If you are based in an EU or EEA country and travelling to another EU/EEA country for work, you are required to hold an A1 Certificate for the duration of your trip. This article explains what the certificate is, when it applies, and how Remote People supports you in obtaining one.
What is an A1 Certificate?
An A1 Certificate (also known as a Certificate of Coverage) is an official document issued by your home country's social security authority. It confirms that you remain covered by your home country's social security system while temporarily working in another EU/EEA country, ensuring you are not subject to double social security contributions in the destination country.
When is it required?
An A1 Certificate is required for every cross-border work-related activity to another EU/EEA country. This includes short business trips, there is no minimum duration. Even a single-day trip for a meeting requires one.
The risk of being checked at the destination country is generally low for short trips, but increases with longer stays. The certificate should always be in place before travel begins.
What Remote People does
Remote People supports you in obtaining your A1 Certificate, working with approved in-country partners and your employer company. This is provided as a billable service, costs are borne by the client company.
The general process is:
You notify Remote People Support of your upcoming trip, ideally at least two weeks before travel, with your destination country, specific travel dates, and purpose of travel
Remote People works with the relevant authorities in your home country to request the certificate on your behalf
Once issued, the A1 Certificate is held on file by Remote People, you do not need to carry or present it yourself
What if my A1 Certificate hasn't arrived in time?
The right course of action depends on the length of your trip:
Trips of 7 days or fewer
Retroactive A1 applications are permitted for short trips. If your certificate has not arrived before your departure date, travel can proceed and Remote People will file the application after the fact. Contact Support to confirm this applies to your specific trip before you travel.
Trips of more than 7 days
The A1 Certificate must be in place before departure. Travelling without it exposes you to fines from the labor inspection authority in your destination country if you are checked. While the risk of inspection is generally low for shorter stays, it increases with the duration of the trip.
If your certificate is delayed and your trip is imminent, contact Remote People Support immediately. Our operations team will escalate directly to the relevant in-country partner to assess whether a fast-track process or tolerance window is available in your destination country. Do not wait until your departure date to raise this.
Processing times
Processing times typically range from 1 week to 1 month, depending on your home country's social security authority and the destination country. This timeline is outside Remote People's control. Submit your request as early as possible to avoid delays affecting your trip.
Tax impact
There is no tax impact from a standard business trip abroad, provided you remain abroad for fewer than 183 days per year in any given country. The A1 Certificate applies to social security only, not income tax.
Country-specific processes
Some countries require additional administrative steps beyond the standard A1 request. Where a dedicated guide exists, it is linked below:
Spain: the TA.300 form is mandatory for all Spain-based employees travelling abroad and must be filed with Spanish Social Security before travel. See A1 Certificate for Spain-Based Employees for the full process.
Portugal - A1 Certificate for Portugal-Based Employees
Guides for additional countries will be added as they become available. If you have questions about a specific destination not listed here, contact Remote People Support.
Need help?
Contact our Support team as early as possible before any planned trip, ideally with your destination country, travel dates, and purpose of travel. This allows us to assess the applicable requirements and begin the process in good time.