This article is only relevant when the country in which the employee pays their social security contributions (home country/payroll country) is Portugal.
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.
Following an update to the SEG portal, companies can now create sub-accounts (subcontas) for designated users directly within their company profile. This is a significant improvement: WorkFlex can now be granted its own dedicated access to act on your behalf — with no need to share your main NISS credentials
✅ 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. Create a sub-account for WorkFlex on the SEG portal
Follow these steps inside your Segurança Social Direta account:
Log in to the SEG portal at app.seg-social.pt using your main company NISS credentials.
Click on Área de acesso (Access area).
Click on Gestão de acessos (Access management).
Click on Gerir subcontas de utilizadores de empresa (Manage company user sub-accounts).
Click Adicionar utilizador (Add user).
Enter the following WorkFlex details:
Name: WorkFlex International BV
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +31644218229
Set the start date (date from which the sub-account should be active) and an appropriate end date if desired. Note: the system defaults the end date to 31/12/9999, meaning indefinite access unless manually changed.
Click Seguinte: Resumo (Next: Summary), verify the information, and click Adicionar utilizador to confirm.
WorkFlex will receive an activation email at [email protected] with a code valid for 1 hour to activate the sub-account and set a password.
💡 If the activation code expires before it is used, you can resend it from the sub-account management screen. Note that a new code can only be sent after 60 minutes have passed since the previous one
3. Notify WorkFlex
Once the sub-account has been created, let your WorkFlex contact know. We will complete the activation on our end and confirm when we are ready to begin processing your A1 applications. You can also reach us directly at:
+493030809437
⚠️ 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
Security & governance controls
The sub-account is created and controlled entirely by you within the official SEG portal.
You can revoke access at any time by simply deactivating the sub-account.
Every action taken through the sub-account is logged with a full audit trail, accessible to you at any time.
Contractual safeguards
The scope of use is defined contractually and limited to A1 activities.
WorkFlex assumes contractual liability for misuse or unauthorized actions.
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 timeline
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 confirmation that the sub-account has been activated, WorkFlex will be fully set up to manage the A1 application process on your behalf — ensuring a smooth and compliant experience from submission through to certification.