Definition and classification
The A1 certificate is evidence of which national social security law applies to a person working temporarily in another EU/EEA state or in Switzerland. The basis is the European regulation on coordinating social security systems; the certificate ensures that a person pays contributions in only one country at a time.
For working with an external workforce , the A1 certificate is relevant wherever workers operate across a national border – whether on posting, installation work or projects abroad. It is tied to the individual person and the specific assignment and has to be in place before it begins.
Who issues the A1 certificate?
It is issued by the social security body of the home country – in Germany by the responsible health insurance fund, or by the German pension insurance for those privately insured. The application usually runs electronically through the employer, so in staff leasing through the Staffing provider as the employer of the leased worker.
What are the risks without an A1 certificate?
If the certificate is missing during an inspection, claims for social security contributions in the country of work and fines follow; the assignment can be judged improper. Because inspections also target the client, client companies should treat its validity as part of their Compliance check of providers.