What contractors need to know about A1 forms and social security when working in the EU — plus links to apply in your country of residence.
Across the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK, you’re covered by one country’s social security system at a time — and by default, contributions are due in the country where the work is actually carried out.
For contractors on temporary assignments there’s an important exception. If you’re sent to work in another member state — a “posted worker” — or you regularly work across two or more countries, you can normally remain insured in your home country, paying into your own system at your usual rates. The Portable Document A1 is the certificate that proves it: issued by your home country’s social security institution, it confirms which legislation applies to you and that nothing is owed anywhere else. A posting A1 covers up to 24 months and can be renewed if the work continues. Read the official A1 definition →
We ask every EU-resident contractor for one. Under EU law and our client agreements, Excel Technical Consulting must be able to show that our contractors are paying social security correctly if requested — and the A1 is that evidence. Without a valid A1, or proof that you’ve applied for one, we can’t place you on contract in the EU.
Apply before your assignment starts — processing times range from days to months depending on the country — and keep your A1 (digital or paper) easily accessible. Site inspections are becoming more common across all of Europe, and working without one can mean fines for you and the hirer.
The A1 is issued by the country whose social security system you pay into — usually your country of residence. Guidance explains how it works there; Apply takes you to the official application. Most countries now require an online application with a national eID or government login. If your country isn’t listed, contact us and we’ll point you the right way.
Employees: your employer applies via ELDA. Self-employed: SVS digital application. German.
Self-employed apply online at NISSE; employees via the employer’s WABRO service.
Employer or self-employed applies to the National Revenue Agency. Bulgarian.
Form 7.2 for self-employed, 7.1a for posted employees; e-service via HZMO Lana. Croatian.
Handled by the SIS EU & International Relations Unit (interrel@sid.mlsi.gov.cy).
English ePortal; a separate form on the same portal covers the self-employed.
Businesses & self-employed apply via Virk.dk; employees via Borger.dk. Danish.
Online only since 2023 — apply through eesti.ee with Estonian eID.
One eService for employees & self-employed (Suomi.fi login); often granted within hours.
English overview available. Employers apply via ILASS; self-employed via their URSSAF online account.
Electronic-only since Jan 2025, via the SV-Meldeportal or payroll software. German.
Employers apply for posted staff; self-employed apply to TR directly. English.
Apply ~4 weeks ahead; online via Welfare Partners or paper form EUW1.
Apply through your personal Sodra account, by post or at a branch. English.
Dedicated form for the self-employed & directors; allow 6–8 weeks. English.
Form NAV 02-08.07; posted workers also register with Helfo for an S1. English.
Electronic-only via PUE ZUS / eZUS since 2022 — worker, employer or self-employed.
Online via the RODPA1 portal (account required); allow 35–40 days. Romanian.
Posting applications electronic-only from 1 Jul 2026 (eID). Slovak.
Apply via the SPOT portal; multi-state cases go to ZZZS Maribor. Slovenian.
Apply via the Mina sidor e-service; your employer completes form 6221. Swedish.
Post-Brexit, HMRC issues a certificate of coverage that works like the A1. Employers register first with form CA3821 — directors of their own limited company then apply with CA3822. Working in two or more countries? Use CA8421 whether employed or self-employed.
Every link above points to the official national institution. Links last verified July 2026 — if one has moved, let us know.
There’s a knowledgeable person at the other end of the phone.