Back to the glossary

Clearance certificate (UBB): definition

The UBB is the central evidence against secondary liability. This entry explains what it proves, who issues it and where its limits lie.

Key facts
  • Evidence that contributions or levies have been properly paid.
  • Issued by health insurances, professional associations or authorities.
  • The most important protection against secondary liability.
  • Has to be checked continuously – deferrals are usually not covered.

Definition and classification

A clearance certificate (UBB) is evidence from a health insurance fund, a professional association or an authority that a company has properly paid its contributions or levies. For the external workforce it proves that a Staffing provider is meeting its obligations.

Why the clearance certificate matters so much – and where its limits are

Clearance certificates are an important building block in checking staffing providers. What matters is continuous checking: a valid certificate from months ago says nothing about today. Worth knowing: deferrals – postponed due dates – are typically not covered by clearance certificates and are only disclosed on express request. Pactos obtains and checks the records automatically from the issuing bodies.

Frequently asked questions

Which bodies issue a clearance certificate?

Above all health insurances (social security contributions), professional associations (accident insurance contributions) and the tax office (taxes).

Why is a one-off clearance certificate not enough?

It is a snapshot. A provider that is in the clear today can fall behind shortly afterwards – what is needed is continuous checking.

Does the clearance certificate also reveal deferred contributions?

As a rule no. Deferrals are usually not shown and have to be asked about expressly, at the health insurance fund or the provider.

Related terms

Learn more

Interested in this topic? Request more information

Fill in the short form – we will get back to you with further information.

Your details are treated confidentially · unsubscribe at any time
Link copied