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Posting A1 certificate
Everything you need to know about the A1 certificate: requirements, application and common practical problems when sending employees from Germany abroad.
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what an A1 certificate is
when the A1 certificate is required
how to apply for the A1 certificate
what legal hurdles exist regarding the A1 certificate
1. Posting within the EU with A1 certificate
2. How do I apply for the A1 certificate?
3. Social Security Agreement (A1)
4. Legal support for the A1 certificate
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion A1 certificate
1. Posting within the EU with A1 certificate
A1 certificates play a crucial role for employees working abroad . The A1 certificate is essential documentation for employees posted to work within the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom/Northern Ireland. It serves to confirm that the individual remains subject to the social security regulations of their home country and is not subject to double social security coverage in the host country.
Employers are required to apply for an A1 certificate for their employees, even for short-term or one-day business trips . This applies not only to regular employees but also to managers, civil servants, and self-employed individuals working abroad. Without this certificate, inspections by foreign authorities can result in fines or employment-related sanctions. The A1 certificate thus provides legal certainty and prevents additional financial burdens from double social security contributions.
2. How do I apply for the A1 certificate?
The A1 certificate is applied for electronically by the employer – either via a certified payroll accounting program or through the social security reporting portal. The employee's health insurance provider is generally responsible for issuing the certificate. If the employee has private health insurance, the certificate is issued by the German Pension Insurance. For employees with supplementary occupational pension schemes, the application is submitted through the Association of Occupational Pension Institutions. It is important that the application is submitted before the start of the work abroad to avoid potential social security issues.
After submitting the application, the payroll software generates an application confirmation, which serves as proof of timely application. Employees who regularly work in several EU countries can apply for a longer-term A1 certificate. In this case, it is issued by the German Liaison Office for Statutory Health Insurance Abroad (DVKA) . Self-employed individuals can also apply for such a longer-term certificate if they regularly work in several EU countries. The application (GME2) must be sent to the DVKA by mail or fax.
The validity period of an A1 certificate is a maximum of 24 months . For longer assignments, an exception agreement can be made with the relevant authority in the respective destination country. For short-term business trips of up to one week, the A1 certificate can, in some cases, be submitted afterward. However, it should be noted that certain countries, including France, Austria, and Switzerland, require the application to be submitted before the start of the trip. To avoid legal uncertainties, employers should inform themselves about the national regulations of the destination country well in advance and plan the application for the A1 certificate accordingly.
3. Social Security Agreement (A1)
Social security agreements are bilateral or multilateral treaties between states to ensure social security coverage for individuals working in multiple countries or being posted from one country to another. You can easily check online whether an applicable social security agreement exists with your destination country on the website of the German Visa and Consular Society (DVKG). The DVKG provides relevant country information and lists on its homepage for the A1 certificate .
The respective social security agreements form the legal basis for the A1 certificate. The A1 certificate serves as proof that a person remains subject to the social security system of their home country while temporarily working in another country. It ensures that no double insurance coverage arises and that social security contributions remain in the home country.
4. Legal support for the A1 certificate
The electronic application for an A1 certificate is submitted in accordance with Section 106 Paragraph 1 of the German Social Code, Book IV (SGB IV), and confirms the applicable legal regulations for cross-border employment. If the application is rejected, you have the right to appeal. One of our lawyers will be happy to advise you if your application for an A1 certificate has been rejected .
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5. FAQ
What is an A1 certificate and what is it used for?
The A1 certificate confirms that an employee posted within the EU, the EEA, to Switzerland, or the UK remains subject to the social security system of their home country. It protects against double social security contributions in the host country.
How do I apply for the A1 certificate?
The application is submitted electronically via a certified payroll accounting program or the social security reporting portal.
6. Conclusion
The A1 certificate is essential for employers posting employees abroad within the EU, the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK to ensure legal certainty and continued coverage under the German social security system. It protects against fines, double insurance, and unnecessary social security contributions abroad. Applications are submitted electronically and must be made before departure. Especially for regular assignments abroad or short-term business trips, it is crucial to comply with the national regulations of the destination countries. Anyone requiring legal assistance should seek advice from a specialist immigration lawyer as early as possible.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Timmermann/Uznanski/Mävers/Klaus, Employment of foreign workers, 2nd edition 2026
[2] Offer/Mävers, Employment Ordinance, 2nd edition 2022
[3] Section 18i SGB IV: Legal basis for the allocation and use of the company number.
[4] Section 28a SGB IV: Employer's reporting obligations to social security.
[5] Employment Ordinance (BeschV): Regulations concerning the approval of the employment agency.