From 1. From January 2019, the application for the A1 certificate for posted workers will only be possible electronically. This affects all companies that send employees abroad or already employ them there and have to apply for a corresponding certificate.
The switch to the digital application is a European Union measure to simplify and speed up the application process. The A1 certificate serves as proof that the employee continues to be covered by social insurance in the home country, thus avoiding double contributions.
In order to be able to submit the application electronically, companies need a user account at the responsible office in the respective country. There the application can be completed and submitted online. The processing time is expected to shorten due to the electronic application.
It is important to consider the new regulation at an early stage and take any necessary steps to prepare in order to avoid delays and associated complications.
Note: Those who wish to continue to apply for a paper certificate must do so by no later than 31. December 2018 do.
Mandatory electronic application for A1 certificate from 2019: What does it mean??
The A1 certificate is an important document for employees working temporarily abroad. It certifies that the person concerned is covered by social insurance in Germany and can be requested if there are questions about social insurance abroad.
From 2019, the application for the A1 certificate will be mandatory electronically. Until now, it was still possible to submit the paper form by mail, but from next year this will no longer be possible. Employers will then have to submit the application online.
This obligation to apply electronically is intended to save administrative effort and help make the application process simpler and faster. Employers should therefore prepare as early as possible and, if necessary, take advantage of training to familiarize themselves with the new system and be able to apply for the certificates in a timely and correct manner.
Why is the electronic application for A1 certificate mandatory as of 2019??
Beginning in 2019, employers will be required to submit A1 attestation applications electronically. The A1 certificate is an important document that certifies the social insurance of the employee abroad and thus avoids double payments.
The mandatory electronic process has several advantages. On the one hand, it saves time and money, as all applications are stored and processed centrally. Secondly, errors are avoided because the system automatically checks all the required information and points out any missing information.
In addition, the electronic A1 certificate provides better protection for employees, as the system ensures that all employers pay their share of social security contributions. This allows employees to work abroad without worrying about their social security in their country of work.
The introduction of the electronic application process is part of a comprehensive plan by the European Union to modernize public administration and improve the cross-border mobility of workers. The introduction of the electronic application process will also remove many of the bureaucratic obstacles that have previously hampered the mobility of workers abroad in the EU.
The advantages of the electronic application for the A1 certificate
From 2019, the electronic application for the A1 certificate will be mandatory. But how does the process actually work? And what are the advantages?
In principle, it is now no longer necessary for employers and employees to apply for the A1 certificate in the traditional way by mail. Instead, the application can be completed and submitted online. This is not only cheaper, but also saves time and is more efficient.
Thanks to the electronic application, the review of applications will also be accelerated. This involves automated verification of information, which significantly reduces processing time. Any errors or incompleteness can also be corrected directly online, without unnecessary delays in the delivery of the certificate.
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Advantages at a glance:
- Time saving
- More efficient processing
- Lower costs
- Easy correction options
As an added bonus, the electronic application also eliminates the need for cumbersome paperwork. Environmentally conscious employers and employees certainly appreciate this development.
What are the consequences if the obligation is breached???
The electronic application for an A1 certificate will be mandatory starting in 2019. Those who disregard this requirement will face significant consequences.
First of all, employees who cannot provide A1 certification risk high fines. In addition, employers face stiff fines if they send their employees abroad without presenting a valid A1 certificate.
But it’s not just the financial consequences that loom if the obligation is breached. Employers who ignore the rule also put themselves at risk of being charged in a high-profile lawsuit. Such an audit can cause the business to fall into disrepute and customers to lose confidence in the company.
In the long term, employers may also suffer reputational damage if they repeatedly fail to comply with the A1 attestation obligation. This can lead to highly qualified workers leaving or potential employees being unwilling to work for the company.
- High fines
- Fines for employers
- Procedures that are open to the public
- Reputational damage
Mandatory electronic application for A1 certificate starting in 2019
Post-Brexit, the requirements for the A1 certificate will change. In order to pay the necessary insurance premiums for expatriated employees, it is essential to apply for the A1 certificate. Starting in 2019, this will only be possible electronically. This is to simplify the process and should reduce processing time.
In order to apply for the A1 certificate, companies and employers need to consider a number of things. The application form must be completed in full and include all necessary information. All documents must also be submitted on time and in full. Early submission of the application is recommended to avoid delays.
With the electronic application for the A1 certificate, there is the possibility to follow the progress of the application online. Once the application is processed, the certificate is delivered electronically. Changes and additions can also be made quickly and easily.
- Electronic application for A1 certificate mandatory as of 2019
- Observe completeness and timeliness of documentation
- Early submission of the application is recommended
- Ability to track progress online and make changes quickly
Electronic application for the A1 certificate will be a mandatory measure starting in 2019. Businesses and employers should find out early on what information is needed and how to fill out the application correctly. Timely submission of documents also plays an important role in avoiding delays and undesirable consequences. The progress of the application can be tracked online and changes can be made if needed.