection while working.

The employer usually handles the processing of the A1 certificate for an employee. He submits a request for the A1 form in the country where the employee resides, and based on it notifies both the country of residence and the destination country about social payments.

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 confirm where you pay social contributions, and you risk getting fined.

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 unhindered 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 of your work abroad.

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 after the fact post factum. However, if you plan to travel 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 particularly relevant. If you work from a home office in a country different from your employer's country, you will also need an A1 certificate. It can help you avoid potential problems with tax authorities and social security.

For those who regularly work in several EU countries, for example, truck drivers or participants in international conferences, there is a convenient solution. You can be issued a permanent A1 certificate for a period of up to five years, which will be valid in all EU countries in which 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 still cannot 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, a special A1 certificate is usually not required. In these cases, the employer must examine 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 in official sources or consult with experts in international law before planning to work abroad.