Authorizing WorkFlex for A1 Applications in Portugal
This article explains how employers can authorize WorkFlex to submit Portable A1 certificate applications on their behalf via the Portuguese Social Security system (Segurança Social Direta – SEG). This is relevant when the employee pays social security contributions in Portugal and an A1 certificate is required for cross-border work.
Overview
In Portugal, A1 certificate applications are submitted online through Segurança Social Direta (SEG), the official portal of the Portuguese Social Security system. Because the system currently does not offer an official delegated access mechanism or API for third-party submissions, the practical way for WorkFlex to act on your behalf is through formal authorization and limited access to your SEG account.
Important: Since Portugal does not currently provide a technical or legal delegation mechanism for A1 submissions via Segurança Social Direta. As a result, the only operational way to submit A1s on behalf of employers is credential-based access. This is a structural limitation of the Portuguese system, not a WorkFlex design choice.
✅ What You Need to Do
1. Sign a Power of Attorney (PoA)
You must sign a Power of Attorney that authorizes WorkFlex to act on your behalf with Segurança Social specifically for A1 applications.
We will provide a PoA template and guidance on how to complete and return it to us.
2. Provide Access Credentials or NISS Details
To submit A1 applications in Portugal, WorkFlex needs one of the following:
Your Portuguese entity’s Segurança Social Direta (SEG) access credentials,
ORYour Portuguese Social Security Identification Number (NISS) along with appropriate access data (the name of the person in charge) that enables us to create an account if you don't have one.
You can use our new WorkFlex File Share: https://storage.getworkflex.com/ to send these details in an encrypted email to [email protected]
It is secure and ticks all the boxes. You can simply upload a file and send us a link to the file via email.
⚠️ Key Points to Bear in Mind
Purpose-Limited Access
WorkFlex’s access is strictly limited to submitting, managing, and tracking A1 applications on your behalf.
We will not:
Modify corporate or employee master data;
Submit Social Security declarations outside of A1 needs;
Request benefits or make unrelated filings.
This is part of our commitment to purpose limitation and data minimization.
Risk, Controls & Accountability
We recognize that sharing SEG access credentials is sensitive. Portugal’s system does not currently support a formal delegation mechanism for A1 submission, so credential-based access is a necessary operational approach to ensure compliance and timely submissions.
To give you confidence:
Security & Governance Controls
Credentials are stored securely in an encrypted vault with strict access controls.
Only authorized, named WorkFlex personnel may use the credentials.
Every access and submission is logged with date, time, and purpose.
Contractual Safeguards
The scope of use is defined contractually and limited to A1 activities.
WorkFlex assumes contractual liability for misuse or unauthorized actions.
You retain the right to revoke access at any time.
Transparency
You receive confirmation of each A1 submission.
Copies of all filings and official receipts are shared with you.
These safeguards are designed to align with strong governance, data protection, and client accountability standards.
Processing Timelines
Processing times through Segurança Social Direta vary based on case complexity and Social Security workload. Once correctly submitted, applications are typically handled within a few weeks.
What Happens After Authorization?
Once we receive:
A signed Power of Attorney, and
Your SEG access credentials or NISS details,
WorkFlex will be able to fully manage the A1 application process on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and compliant experience from submission to certification.
Why This Approach?
Because the Portuguese social security system currently lacks a true delegated access mechanism, employers who want a third party to submit A1 applications must grant appropriately limited access. WorkFlex balances this necessity with strong contractual, technical, and operational safeguards to ensure access is used only for A1 purposes with transparency and accountability.