Change in procedure: social security A1 applications in Malta

An A1 certificate confirms which country's social security legislation applies to an individual working across one or more EU Member States. Under EU social security coordination rules, an individual may only be subject to the social security system of one country at any given time. The A1 certificate serves as official evidence of the applicable legislation.

Issued by the competent authority of the relevant Member State, the certificate confirms that the holder is not required to pay social security contributions, including health insurance contributions, in any other country connected to their work activity. The certificate remains valid until its stated expiry date, unless withdrawn or revoked by the issuing authority.

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New A1 application procedure effective 1 September 2026

The Department of Social Security (the “DSS”) has revised the A1 certificate application process with effect from 1 September 2026. The change applies to employees, seafarers, air crew members and other individuals requiring an A1 certificate.

From that date, applications must be submitted directly by the individual applicant through the designated online portal.

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What is changing?

Applicants must access the online A1 service personally and authenticate using either:

• A Maltese electronic identity (eID); or
• The eIDAS framework (where a Maltese eID is not available).

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Way forward for employers

Employers should prepare affected employees for the change by:

• Informing affected employees of the changes to the A1 application process;
• Explaining the eID or eIDAS authentication requirements; and
• Identifying employees who may need to activate a compatible eIDAS login.

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Way forward for employees and other applicants

Individuals who expect to require an A1 certificate should:

• Ensure they have the required electronic identification;
• Where no Maltese eID is available, confirm whether their national eID can be used through eIDAS;
• Submit applications directly through the online portal.

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Access through eIDAS

Applicants without a Maltese eID must authenticate through eIDAS, which allows a recognised electronic identity issued in another participating EU country to be used to access Maltese online public services.

Malta does not issue an “eIDAS account”. Applicants should therefore obtain or activate their national electronic identity through the competent authority in their country and confirm the applicable requirements.

Applicants should ensure that the necessary electronic identification is set up in advance to avoid delays when submitting their application.

The A1 Online Application Form Guidelines can be accessed here.