What counts as a business trip?
A business trip is short-term travel (typically under 15 days) to attend meetings, training sessions, or seminars on behalf of your client company.
It is important to categorize travel correctly, as each carries different legal and tax implications. Learn more about business trips vs. work assignments and how to classify your travel correctly. Please contact Remote People if you are unsure.
Visas
Remote People is not a visa agency and cannot assist with visa applications for business trips (this is separate from our Mobility Services).
In most countries, a business visa may be required for work-related travel. Please ensure you hold the appropriate visa or entry authorization for your destination country before travelling. If you are unsure about your requirements, please contact your client company or check with the relevant embassy.
Exception for EU residents: If you are based in the EU and travelling within the EU for fewer than 15 days, no specific business visa is required.
Remote People does not issue invitation letters to visit our in-country offices (we are not the inviting party). If you need an invitation letter, please reach out to your client company directly.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have adequate travel insurance in place before any business trip. Coverage typically includes medical emergencies, lost baggage, trip cancellation, travel disruptions, and repatriation costs.
Remote People cannot purchase travel insurance for a single employee due to company structure and anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, Remote People partners with SafetyWing for private health insurance, which employees may consider as an option.
In some cases, your client company will arrange mandatory travel insurance for you. Enrollment costs are borne by the client company.
For employees who frequently travel internationally, reimbursement for additional business travel insurance may be available if aligned with company policy. Employees should consult their client company for approval.
A1 Certificate (EU Employees)
If you are based in an EU country and travelling to another EU/EEA country for work, an A1 Certificate may be required. This document confirms which country's social security legislation applies to you during your trip, ensuring you remain covered by your home country's social security system and are not double-charged abroad.
For more information, visit A1 Certificate for EU-Based Employees
Key points:
An A1 Certificate is required for every cross-border work-related activity, including short business trips
Remote People can support you in obtaining your A1 Certificate, working with approved partners and your employer company
The risk of being checked is generally low for short trips, but increases with longer stays
There is no tax impact from a business trip (under 183 days per year)
If you need an A1 Certificate for an upcoming trip, contact our Support team as early as possible so we have enough lead time to apply.
Processing times for A1 Certificates typically range from 1 week to 1 month depending on the destination country.
Submit your request as early as possible, see the Process for Requesting Business Travel for full timeline details and what information to include.
Per Diem / Business Trip Allowances
A per diem (daily expense allowance) is not automatically applied to business trips. If applicable in your country, it can be arranged upon request. Per diem payments are tax-deductible as a business expense.
Your Responsibilities
To be clear on what is your personal responsibility during a business trip:
Ensuring you hold the correct visa or entry authorization
Compliance with immigration rules in the destination country
Monitoring your tax residency status (standard rule: no change if abroad fewer than 183 days per year)
Maintaining adequate travel insurance if not arranged by your employer
Informing Remote People if your travel plans change significantly
Arranging your own travel insurance if not provided by the client company, as Remote People cannot purchase insurance for individual employees.
Need help?
Reach out to our Support team early as possible before any planned business trip; ideally with your destination, travel dates, and purpose of travel. This allows us to assess any compliance requirements in good time.