An A1 form or certificate of coverage states that an employee remains insured for social security coverage in another country than the work country of the employee. If issued by the Netherlands (by the Sociale Verzekeringsbank or SVB, a state body) employees remain covered by Dutch social security while working temporarily outside the Netherlands. To work outside of the Netherlands under this condition, most countries require such a statement.

Employees or self-employed persons can only apply for an A1 or certificate of coverage if he or she is going to work temporarily in a country of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or in a treaty country (such as Australia, Canada, India, Japan, the U.S. among others).

Tips when applying for an A1 form/certificate of coverage

1.  Apply in advance; you should apply for the certificate of coverage before you start working outside the Netherlands. This will save you from administrative problems later. If you work for an employer, the employer can apply for the certificate on your behalf.
2. Not permitted to work without a certificate of coverage; in some countries, you will not be permitted to start work for certain companies if you do not have an A1 certificate. If you are not sure whether you need a certificate, please contact us by clicking on the blue button below.
3. Avoid a fine; if you start working outside the Netherlands and you do not have an A1 certificate of coverage, you may get a fine from the labor inspectorate in the country where you work.
4. Validity; an A1 certificate will stop being valid when you return to work in the Netherlands. The certificate will also stop being valid if you have been sent to work in a company outside the Netherlands, and that company sends you to work in a different (third) company.

Need help with applying for an A1 form or certificate of coverage?

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