Following a provisional agreement between the EU institutions (ref. EMPL_AG(2026)787916), a notable easing of administrative requirements for short-term cross-border assignments is envisaged: in future, an A1 certificate will not be required for business trips and short-term assignments of up to three working days within a 30‑day period, with the exception of the construction sector. For employers, this would result in a significant reduction in administrative burden and compliance risks.
Social security in cross-border activities
The A1 certificate is a key instrument of European social security law for cross-border activities. It serves as official proof for authorities and contracting parties in the host country as to which national social security system applies to an employee temporarily working in another EU, EEA country or in Switzerland. The legal basis is Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems and its Implementing Regulation (EC) No. 987/2009.
For activities without a cross-border element, employees are subject to the social security system of the country in which they work. In the case of temporary assignments abroad – such as postings, business trips or project-based work – the social security law of the home country generally continues to apply. The A1 certificate ensures the correct allocation of social security obligations, prevents double contributions and provides legal certainty for both employers and employees.
Key changes
The proposed reform aims to reduce administrative burdens, introduce digital application processes across Member States and mitigate, in part significantly, the risks arising during inspections (e.g. warnings, fines or refusal of entry by authorities or contracting parties).
This is to be achieved primarily through the “3/30 rule”: In future, employers will no longer be required to obtain an A1 certificate for stays abroad of up to three days within a 30-day period. In particular, the obligation to carry or apply for an A1 certificate is expected to be waived for clearly defined short-term trips for business or meeting purposes. The construction sector remains excluded from this rule, due to the high number of posted workers, frequent instances of fraud and an above-average rate of workplace accidents.
Practical tip
The agreement still requires formal adoption by the European Parliament and the Council; entry into force is not expected before autumn 2026. Until then, the obligation to apply for and carry an A1 certificate remains unchanged.