Overview:
Recent regulations in Spain dictated that A1 Certificates (A1s) can now only be requested by the Autorizado RED. This article outlines the process, documentation requirements, and distinctions between A1 and CoC certificates, explaining how WorkFlex facilitates this process for your employees traveling for business.
Key Points:
A1/CoC for Business Trips: A1 and CoC certificates are only applicable to business trips in Spain. Workations generally will not be eligible for A1/CoC issuance.
Autorizado RED Requirement: Only the Autorizado RED can request A1 certificates. This is a person designated to handle Social Security matters for a company, whose rights can be limited depending on the interest of the company.
WorkFlex Support: If your want WorkFlex to apply for A1s in Spain, WorkFlex will need to become an Autorizado RED, WorkFlex can request the A1/CoC on your behalf by collaborating with your local Autorizados RED or by assisting you in obtaining secondary authorization for WorkFlex itself.
Social Security Regulation 7.1: All countries involved are subject to the regulation’s guidelines, including how Social Security agreements apply across various nations.
Who Can Request A1/CoC?
Employees on Payroll in Spain: Only employees based in Spain are eligible to have A1 or CoC certificates requested for business travel outside of Spain.
Authorization Requirements: In order for WorkFlex to initiate the A1/CoC request, your company must:
Have a company-issued digital certificate (Certificado Digital) from a Spanish entity.
Have an Autorizado RED designated (but WorkFlex will only be able to align, not to apply for the certificates as such) or WorkFlex can be granted secondary authorization to act on your behalf.
Differences Between A1 and CoC:
A1 Certificates: These are required for business trips to countries within the EU or EEA.
CoC (Certificate of Coverage): This is needed for travel to third countries that have Social Security treaties with Spain. Note: The CoC request process does not require the applicant to be an Autorizado RED (but the company must still meet certain requirements).
For travel outside the EU, an additional form will be required during the CoC process (details available on the CoC page).
Required Documents for the A1/CoC Process:
Before we can proceed with the A1/CoC request, please ensure the following documents are available:
Power of Attorney (POA): This allows WorkFlex to act on your behalf for the process.
Autorización Secundaria RED: This secondary authorization must be granted to an WorkFlex specialist based in Spain, allowing WorkFlex to handle the process on your behalf.
Important Clarification: The Autorizado RED is the primary individual who manages Social Security matters for your company. This role is linked to a specific individual and cannot be shared across multiple people. However, the primary Autorizado RED can grant secondary access to others under their authorization, allowing WorkFlex to request A1s or CoCs on behalf of the company.
How We Can Assist with Secondary Authorization:
Delegating RED Authorization: Your company’s Autorizado RED can grant secondary authorization to WorkFlex. This will enable us to act on your behalf when requesting A1s or CoCs for your employees traveling abroad.
Authorization Management: The Autorizado RED has the ability to:
Add, remove, or modify secondary users (like WorkFlex) via the Authorization Management section in the RED Online Services menu.
Next Steps:
If you would like WorkFlex to handle the A1 or CoC request process for your employees, follow these steps:
Ensure the Autorizado RED has been designated and is ready to grant secondary authorization to WorkFlex.
Submit the required documents to WorkFlex, including the POA and the Autorización Secundaria RED.
WorkFlex will then handle the A1/CoC request and keep you updated throughout the process.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you manage your business travel compliance with ease and are always up for a call to provide you with more insight.
Please note that all countries involved are subject to the rules outlined in section 7.1 of the Spanish Social Security regulation.
For further details, feel free to visit the CoC page for additional specifics on third-country travel and form requirements.