At WorkFlex, we currently support A1 certificates and Certificates of Coverage (CoC) in 25 countries. Our goal is to make this process as seamless as possible. However, social security administrations vary widely between countries, and at times we may need your support to ensure a successful application.
This article gives insights based on our practical experience, it mainly summarizes:
✅ What we cover in each country
⏱ Expected processing times
⚠️ Current challenges and requirements
📝 For country-specific info, click on the country
🇪🇺 European Union & EFTA Countries
Country | A1 Processing Time | CoC Processing Time | Method | Notes / Challenges |
Germany 🇩🇪 | ~5 working days (up to 8+ weeks for multi-state) | 8+ working days | Online | Detailed documents often requested |
Switzerland 🇨🇭 | Instant | 2–3 working days | Online | One of the fastest systems |
Netherlands 🇳🇱 | Up to 8 weeks | N/A | Online | Long lead time; apply early |
Austria 🇦🇹 | ~5 working days | Up to 2 weeks | Online | – |
Ireland 🇮🇪 | 2–4 weeks | N/A | Online | – |
Spain 🇪🇸 | 1 day – 1 week (it may take longer in summer) | 1 day - 2 weeks (it may take longer in summer) | Online (RED system for A1 and Digital Certificate for CoC) | Different system based on the destination country. Authorities may require extra documents. |
Poland 🇵🇱 | 2 weeks – 2 months | N/A | Online | Timing depends on employer address; payroll proof may be requested |
Latvia 🇱🇻 | 4–6 weeks | N/A | Online | – |
Slovakia 🇸🇰 | 30 days + ~5 days mailing | N/A | Post | New process; Employment contract required; limited practical experience |
Norway 🇳🇴 | ~6 months | N/A | Online | Extremely long timeline |
Denmark 🇩🇰 | ~2 months | N/A | Employment contract required for each application | |
Croatia 🇭🇷 | Up to 30 days | N/A | Post | Employer must sign questionnaire; postage adds cost |
Sweden 🇸🇪 | 1–3 months | N/A | Post | Requires 2 POAs; certificate sent directly to employee |
Finland 🇫🇮 | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks | – | |
Estonia 🇪🇪 | ~30 days | N/A | Post | Too early for full assessment |
Iceland 🇮🇸 | ~1 month | N/A | Too early for full assessment | |
Lithuania 🇱🇹 | ~30 days | N/A | Post | Certificate sent to client |
Malta 🇲🇹 | Usually 1 day | N/A | Online | Employer must complete questionnaire |
30–60 days | 30–60 days | Extensive information required; Employment contract required; missing data stops application | ||
Cyprus 🇨🇾 | 6–8 weeks | N/A | Post | Employer questionnaire + 2 PoAs required; certificate sent to employer |
🌎 Non-EU Countries
Country | A1 Processing Time | CoC Processing Time | Method | Notes / Challenges |
~4 months | N/A | Online | – | |
N/A | ~3 months | Online | – | |
Chile 🇨🇱 | N/A | Varies | Online | Depends on bilateral agreement |
Peru 🇵🇪 | N/A | Varies | Online | Depends on bilateral agreement |
Uruguay 🇺🇾 | N/A | Varies | Online | Depends on bilateral agreement |
🌐 Other Countries
WorkFlex can explore coverage options upon request. Each case depends on whether a bilateral agreement exists between the home country and the host country.
💡 Key Takeaways
WorkFlex supports A1 and CoC coverage in 25 countries, each with its own turnaround times, requirements, and challenges.
A Power of Attorney (POA) is always required for us to act on your behalf.
In some countries, we also need an employer questionnaire with details such as local headcount or other company-specific data. These are not arbitrary requests—this information is part of the official application and the only reason we ask for it.
For online application portals, we require your authorization to access the system. During onboarding, if you have entities in countries where this applies, we provide a step-by-step guide so you can grant us the necessary access.
Your timely provision of documents and information is essential for avoiding delays.
By sharing these requirements transparently, we aim to manage expectations and ensure smoother cooperation.