Why is there no A1 certificate for the USA?
The A1 certificate applies only within the EU, the EEA and Switzerland — it is based on EU Regulations (EC) No. 883/2004 and 987/2009 on the coordination of social security systems. The United States is not an EU, EEA or Swiss state, so that framework does not apply. For postings of German employees to the USA, the bilateral Germany-US Social Security Agreement of 7 January 1976 applies instead — with its own proof-of-coverage form: the Certificate of Coverage D/USA 101.
The Germany-US Social Security Agreement
The Agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States of America on Social Security entered into force on 7 January 1976 and was supplemented in 2004 by an administrative agreement on implementation. It is designed to prevent employees on cross-border assignments from paying social security contributions twice — in Germany and in the USA at the same time.
Important: Unlike EU coordination, the agreement does not cover every branch of social security — it covers only pension insurance (in the US: Social Security / Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance). Health, long-term care and unemployment insurance are not covered.
Certificate of Coverage: the D/USA 101 form
The document proving that a posted employee remains subject exclusively to German pension insurance during the US assignment — and is exempt from US Social Security — is called the D/USA 101 certificate of coverage. It is the functional equivalent of the A1 certificate, but a separate, country-specific form with its own procedure.
Who issues the Certificate of Coverage?
The employer applies for the D/USA 101 — not the posted employee. The responsible body is:
- the statutory health insurance fund that collects the employee's pension insurance contributions, or
- the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund if there is no pension insurance obligation routed through a health insurance fund — for example for certain self-employed people.
The application should be filed before the assignment in the USA begins.
How long does a posting last? The 60-month limit
A posting under the agreement is limited to 60 months (five years). As long as that period is not exceeded and the employee continues to be paid by the German employer, they remain compulsorily insured under the German pension system and exempt from US Social Security obligations.
If it is clear from the outset that the assignment will last longer than 60 months, or it does not otherwise qualify as a posting, employer and employee can apply for an exception agreement at the Deutsche Verbindungsstelle Krankenversicherung – Ausland (DVKA) to remain insured under the German pension system.
A1 certificate vs. D/USA 101 compared
| Feature | A1 certificate | Certificate of Coverage D/USA 101 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | EU, EEA, Switzerland | USA (bilateral agreement) |
| Legal basis | Regulations (EC) 883/2004 & 987/2009 | Germany-US Social Security Agreement (1976) |
| Branches covered | All social security branches | Pension insurance only |
| Form | Uniform EU form A1 | Country-specific form D/USA 101 |
| Responsible body (DE) | Health insurance fund or DRV | Health insurance fund (collection agency) or DRV Bund |
| Maximum duration | Typically 24 months (exception agreement possible) | 60 months (exception agreement via DVKA possible) |
What the agreement does not cover
Because the Germany-US agreement regulates only pension insurance, health, long-term care and unemployment insurance remain unresolved for the time spent in the USA. Companies should therefore arrange additional private international health insurance for posted employees, including cover for medically necessary repatriation — German statutory health insurance generally does not provide benefits in the USA.
What this means for employers
For companies posting employees to the USA, the takeaway is: the A1 logic from EU business travel does not carry over 1:1 to the USA. Anyone relying on their European country guide needs a separate process for the USA — including tracking the 60-month limit and filing an exception agreement in good time for longer assignments. Tools like premote help automatically detect, apply for and track deadlines for country-specific certificates such as the Certificate of Coverage alongside the A1 certificate.
FAQ
Is there an A1 certificate for the USA?
No. The A1 certificate only applies within the EU, EEA and Switzerland. For the USA, the Certificate of Coverage D/USA 101 applies instead, based on the Germany-US Social Security Agreement.
Who applies for the Certificate of Coverage D/USA 101?
The employer applies for it at the responsible statutory health insurance fund (the collection agency for pension insurance contributions) or, if no pension insurance obligation is routed through a health insurance fund, at the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund.
How long does the exemption from US Social Security last?
Up to 60 months (five years) under a posting. For longer planned assignments, an exception agreement via the DVKA is required.
Does the agreement also cover health insurance?
No. The Germany-US Social Security Agreement covers pension insurance only. It does not apply to health, long-term care or unemployment insurance — private international health insurance is strongly recommended.
What happens without a certificate?
Without the D/USA 101, contributions may become due in both countries in parallel, along with potential back-payment claims and uncertainty over insurance coverage in case of illness or accident.
The information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to address any legal issues or problems that may arise in individual cases. The information on this website is of a general nature and is provided for informational purposes only. If you need legal advice for your individual situation, you should seek the advice of a qualified attorney.