An A1 certificate is proof that you are covered by the social security legislation of the country that issues it.
If you have a valid A1 certificate, you do not have to pay social security contributions in another EEA country.

The certificate is issued for a specific period of employment, and this period is clearly stated on the certificate.

If you intend to work temporarily abroad within the European Economic Area (EEA), it is important to apply for an A1 certificate to ensure that you remain insured in your home country.

An A1 certificate must be applied for when:

· An employee or self-employed person works in one or more EEA countries and wishes to remain covered by Icelandic social security legislation.

An A1 certificate is only issued to individuals — either employees or self-employed persons.

If the stay abroad is very short, however, it may be sufficient to carry the European Health Insurance Card, which can be obtained from Icelandic Health Insurance.