A1-certificate

What is an A1-certificate?

The A1-certificate is an essential document for those working in several European countries, including France. This portable European document confirms which social security legislation you are covered by when working temporarily or regularly in another EU country, such as France. The A1-certificate for working in France proves that you are insured in another country of origin and pay your social contributions there.

Why do you need an A1-certificate to work in France?

When working temporarily in France as an employee or self-employed person, it is important to show where you pay social contributions. With an A1-certificate, you show the French authorities that you are affiliated to the social security system in your home country. This prevents double contributions and ensures you comply with the regulations of both France and your home country.

For whom is the A1-certificate required?

Employees working temporarily in France for a period of up to two years.
Self-employed people working in several EU member states, including France.

As soon as you start working in France, you are required to present the A1 certificate from day one. This attestation protects your social security rights in your home country and ensures that you do not pay double contributions in France.

How do you apply for an A1-certificate?

You can apply for the A1-certificate through the social security institution of your home country. Make sure you apply for it before you leave for France, so you will be in order as soon as you start working there.

In short, if you want to work in France, having an A1-certificate is crucial to avoid problems with social security contributions and to stay in line with the legislation.

Where do I apply for an A1-certificate?

Each EU member state has its own designated authority and procedure for issuing A1 certificates. Below is a list of websites or relevant authorities where employers can apply for an A1 certificate in each EU country:

Austria	Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK)
Belgium	National Social Security Office (ONSS/RSZ)
Bulgaria	National Social Security Institute (NSSI)
Croatia	Croatian Institute for Health Insurance (HZZO)
Czech Republic	Czech Social Security Administration (CSSA)
Denmark	Udbetaling Danmark
Estonia	Social Insurance Board
Finland	Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela)
France	Centre des Liaisons Européennes et Internationales de Sécurité Sociale (CLEISS)
Germany	Deutsche Rentenversicherung
Greece	e-EFKA (Unified Social Security Fund)
Hungary	National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary (NEAK)
Ireland	Department of Social Protection
Italy	Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale (INPS)
Latvia	State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA)
Lithuania	Sodra - State Social Insurance Fund Board
Luxembourg	Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale (CCSS)
Malta	Department of Social Security
Netherlands	Social Insurance Bank (SVB)
Poland	Social Insurance Institution (ZUS)
Portugal	Instituto da Segurança Social (ISS)
Romania	National House of Public Pensions (CNPP)
Slovakia	Sociálna poisťovňa (Social Insurance Agency)
Slovenia	Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS)
Spain	Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS)
Sweden	Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan)

Non-EU countries that use A1-certificate

Several non-EU countries use a system comparable to the A1 certificate to ensure that workers temporarily posted abroad receive appropriate social security coverage. These countries typically have bilateral agreements with EU nations or participate in international treaties that facilitate the use of such certificates. Below are examples of non-EU countries that implement certificates of coverage similar to the A1 certificate:

Iceland	Social Insurance Administration (Tryggingastofnun)
Liechtenstein	Liechtenstein Old Age and Survivors' Insurance (AHV-IV-FAK)
Norway	Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV)
Switzerland	Swiss Compensation Office (SCO/CSC)