What is the A1 certificate?
The A1 certificate is proof that an employee remains in the social security system of their home country while working temporarily in another EU country. This avoids having to pay social security contributions both in the country of posting and in the home country.
1. who needs an A1 certificate?
The A1 certificate is required for
- Employees who are temporarily working in Germany or another EU country.
- Self-employed persons who work in another EU country.
- Business travelers going abroad for meetings, training courses or trade fairs.
- Employees posted by companies or temporary employment agencies.
2. requirements for the A1 certificate
The following conditions must be met for an A1 certificate to be issued:
- The employee remains subject to social security contributions in the home country during the posting.
- The secondment is limited to a maximum of 24 months.
- The posting company carries out a significant economic activity in its home country.
3. application for the A1 certificate
The A1 certificate must before the posting can be applied for. Applications are submitted to different social insurance institutions depending on the country:
- GermanyHealth insurance funds or German pension insurance.
- Austria: Social Insurance Institution.
- SwitzerlandAHV compensation fund.
In many countries, the certificate can now be applied for electronically.
4. consequences of missing A1 certificate
If the A1 certificate is not available, the following problems may arise:
- Fines and penalties in Germany and other EU countries.
- Restrictions on the performance of workespecially during on-site inspections.
- Double social security contributionsif the employee is subject to compulsory insurance both in his home country and in Germany.
5. practical examples
- Example 1: Technician from Poland A Polish technician is sent to Germany for three months to install a machine. His company applies for an A1 certificate so that he can continue to be insured in Poland.
- Example 2: Business trip of a German manager to France A German manager travels to Paris for a week. Even for such a short trip, an A1 certificate is required to avoid possible sanctions.
- Example 3: IT specialist from Austria at a trade fair An IT specialist from Austria visits a trade fair in Germany. His company makes sure that he has an A1 certificate to avoid problems during an inspection.