1. Why does an A1 application require RED authorization, and why is a PoA not sufficient?
It is important to distinguish between A1 certificates and Certificates of Coverage (CoC) as these are two different processes.
A1 applications must be submitted exclusively through the Spanish Social Security RED platform. Previously, A1s and CoCs could be processed together under a different framework, but this is no longer the case.
As a result, submitting A1 applications now requires access to RED as an authorized user (secondary RED authorization). A Power of Attorney (PoA) alone is no longer sufficient for A1 processing.
However, when the destination country is a third country covered by a bilateral agreement, Certificates of Coverage can still be requested without RED access, based on the applicable process.
2. Our current main RED holder does not want to grant WorkFlex secondary access. What are the available options?
If your current main RED holder does not grant us secondary authorization, please note the following:
We will still be able to request Certificates of Coverage (CoC).
However, we will not be able to process A1 applications without RED access.
There are several possible solutions, and we encourage you to evaluate all available options together with your current provider and with us. These may include:
Your current provider retaining A1 processing responsibilities.
Internalizing the service within your company by becoming a main RED authorized user and granting WorkFlex secondary RED authorization for A1 management.
Please note that being the main RED authorized user involves broader responsibilities, including Social Security registrations and deregistrations, as well as the management and payment of social security contributions.
We would be happy to discuss the most suitable structure for your organization.
3. We have appointed WorkFlex as a secondary RED authorization holder. When will the access become active?
Once the authorization has been correctly submitted, access is typically activated within approximately 24 hours.
4. We have been contacted for additional information because the A1 could not be processed. What is the reason?
In some cases, we are unable to proceed with the A1 application because the identification number stored in the system does not match the one linked to the employee’s Spanish Social Security number. In practice, this mainly affects non-Spanish employees.
Spanish nationals use their DNI, which is already correctly linked to their Social Security number, and we have not encountered issues in those cases.
For non-Spanish employees, the Social Security number is often linked to the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) rather than the passport. If the employee was originally registered with a NIE but the system currently reflects only the passport number, the A1 application cannot be processed. In these situations, we will request the NIE.
The NIE should be updated in the employee profile in the field currently labeled “Passport or NIE.” If a passport number is entered there, it can be replaced with the NIE. Once updated, please inform us so we can proceed with the application.
Going forward, we recommend ensuring that the identifier used in the system matches the one linked to the Social Security registration. In many cases, this will be the NIE.
If we encounter this issue while attempting to submit an A1 application, we will contact you directly to resolve it.
5. Can A1s be applied retroactively in Spain?
Yes, A1 certificates can be requested retroactively, and there is no strict statutory time limit for doing so.
However, when an A1 is requested for a period that began more than three months ago, the case may be subject to increased scrutiny. In such situations, the authorities may request additional documentation explaining why the certificate was not applied for at the appropriate time.
Supporting documentation may include, for example:
Flight tickets,
Invitation letters from the host company,
Business trip confirmation letters,
Or other documents substantiating the business activity and timing.
While retroactive applications are possible, we strongly recommend adding the trips to the platform on a timely manner, so A1 requests are done prior to the start of the trip whenever feasible.
For more information on A1 and CoC process for Spain click here.