PD A1 in Slovakia: when it is needed and how to apply in 2026

What PD A1 confirms

Portable document PD A1 confirms which country’s social-security legislation applies to a person working across borders. Sociálna poisťovňa issues it where Slovak legislation applies. It is not a work permit, residence permit or health-insurance policy.

Healthcare may require separate evidence, such as EHIC or S1, depending on the situation. Entry, residence and work entitlements must be checked separately, especially for third-country nationals. A Slovak company or residence card does not automatically establish A1 eligibility.

Posting employees and self-employed people

Ordinary employee posting under Article 12 of Regulation 883/2004 is possible for an anticipated period of up to 24 months without replacing another posted worker. The employer must normally conduct substantial activity in the sending country and the direct employment relationship must continue. A Slovak company’s contract with a foreign customer is insufficient by itself.

A self-employed person must normally work in the sending country and temporarily pursue similar activity abroad while retaining the conditions to resume work at home. The 24-month limit concerns ordinary posting, not every possible A1 case without exception.

Working in multiple countries

Regular work in two or more countries follows Article 13 rules, considering habitual residence, a substantial part of activity and the employers involved. Notify the institution in the country of habitual residence; the worker cannot simply choose where to pay contributions.

Check the UK separately: the Withdrawal Agreement or Trade and Cooperation Agreement may apply depending on the circumstances. Do not extend standard EU/EEA/Swiss guidance to every foreign country.

Employer filing from 1 September 2026

From 1 September 2026, employers must submit posting and multi-country employee PD A1 applications through the designated Sociálna poisťovňa eForm. Paper and general electronic submissions for this application are not processed. This is the revised start date.

Self-employed applicants and individual natural persons can still use the available paper forms. Select the form for posting or for determining legislation in multi-country work; they are not one universal application.

Preparation and using the document

Prepare the work countries and dates, worker and employer details, activity description and requested evidence. Apply before travel. Eligible automated applications may be processed within 24 hours, but this is not a universal deadline.

Keep the issued PD A1 for inspections. Report changes to dates, country, employer or the work itself to Sociálna poisťovňa; the document concerns the stated circumstances. Host-country posting notifications remain a separate obligation.