CONVINUS Global Mobility
CONVINUS Global Mobility Insights - Sommer / Summer 2025Necessity for Assignments from SwitzerlandThe A1 certificate is mandatory for every professional stay within the EU / EEA areaand in Switzerland – regardless of the duration of the assignment. This means:Even a one-day client visit in the EU or EFTA abroad requires an A1 certificate.It is equally mandatory for multi-month secondments or assemblyassignments.The A1 certificate serves not only as proof of social insurance coverage inSwitzerland but also protects the employee in case of illness or accident, andexempts the employer from making contributions in the host country. InSwitzerland, too, the A1 certificate is required and often checked during labourmarket inspections. If it is not available at the time of an inspection, the employeeis generally required to cease work immediately and may only resume once thecertificate has been obtained.ExampleYves Scharner is employed by TB Security AG in Zurich. He also resides in Zurichand is a Swiss national. On Monday, 15 September 2025, he is scheduled to travel toParis (France) for a one-day business trip. The purpose of the trip is an importantbusiness meeting with a French partner company. Yves will give a presentation ona new product at the partner’s office and negotiate a potential futurecollaboration. A lunch break at a nearby restaurant is planned to reflect on thediscussions. In the afternoon, he is to meet another client in Paris to discussfurther details and coordinate next steps. He will return to Zurich in the evening.Even though the assignment only lasts one day, an A1 certificate must still beobtained. In addition, it must be checked whether a SIPSI notification (inaccordance with the Posted Worker Directive) is required for regulatory purposes.Consequences of Not Having an A1 CertificateFailing to present a valid A1 certificate can have serious consequences for bothemployees and employers:26
CONVINUS Global Mobility Insights - Sommer / Summer 2025Fines and penalties: In countries such as Germany, France or Austria,significant fines may be imposed if a valid A1 certificate cannot be presentedduring inspections.Work bans: The employee may not be allowed to carry out their professionalactivities abroad without the appropriate certificate.Double insurance contributions: Without an A1 certificate, the employee maybe required to pay social security contributions in the host country as well.Reputation damage and delays: Companies risk reputational damage withinternational partners and project delays.ConclusionThe A1 certificate is essential for assignments from Switzerland to the EU or EEAarea. It ensures that the employee remains subject to Swiss social securitylegislation while working abroad and protects both parties from unnecessarycosts, legal uncertainty, and sanctions. Given the clear legal obligation, everysecondment – even a short business trip – should be carefully planned and therequired form requested well in advance. This is the only way to avoid legal andfinancial risks and ensure a smooth international work assignment.Contact:CONVINUS global mobility solutionsTalstrasse 70+41 (0) 44 250 20 20CH-8001 Zürichinfo@convinus.comSwitzerlandconvinus.com27
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