This article is only relevant when the country in which the employee pays their social security contributions (home country / payroll country) is Portugal.
Applying for A1 certificates in Portugal is done online through Segurança Social (via the Segurança Social Direta platform – “SEG”).
Processing times in Portugal can vary depending on case complexity and workload, but applications are typically handled within a few weeks once correctly submitted.
The main requirement is that WorkFlex must be formally authorized to act on behalf of the Portuguese entity or individual before we can submit applications.
✅ What you need to do
1. Sign a Power of Attorney (PoA)
We will provide you with a PoA template. Please sign it and return it to us so we can act on your behalf with Segurança Social.
2. Share your Portuguese entity’s access details
To proceed, you will need to provide either:
Your Portuguese NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social), or
Access credentials to your Segurança Social Direta (SEG) account
This allows WorkFlex to submit and manage A1 applications directly through the Portuguese system.
⚠️ Key points to bear in mind
A PoA is always required.
Without SEG access or NISS details, WorkFlex cannot submit A1 applications.
Processing timelines are influenced by the completeness of the documentation and the assessment by Segurança Social.
👉 Once these steps are completed, WorkFlex can fully manage the A1s process on your behalf.
👉 With PoA and SEG access in place, WorkFlex ensures smooth, compliant submission of A1s applications in Portugal.