In today’s globalized workforce, sending employees abroad for temporary assignments is more common than ever. But with international mobility comes a complex web of legal obligations. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, documents in cross-border employment is the A1 certificate.
What is the A1 certificate?
The A1 certificate is an official document issued by the social security authority in the home country of the employee. It confirms that the worker remains subject to the social security system of their country of origin, even while temporarily working in another EU or EEA member state or Switzerland. In Netherlands, the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) issues these certificates.
Without an A1 certificate, the host country may assume local social security rules apply, leading to double contributions, unexpected costs, and compliance risks.
Why it matters for employers in Netherlands
If you’re an employer based in the EU and you’re sending non-Dutch employees to work temporarily in Netherlands, an A1 certificate is essential. It proves that your workers remain covered under your home country’s social security system and it shows Dutch authorities that your assignment is legally sound and temporary in nature.
Especially in the context of residence permit applications for third-country nationals, the A1 certificate is a key component. It supports the legal foundation of temporary service provision under the Posted Workers Directive and helps validate the structure of employment.
How CIS supports you
While CIS does not handle A1 certificate applications, we closely monitor the context in which they play a critical role. Our focus lies in arranging Dutch residence permits for third-country nationals posted temporarily to Netherlands. In these cases, an A1 certificate obtained by the employer in the home country strengthens the legal framework for temporary cross-border assignments. By guiding our clients on what documentation is typically required by Dutch authorities, including the importance of an A1 where applicable, we ensure that every residence permit application we submit is built on a solid, compliant foundation.
Final thought
Neglecting the A1 certificate can cost you financially and legally. But with the right partner, navigating international employment can be simple, compliant, and predictable.
Want to know more about how the A1 fits into your Dutch operations?
Let’s talk.
