How do I request an A1 certificate for work abroad?
What would you like help with?
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
An A1/certificate of coverage proves continued Dutch social-insurance coverage for work abroad. Apply free through SVB, preferably before departure. Employers usually apply for employees; self-employed people use Mijn SVB.
On this page
1. What does it prove?
SVB certifies continued Dutch social insurance for temporary work in the EU, EEA or a treaty country where conditions are met. Apply beforehand. A1 is not a work permit and does not settle all tax or employment-law questions.
2. Which employee route?
An employee usually cannot apply personally; the employer uses TWinternet. Employees working in several EU countries can apply themselves. Record every country and employer and ask SVB to identify the route if this is not an ordinary temporary posting.
3. How does a self-employed person apply?
Use Mijn SVB with DigiD and have your KVK and establishment numbers ready. Self-employed performers use this route too. An official paper form is available; SVB gives up to eight weeks for a response via that route. Keep the application.
4. Which special routes exist?
An intern's employer applies where they are employed. For a placement through Dutch education without a foreign-employer contract, Dutch insurance usually continues and the school need not request A1. International drivers, flight crew and Rhine boatworkers have a specific employee paper route; employers can use TWinternet.
5. What about urgency or long postings?
For work abroad exceeding two years, SVB investigates continued coverage; country rules differ and the certificate usually follows within three months if coverage continues. Many countries accept an application copy if work or payment is blocked, but this is not guaranteed. Otherwise ask SVB about urgency. For Belgium check the separate advance Limosa notification.
6. What follows receipt?
Keep the certificate safely: SVB issues it once, and Berichtenbox may speed receipt. Returning to work in the Netherlands or being lent onward by the foreign company can end validity. Report changes and do not assume an old certificate covers a new situation.
Must I pay an intermediary because SVB charges a fee?
SVB's application route is free. An intermediary may charge for its own service, but using one is not compulsory.
Documents to prepare
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Work countries and periods
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Work countries and periods
- Employment, self-employment or special category
- Employer(s) or KVK/establishment numbers
- Application route and receipt
- Urgency and local notifications
- Certificate and subsequent changes
Contact with a lawyer
You can use the chat and information without a phone number. A contact request requires a phone number, a verified email address and your wish for telephone contact. Our team assesses which partner fits your question. Data is shared only under the stated consent procedure. A partner or engagement is not guaranteed.
View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
SVB · A1 aanvragen ↗SVB · Wat is een A1 ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.