What is a Posted Worker Certificate?

In the context of international mobility, a posted worker certificate is a key document for companies temporarily sending their employees to work abroad. This certificate ensures that the assignment complies with legal requirements while maintaining the social protection of the employee. But what exactly is it for? Who is concerned? And how can it be obtained? Here’s a detailed overview.

An Essential Document for Posted Workers

There are two types of posted worker certificates: the A1 certificate within the EU/EEA, and certificates issued under bilateral agreements with countries outside the EU/EEA.

1. A1 Certificate (EU/EEA/Switzerland and the UK)

The A1 certificate is an official document issued under European regulations, applicable to EU member states, the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Switzerland.
The UK is also included following Brexit, under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU.

The A1 certificate confirms which social security legislation applies to the posted worker and proves that the employee remains affiliated with their home country’s social security system, thus avoiding double contributions.

2. Posted Worker Certificates (Bilateral Agreements outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland)

For countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, there is no A1 certificate. Rules are determined by bilateral social security agreements between France (or another sending country) and the third country concerned.

These agreements provide specific forms that serve a similar purpose: certifying that the employee remains affiliated with the social security system of their home country during the posting, according to the agreement’s terms.

It is essential for the foreign company to obtain this certificate before the employee starts their assignment. In France, for example, without this certificate, URSSAF may consider the employee subject to French social security legislation, with all associated obligations.

Purpose of a Posted Worker Certificate

The certificate serves a dual purpose:

• For the employer: it helps avoid double social security contributions and ensures control over social obligations
• For the posted worker: it guarantees that social rights in their home country (health insurance, pensions, etc.) are maintained throughout the posting

In the context of professional mobility, this document also acts as a strong signal of social compliance, closely monitored by French authorities.

How to Obtain a Posted Worker Certificate

The procedure varies depending on the country where the company is registered and the host country. For non-EU countries, specific forms exist according to the bilateral agreements signed with France.

In all cases, the request must be initiated well in advance, requiring proof of the company’s legal status, the employee’s contract, and details of the posting.

Compliance Considerations

Inspections by the French Labour Inspectorate and URSSAF are common when dealing with posted workers in France. A missing or incorrect certificate can lead to financial adjustments or even sanctions for undeclared work.

It is therefore highly recommended to engage a specialised service provider to secure the process from the very beginning. The goal: remain fully compliant with French law, reduce risks, and ensure smooth mobility for employees.