An increasing number of British citizens are applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa to work remotely from Spain while maintaining their employment with UK-based companies. However, one of the most sensitive aspects of this process is Social Security coverage. Are you required to contribute in Spain, or can you continue contributing in the UK? The answer lies in the A1 certificate, a key document that helps avoid double contributions. In this article, we explain in detail how to apply for it, its legal implications, and how it affects the digital nomad visa process.
Planning to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa? Don’t miss our guide: “How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain: Step-by-Step”, where you’ll find everything you need to know about the economic, professional, and administrative requirements.
What Is the A1 Certificate and Why Is It Important for Remote Workers in Spain?
The A1 certificate confirms that a worker remains covered under their home country’s Social Security system — in this case, the UK — while temporarily working in another country — like Spain — under a bilateral Social Security agreement.
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, in force since January 1, 2021, provides a legal framework to avoid double Social Security contributions (Articles SSC.10 to SSC.16, Title VII of the Agreement). Under this framework, dispatched workers and remote workers may remain under the UK Social Security system by obtaining an A1 certificate issued by HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).
This means that if you’re a UK employee applying for the digital nomad visa in Spain, you may avoid paying contributions in both countries if you have the A1 certificate. Additionally, with the S1 form, you may be eligible for public healthcare in Spain.
Who Can Apply for the A1 Certificate?
According to HMRC guidelines, the A1 certificate can be issued to workers who meet the following conditions:
- They maintain an employment relationship with a UK-based company.
- They will temporarily reside in Spain to perform remote services (including digital nomads).
- They do not intend to stay longer than 24 months initially.
- Their employer agrees to continue paying National Insurance contributions during that period.
Important: The A1 certificate is generally not available to self-employed workers, unless in very specific situations where the worker maintains a strong, continuous link with the UK system and HMRC approves the request.
In most cases, self-employed UK citizens working from Spain will need to register with the Spanish Social Security system (RETA) and pay monthly contributions there.
How to Apply for the A1 Certificate in the UK: Step by Step
Here’s how to apply for the A1 certificate through HMRC, the UK authority responsible for Social Security:
1. Complete Form CA3822 (Employee)
The employee must fill in form CA3822 (“Application for a certificate to confirm the applicable legislation – employees”), available on the UK government website.
You’ll need to provide:
- Full name and address.
- UK National Insurance Number.
- Employer details: name, address, and registration code.
- Expected duration of remote work in Spain.
- Reason for the move and a description of the work to be carried out.
Make sure to clearly state that the reason for the move is remote work under Spain’s digital nomad visa framework.
2. Complete Form CA3821 (Employer)
Your employer must also complete form CA3821, a declaration that the employment relationship continues and that the employer agrees to maintain UK contributions during your stay abroad.
3. Submit the Application
You can send the forms:
- By post
- By email (only if allowed in the current HMRC instructions)
- Preferred option: through the UK Government Gateway portal, using an active account held by both the employer and employee.
This online route is the fastest and most efficient.
4. Wait for Processing
Average processing time is around 10 weeks, though it can vary.
This is especially important if you’re already in Spain and your initial visa is tied to your Schengen stay limits.
If the process is delayed or you’re nearing a deadline, you can contact HMRC for updates.
5. Receive the Certificate
Once approved, HMRC will send the original A1 certificate by post, so be sure to provide a reliable postal address.
Many applicants choose to use a UK address or a mail forwarding service to Spain, especially if they live in rural areas with irregular postal service.
What to Do Once You Have the A1 Certificate
Once you receive the A1 certificate:
- If applying from abroad, attach it to your digital nomad visa application at the Spanish consulate.
- If applying from Spain, submit it with your initial residence permit application via the online system.
In addition, if you also submit form S1 (also issued by HMRC), you may register with the Spanish public healthcare system without needing private health insurance — as permitted by Article 14 of Spain’s General Social Security Law, which recognizes international bilateral agreements.
What If You Don’t Obtain the A1 Certificate?
If you don’t get the A1 certificate, you will be required to pay Social Security contributions in Spain from day one:
- If employed, your UK employer must register as an employer in Spain and pay Spanish contributions.
- If self-employed, you must register with RETA (Spain’s self-employed regime) and start making monthly payments.
Failure to submit the A1 certificate — especially if your visa application is based on continuing UK contributions — can lead to visa denial or revocation, according to current criteria from Spain’s Directorate General for Migration.
In conclusion, obtaining the A1 certificate is a crucial step for anyone planning to work remotely from Spain under the digital nomad visa while staying within the UK’s Social Security system. It allows you to:
- Maintain UK contributions,
- Avoid dual Social Security payments, and
- Access Spanish public healthcare (with form S1).
However, the process requires careful planning. You must complete the forms accurately, ensure your employer’s collaboration, and allow enough time for processing (which can take over two months).
Make sure everything is in place before your legal stay in Spain ends or your remote work period begins. A well-prepared application will help avoid delays and secure your visa and Social Security status smoothly.
