Portugal Article 92 Residence Permit for Vocational Students (FAQ)

Portugal A1 Certificate 

The term "A1 status" typically refers to the A1 certificate, a document issued by the social security authorities of one EU member state to confirm that a worker is covered by the social security system of that country while temporarily posted to another EU member state. The A1 certificate helps prevent double social security coverage and ensures that the posted worker remains subject to the social security laws of their home country. 

 

The A1 certificate is a crucial document when posting workers within the European Union (EU), when a company sends an employee to work temporarily in another EU member state, that employee may remain subject to the social security system of their home country rather than the host country for a limited period. The A1 certificate proves that the employee is covered by the social security system of their home country during the posting period. It helps prevent situations where a worker would have to contribute to social security in both the home and host countries simultaneously, avoiding double taxation and ensuring that the worker continues to receive social security benefits from their home country.

 

Issuing Authority: The A1 certificate is issued by the social security authorities of the worker's home country. By the Labour Code, workers are considered posted when their employer sends them to work in another country for a limited period. Employers must inform the Authority for Working Conditions when workers are published in European Union countries. For postings of up to 24 months, employers must request the issue of a Portable Document A1. This document proves the worker will continue to be subject to Portuguese social security legislation while posting to the other Member States.

 

The processing time for obtaining an A1 certificate can alter depending on the specific methods and efficiency of the social security authorities in the worker's home country. Generally, employers should apply for the A1 certificate well before the planned posting to ensure that all necessary documentation is in place before the worker starts their assignment in another EU member state. The processing time may also be influenced by factors such as the application's complexity, the submitted information's completeness, and any specific requirements of the relevant social security authority. Some authorities may have online application systems to expedite the process, while others may require traditional paper-based applications.

To determine the processing time and requirements, employers should contact the social security authorities in the home country responsible for issuing the A1 certificate. These authorities can provide specific guidance on the application process, required documentation, and expected timelines.