More and more Finns are choosing to work in Spain
The number of applications for A1 certificates to Spain increased in 2024. The popularity of remote working abroad is one of the reasons for this growth. Self-employed persons are also applying for A1 certificates more than before.
In 2024, the Finnish Centre for Pensions granted 22,500 certificates on coverage by Finnish social security for work abroad.
Working in two or more countries increasingly common
More people are applying for A1 certificates because working abroad has become more common, and people have become more aware of the need for the certificate for work abroad.
Previously, A1 certificates were mainly applied for posted workers working in one foreign country. Today, as well as working in Finland, an increasing number of Finns also work regularly in other countries.
People are also working remotely abroad more often then before. In 2024, around 43 per cent of the A1 certificates issued were for people working in two or more countries.
Almost as many A1 certificates to Spain as to Sweden
Last year, almost 1,900 A1 certificates were issued to Spain, which is more than twice as many as in 2022. Spain is closing in on Sweden, which traditionally holds the top spot. Almost 1,930 A1 certificates were issued to Sweden in 2024.
“According to our estimates, the increase in applications to Spain is explained by the increasing popularity of remote work abroad. We don’t keep a separate record of the number of remote workers, but based on applications and customer questions, Finns are increasingly going abroad to do remote work. Spain is one of the most popular countries for that”, says Special Adviser Marjaana Lundqvist at the Finnish Centre for Pensions.
In the EU area, people who work remotely need an A1 certificate to be covered by Finnish social security, whether the work is carried out in a foreign holiday home or in a camper van in different countries.
“Luckily, more and more people who go abroad to work now know that they need an A1 certificate,” Lundqvist explains.
Also self-employed persons need an A1 certificate
In 2024, around 950 A1 certificates were issued to self-employed persons in 2024. This is over 40 per cent more than in 2022.
“The self-employed have become increasingly aware of the need for an A1 certificate, but more knowledge is called for. I think there are more self-employed persons working abroad, like those working remotely in Southern Europe, than there are certificates”, Lundqvist points out.
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