Apply for an A1 certificate free of charge

How to apply for an A1 certificate (certificate of coverage) free of charge: select the situation that applies to you.

You are an employer

If you are an employer, find out how to apply for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage.

You are an employee

Employees cannot normally apply for A1 certificates/certificates of coverage for themselves. Your employer can do this for you via the internet. However, if you work in 2 or more European Union (EU ) countries, you can apply for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage yourself.

If you are going to work outside the Netherlands for longer than 2 years, we will need to carry out extra checks to see whether you can stay insured in the Netherlands during your posting period. The rules differ from country to country. If you can stay insured in the Netherlands, you should generally receive the certificate within 3 months.

You are self-employed

Submitting an application using your DigiD

The quickest and most secure way to apply for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage is online via My SVB. Go to ‘Log in’ and choose how you want to log in to My SVB. You will also need the details of your company, such as:

  • the registration number with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
  • Chamber of Commerce branch number (vestigingsnummer)

If you do not have a DigiD

If you do not have a DigiD, go to the DigiD website. You can apply for a DigiD straight away.

Applying using a paper form

You can also apply for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage by downloading and printing the application form and sending it to us by post. You will receive a reply within 8 weeks.

Priority applications

If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot start working or where a client will not pay you because you do not yet have an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage, you should know that the inspectorates in most countries will also accept a copy of your application for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage. If a copy is not accepted, please contact us and we will see whether we can prioritise your application.

You are a self-employed performing artist

Submitting an application using your DigiD

The quickest and most secure way to apply for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage is online via My SVB. Go to ‘Log in’ and choose how you want to log in to My SVB. You will also need the details of your company, such as:

  • the registration number with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
  • Chamber of Commerce branch number (vestigingsnummer)

If you do not have a DigiD

If you do not have a DigiD, go to the DigiD website. You can apply for a DigiD straight away.

Priority applications

If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot start working or where a client will not pay you because you do not yet have an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage, you should know that the inspectorates in most countries will also accept a copy of your application for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage. If a copy is not accepted, please contact us and we will see whether we can prioritise your application.

Applying using a paper form

You can also apply for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage by downloading and printing the application form and sending it to us by post. You will receive a reply within 8 weeks.

If you are going to work in Belgium

If you are going to work in Belgium temporarily, you must register in Belgium in advance via the Limosa website.

You are employed by a Dutch employer

If you are a performing artist and you work for an employer, you cannot apply for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage yourself. Your employer can do this for you via the internet.

You are a student or you are doing an internship

If you are a student or you are doing an internship, you cannot apply for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage yourself. Your employer can do this for you via the internet.

If you are going to do an internship in another country as part of your studies in the Netherlands, you will probably remain insured in the Netherlands for as long as you do not have a contract with an employer outside the Netherlands. Your school or educational institution does not have to apply for an A1/certificate of coverage.

You are an international driver, or you are a member of the cockpit or cabin crew of an aircraft, or you are a Rhine boatman

If you work for an employer, you cannot apply for an A1 certificate/certificate of coverage yourself. Your employer can do this for you via the internet.

If you are an employer, you can apply for A1 certificates/certificates of coverage for your employees online via TWinternet.