Posting workers to another EU country is a daily reality for industrial projects, but it brings clear legal obligations. For the client, it is crucial that the contractor meets these obligations consistently — otherwise the risk (and penalties) fall on both parties. Let us explain the essentials.
What posting is
We speak of posting when an employer temporarily sends its worker to perform work in another member state, while the worker remains employed by the home employer. Work abroad is governed by the European Posting of Workers Directive and the national law of the destination country.
The A1 certificate — the basis of every posting
A1 is a certificate that the worker remains socially insured in the home country during the posting. Without a valid A1, an inspection abroad can stop the work, and the employer faces penalties and back-payment of contributions.
The A1 must be issued before work begins and be available on site — not only afterwards.
What else must be arranged
In addition to the A1, a posting usually requires:
- Registration of the posting in the destination country (e.g. systems such as SIPSI, ZKO, LIMOSA)
- Compliance with the minimum or customary wage of the destination country
- Appropriate employment and health documentation for the worker
- Valid certificates (e.g. welding, occupational safety, SCC/VCA)
Where the risks arise
The most common problems are expired or missing A1s, an unregistered posting and a wage not calculated according to the rules of the destination country. Each of these can mean stoppage of work, penalties and damage to the client's reputation.
That is why, when choosing a contractor, it is worth checking how systematically it manages postings and documentation.
How the client reduces risk
Work with a contractor that keeps a clear overview of certificates, visas, A1s and deadlines for every worker, and can present the documentation immediately. It is precisely the traceability of this data that separates a reliable partner from a risky one.
Since 2011, Save Consulting has been posting certified welders, fitters and assemblers across Europe with orderly documentation for every worker and project.