{"id":1179,"date":"2025-07-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/?p=1179"},"modified":"2026-02-14T16:52:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T16:52:07","slug":"a1-certificate-waiting-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/a1-certificate-waiting-time\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Do You Wait for the A1 Certificate?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

The waiting time for the A1 Certificate from ZUS<\/strong> (Social Insurance Institution) is highly variable. The whole process\u2014from setting up a sole proprietorship to the final decision\u2014usually takes up to two months. However, just one mistake is enough to significantly prolong the waiting time or even result in a refusal.<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 1 \u2013 An Offer You Can’t Refuse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Andrzej was sitting at his kitchen table when the phone rang. He glanced at the display: a number from abroad. He answered with trepidation.
\u2013 “Hello, Andrzej? It’s Karl from BauHaus GmbH. We have a big construction contract for you in Germany. Starting next month. Are you interested?<\/em>” he heard on the other end, spoken with a characteristic German accent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej\u2019s heart beat faster. He had been looking for an opportunity abroad for weeks, and suddenly, this offer!
\u2013 “Of course, I’m interested” \u2013 he replied in English, trying to sound confident. “When, and what formalities do I need to complete?”
Karl explained that the contract would last a year on a large construction site in Munich. There was one condition: Andrzej had to work as an independent contractor, preferably with his sole proprietorship (JDG), and he absolutely had to have the A1 Certificate.
\u2013 “You know, a paper from ZUS that says you pay contributions in Poland. Otherwise, we can’t legally employ you”<\/em> \u2013 Karl added in broken Polish, trying to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej thanked him for the information and hung up. He sat silently for a moment, staring at his phone. The joy of the lucrative contract was mixed with apprehension. A company abroad? An A1 Certificate?<\/em> he repeated in his mind. He had never run a business before, let alone handled international formalities. “Where in my small town am I going to find an accounting office that knows anything about foreign income?” he thought, panicked. Suddenly, he looked at a business card a friend who helped him apply for the German contract had given him: “Biuro Rachunkowe Precyzja<\/strong> \u2013 we operate entirely online. Ewa Bielecka, Chief Accountant<\/em>.” He remembered his friend’s words: “They operate online, so you have contact with them all over the world. I worked with them during contracts in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Belgium.”
Yes! This was his chance for rescue from this bureaucratic jungle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 2 \u2013 What Formalities Must Be Met to Obtain the A1 Certificate from ZUS in 2025?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The next morning, Andrzej was waiting for someone to let him into the Google Meet call. A moment later, Ms. Ewa joined\u2014a forty-something, energetic accountant with a sharp gaze, known for being fearless in the face of any procedure. She smiled encouragingly, seeing Andrzej\u2019s nervousness.
\u2013 Good morning, Mr. Andrzej. I heard you have an interesting job offer abroad and need help with the formalities \u2013 she began.
Andrzej sighed with relief, feeling he had come to the right place.
\u2013 Exactly, Ms. Ewa. I have absolutely no idea where to start. They require me to have my own business and some kind of A1 Certificate\u2026 whatever that means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ewa nodded.
\u2013 All right, let’s start from the beginning. First, sole proprietorship (JDG) registration<\/strong>. You have to set up a company in your name. In Poland, this is done through CEIDG<\/strong>\u2014the Central Register and Information on Economic Activity. This is the register for entrepreneurs running a sole proprietorship.
Andrzej listened carefully as Ewa continued, counting the points on her fingers:
\u2013 We file the CEIDG-1 application<\/a><\/strong>. You can do it online, but if you prefer, we can fill it out together on paper, and you can take it to the city office. In the application, you provide your data, address, company name, type of activity\u2014for example, construction services\u2014and a few important choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Such as? \u2013 Andrzej interrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 For example, the form of taxation<\/strong>. You have to decide how you will settle your income tax. The options are: general rules, flat tax, or lump sum<\/strong> \u2013 Ewa explained, and, seeing Andrzej\u2019s confused look, began to clarify in simpler terms: \u2013 General rules means the progressive tax scale of 12% and 32%\u2014you pay 12% of your income, but if you earn a lot, you pay 32% above a certain threshold. The flat tax<\/strong> is a fixed 19% of income, regardless of how much you earn\u2014it is profitable if you plan for high earnings to avoid the 32%. In turn, the lump sum tax on registered income<\/strong> is a tax on revenue, paid at a rate depending on the type of activity, without deducting costs. For construction, the lump sum is around 5.5% of revenue.
Andrzej blinked. So many numbers overwhelmed him.
\u2013 I think the 19% flat tax will be the most sensible choice \u2013 she stated, assuming the Euro contract might yield significant income.
\u2013 A sensible choice \u2013 Ewa nodded. \u2013 For high earnings abroad, the flat tax is favorable, and the accounting is simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 What next? \u2013 Andrzej asked.
\u2013 By entering the company into CEIDG, we will immediately register you with the Tax Office and GUS (Central Statistical Office). You will get a NIP<\/strong> (Tax ID) and REGON<\/strong> (Statistical Number), provided you don’t have them already. Do you have a NIP?
Andrzej pondered. Once, a long time ago, he had a NIP as a student working odd jobs, but he couldn’t remember it.
\u2013 It’s possible I have one, but I don’t know the number.
\u2013 No worries. If you have an assigned NIP, the system will assign it to you, and if not, a new one will be assigned automatically. After registration, the company will also receive a REGON<\/strong> number from the statistical office\u2014usually within a few days. These numbers will be needed on invoices and official documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej nodded, nervously taking notes. Ewa smiled reassuringly.
\u2013 Please don’t worry, I will help you. We will fill out the form together. That’s what the screen sharing function on Google Meet<\/strong> is for. Company registration in CEIDG is free of charge<\/strong> and relatively quick. We can even set the start date for the next Monday so you are formally an entrepreneur from that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Sounds good \u2013 Andrzej sighed. \u2013 Do I have to take care of anything else after registering?
\u2013 Yes, ZUS<\/strong>. Once you have the CEIDG entry, you must register with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS)<\/strong> as an entrepreneur within 7 days. This means completing the ZUS ZUA form<\/strong>\u2014the registration for insurance. We must register you for mandatory social and health insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ewa pulled out another sheet of paper and began sketching a table.
\u2013 ZUS contributions are divided into several types: social insurance<\/strong>\u2014retirement, disability, accident, and voluntary sickness\u2014and health insurance<\/strong>. Additionally, there’s the Labour Fund<\/strong> and Solidarity Fund<\/strong>, but you won’t have to worry about those initially, as start-up reliefs won’t cover them.
Andrzej gasped slightly, hearing the litany.
\u2013 Start-up reliefs? – he asked, latching onto the positive-sounding word.
\u2013 Yes. Since this is your first business and you didn’t run it for a former employer, you are eligible for the so-called Start Relief<\/strong>. For the first 6 months<\/strong> of running the company, you are exempt from paying social insurance contributions<\/strong>\u2014meaning you don’t pay for retirement, disability, accident, or the Labour Fund. You only pay the health contribution<\/strong> to ZUS and nothing else. That’s significant savings \u2013 she emphasized.
\u2013 That’s great! \u2013 Andrzej exclaimed happily. \u2013 So, for half a year, half the bureaucracy and costs.
However, Ms. Ewa raised a warning finger:
\u2013 Please remember that during this period, you are not covered by retirement or sickness insurance. If you get sick or have an accident, you are not entitled to sickness benefit<\/strong>, because sickness is voluntary and is not paid under the Start Relief. And these savings come with a catch in your case… \u2013 she hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej frowned. He had already learned that every government “bonus” has a catch.
\u2013 What catch? \u2013 he asked cautiously.
\u2013 It concerns the A1 Certificate<\/strong> you need to work in Germany. The Start Relief means you don’t pay social contributions, and the A1 Certificate confirms that you are subject to the Polish social security system. Do you see the paradox?
Andrzej thought about it. Since he wasn’t paying retirement contributions for half a year, would ZUS consider him \u201esubject to the system\u201d?
\u2013 Does that mean that if I use the relief, they might not give me the A1? \u2013 he asked anxiously.
\u2013 ZUS might object, arguing that since you are not paying full contributions, you are trying to circumvent the system<\/strong> \u2013 Ewa explained \u2013 The regulations don’t say this explicitly, but from experience, I know it’s better for you to pay at least minimal social contributions from the start to show you are genuinely insured. Otherwise, the officials might think the company was only set up for show. Besides, I always prefer my clients not to have to worry about what they will do in case of illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej sighed heavily. He hadn’t even earned a zloty yet, and he already had to give up the relief and pay ZUS?
\u2013 So you are suggesting I don’t use the Start Relief<\/strong> and pay social contributions right away? \u2013 he muttered, scratching his head.
\u2013 The decision is yours \u2013 Ewa replied calmly. \u2013 We can try to use the relief to save money, but we risk an A1 delay or refusal. And you don’t have too much time, do you?
Andrzej recalled Karl’s urging tone: \u201estart next month<\/strong>\u201d. He nodded resignedly.
\u2013 I have no choice. It’s tough, but I’ll pay that ZUS\u2026 \u2013 he said, though inwardly he grimly accepted the monthly amount of about a thousand zloty.
\u2013 Please don’t worry. You will still pay less for the first two years thanks to preferential contributions \u2013 Ewa consoled him. \u2013 The Preferential ZUS<\/strong> is another relief\u2014after the 6 months of Start Relief, for the next 24 months, you pay reduced contributions based on a lower assessment basis (only 30% of the minimum wage). That’s about PLN 300\u2013400 per month for social insurance plus the health contribution, instead of the full rates. That’s a relief for new companies. So, in total, you will be on full ZUS after 2 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 I understand. So now we register the company, register me for ZUS with the full insurance package right away\u2026 what then? \u2013 Andrzej tried to organize the plan.

\u2013 Then we will finally deal with the A1 Certificate<\/strong> \u2013 Ewa stated, giving him a meaningful look. \u2013 It’s the key to your departure and perhaps the most insidious element of this puzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n \n

Worried about these formalities? Let’s talk.<\/h4>\n

\n A single 15-minute conversation could save you thousands of zloty and weeks of stress. We’ll review your situation and advise you on the next steps\u2014with no obligation.\n <\/p>\n \n Call Now: +48 517 855 874\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n


Chapter 3 \u2013 How long does it take to obtain an A1 certificate from ZUS, and what does the waiting time depend on?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A few days later, the registration formalities were already underway. Andrzej filed the CEIDG-1 application online with Ewa\u2019s help. He entered his company name: \u201cAndrzej Builds,\u201d chose the flat-rate tax, and set the start date of his business for Monday. The City Office confirmed the entry. The very next day, the CEIDG system assigned him a NIP number, and after a few more days he also received his REGON. Mr. Andrzej\u2019s company officially existed. With pride, he collected the certificate of entry in the register from the post office\u2014black on white, his first and last name appeared next to the newly assigned numbers. \u201cMaybe I should get some business cards?\u201d he thought. \u201cNooo. It\u2019s still too early for that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ewa didn\u2019t waste any time\u2014at the same time, she prepared the registration with ZUS. Andrzej signed the ZUS ZUA form, registering himself as both payer and insured person. He resigned from the start-up relief, so he was immediately covered by full insurance: pension, disability, accident, health, and even voluntary sickness insurance (just in case, she advised him to pay it\u2014if he falls ill, he will be entitled to a sickness benefit).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything was going smoothly, but Andrzej knew it was the calm before the storm. The real test was coming: to obtain A1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They met again via Google Meet to fill in the appropriate application. Ms. Ewa logged in on her computer to the ZUS Electronic Services Platform (PUE ZUS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 An A1 application can be submitted electronically \u2013 she explained. \u2013 The forms are marked with the symbols US-1, US-2, US-3, US-4 depending on the situation. In your case, there are two main types of A1 certificate to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej leaned in, curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 The first type, the most typical one, is the US-1 application \u2013 it concerns entrepreneurs posted to work abroad. Put simply, if you have been running a business in Poland and now you want, for a certain period, to carry out the same business in another EU country, you file US-1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 That sounds like my situation \u2013 Andrzej noted. \u2013 I have a company here and I want to go to Germany to do construction work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Ewa raised her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 There is a \u201cbut.\u201d ZUS usually requires that the business in Poland has already been operating for some time before it issues A1 on the basis of US-1. In practice they speak of at least 2 months of running the business before departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Two months? I\u2019ve had the company for a week\u2026 The contract starts in three weeks! \u2013 he began to feel panic rising. \u2013 I can\u2019t wait two months; the contractor won\u2019t keep me that long. Can the issuance of A1 be sped up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Exactly. That\u2019s why there is a second type of application \u2013 US-2 \u2013 Ewa continued in a calm tone. \u2013 US-2 is filed when a self-employed person will work alternately in several countries. This is the so-called A1 certificate for work in multiple countries at the same time. Then having the business for 2 months is not required, but\u2026 \u2013 here she let her voice trail off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Another catch? \u2013 Andrzej almost groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 \u2026but you have to meet a different condition: during the validity of A1, at least 25% of your professional activity must take place in Poland. In other words, you must earn 25% of your income in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej wiped his forehead with his hand. Numbers! Numbers again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 So if over a year I earn, say, 100 thousand zlotys, then 25 thousand I have to earn in Poland?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Exactly \u2013 Ewa confirmed. \u2013 It\u2019s an EU requirement, so that a significant part of the activity is recognized as being in the country of residence. Then ZUS can issue A1 for work in several countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Hm, but I\u2019m supposed to work mainly in Germany; this contract will be 100% of my time\u2026 \u2013 Andrzej began to calculate. \u2013 I won\u2019t have time to earn 25% in Poland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 You can provide some services in Poland in parallel, for example remotely. Or have a smaller client here. Otherwise, formally, it will be hard to fit it under the requirement of working in Poland \u2013 Ewa stated. \u2013 We\u2019ll have to convince ZUS that you have real activity here, not just \u201con paper.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej bit his lip. It sounded like yet another obstacle: where is he supposed to suddenly get Polish income from?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Let\u2019s try the simpler route first, through US-1. Let\u2019s submit the A1 application as a posting \u2013 he suddenly suggested, though he wasn\u2019t sure it was a good idea. \u2013 Maybe if they see the contract from Germany, they\u2019ll agree, even though the company is new?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ewa looked at him carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 We can try, but I\u2019m warning you \u2013 the chances are small. ZUS is quite strict. All right, at worst they\u2019ll refuse, and then we\u2019ll file US-2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision was made. They filled out the US-1 application electronically. Ewa entered Andrzej\u2019s details\u2014his NIP, REGON, and the date he started his business. She attached a copy of the contract from BauHaus GmbH, which Andrzej had received by email from Karl\u2014as proof that a year of work in Germany was waiting for him. In the \u201cposting period\u201d field, she entered: 12 months (as a standard rule, A1 for the self-employed can be issued for a maximum of 24 months, but they only needed a year anyway).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Done. I\u2019m sending it \u2013 she said, clicking the confirmation. \u2013 Now we wait for ZUS\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 How long can it take? \u2013 Andrzej asked, hoping to hear \u201ca few days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 It varies\u2026 From a few days to a few weeks. We\u2019ll try to monitor it. Please check your PUE ZUS account<\/a>\u2014you\u2019ll receive the response there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next few days passed for Andrzej as if in suspension. Every morning he logged into his ZUS online profile to check the status of the application. In the meantime, Karl from Germany got in touch: \u201cAndrzej, alles klar? When can you come? My boss is asking about the paperwork.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej clumsily explained in German that he was waiting on the Polish authorities. Karl didn\u2019t understand. \u201cHere it would take one day\u2014why is it taking so long?\u201d the contractor wondered. The pressure to start work quickly was becoming more and more palpable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week passed. On Friday afternoon, just before the office closed, Andrzej received a notification in the ZUS system. A decision regarding the US-1 application. His heart thumped hard as he clicked to read the letter. Unfortunately, the very first sentences cooled his hopes:\u00a0\u201e<\/strong>The Social Insurance Institution refuses to issue the A1 certificate. Justification: failure to demonstrate that the business has been conducted in the territory of the Republic of Poland for the required period prior to posting.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Damn it! \u2013 Andrzej blurted out as soon as he finished reading. Furious, he grabbed his phone and called Ewa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Ms. Ewa, they refused. You said\u2026 you were right \u2013 he said in a trembling voice. \u2013 What am I going to do now? Karl will kill me, I\u2019ll lose this contract\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Calm down, Mr. Andrzej \u2013 Ewa tried to reassure him. \u2013 This is exactly what we expected. It\u2019s not over yet. Now we implement plan B. We file the US-2 application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej took a few breaths, trying to regain control of himself. He thought of the harsh words that were rising to his lips about ZUS: \u201cBureaucratic leeches! I have a contract, I want to pay taxes and contributions in Poland, and they\u2019re making it difficult for me!\u201d He felt his frustration growing, but he knew he had to keep a cool head. Exactly like the hero of a thriller novel who has to come up with a contingency plan yet again. Andrzej quickly realized that the answer to the question \u201chow long does it actually take to get an A1 certificate?\u201d is not straightforward\u2014officials often make you wait as long as 8 weeks, and a wrong document can send everything back to square one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 4 \u2013 Plan B: Alternating Work<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On Monday morning, Mr. Andrzej appeared on Ms. Ewa\u2019s computer screen once again. This time, the atmosphere felt like a staff briefing before a decisive operation. Ewa brewed herself a strong coffee and suggested to Andrzej: \u201cMake yourself the same one.\u201d Then she laid a blank form out in front of her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 All right, now the US-2 application. We have to demonstrate that you will be working simultaneously in Poland and abroad. In other words, that your business has an international character, but Poland remains a significant base for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej nodded, even though emotions were still boiling inside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 We\u2019ll put in the application that the period for which you want the certificate is, say, 12 months, starting next month. We\u2019ll indicate that the work will be carried out in two countries: Poland and Germany. \u2013 Ewa spoke as she filled in successive fields. \u2013 We\u2019ll need to attach documents confirming activity in both countries. From Germany we have that contract with BauHaus GmbH. And what will we show for Poland? Do you already have any income, any job in Poland?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 No\u2026 I only just set up the business; I focused on that German assignment. I didn\u2019t have time to look for anything here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ewa thought for a moment, tapping her pen on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Hmmm\u2026 Maybe you could do some small job here, in the country, even a symbolic one, just to issue an invoice? \u2013 she suggested. \u2013 ZUS will definitely ask about invoices or contracts from the last months to check actual business activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Easy to say\u2026 Where am I supposed to get a client immediately? \u2013 Andrzej groaned. \u2013 Construction services aren\u2019t something you sell overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suddenly, Ewa smiled mysteriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 You know what? I happen to be looking for a tradesman to renovate the garage at my house on my plot. It was supposed to wait until summer, but\u2026 why not now? I\u2019d commission it to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej looked at her in disbelief, not knowing whether Ewa was joking. But she continued:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 We would draw up a contract with your company for the renovation, and you would issue me an invoice \u2013 say, for a few thousand zlotys. You\u2019d get the money anyway \u2013 and at the same time you\u2019d have official income from Poland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relief mixed with amusement appeared on Andrzej\u2019s face. The situation was absurd\u2014he was fighting the administrative system by renovating his accountant\u2019s garage to prove his business actually operates. But isn\u2019t that how the best anecdotes are born?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 If it\u2019s not a problem\u2026 I\u2019ll happily renovate your garage \u2013 he replied with gratitude. \u2013 I\u2019ll even issue an advance invoice today, as long as we have a document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Great. \u2013 Ewa hit the computer keys with new energy. \u2013 We\u2019ll attach a contract with Precyzja Accounting Office for the renovation as well as the advance invoice. It also wouldn\u2019t hurt to add, for example, a printout of an advertisement showing that you offer services in Poland\u2014let them see you\u2019re looking for clients. Do you have a website or at least a Facebook profile for your company?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Not yet, I haven\u2019t had time\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Then please set up at least a simple website or a profile and post an offer of your services. You\u2019re a company, so act like a company. Then we\u2019ll take a screenshot as evidence. ZUS sometimes requires proof of so-called actual business activity\u2014advertising, flyers, contracts with contractors, bills for a business phone, office rent, and so on. \u2013 Ewa listed it all off like a seasoned strategist planning a sabotage operation. \u2013 The point is to prove that your company is a real business, not an empty shell set up only to avoid paying contributions abroad. Besides\u2014damn it\u2014she got a bit worked up\u2014You\u2019re an entrepreneur now. You have to think and act like an entrepreneur. Which means you have to look for new clients. Because the one from Germany is here today and gone tomorrow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej nodded, absorbing the advice. Over the next two days he worked like a man possessed: during the day he painted and plastered Ewa\u2019s garage; in the evening he set up the website andrzejbuduje.pl with an offer of renovation services in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. He also issued two invoices: one for the Precyzja office for the renovation (Ewa insisted he do it officially), and another small one\u2014for fixing a fence for a neighbor whom he persuaded to use his services. The neighbor readily agreed when he heard it was to \u201csave a special mission against bureaucracy.\u201d Andrzej paused for a moment, thinking: \u201cMaybe finding clients isn\u2019t that scary?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon, the US-2 application was ready to be sent. Ewa attached: the German contract, the commission contract for renovating the garage, invoices documenting income in Poland, and a printout from the website. She signed the whole substantial package of electronic documents with a qualified electronic signature and sent it via the ZUS portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Now all that\u2019s left is to wait \u2013 she announced, though she herself seemed slightly nervous. \u2013 We\u2019ll monitor the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 5 \u2013 Waiting for a Miracle in PUE ZUS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Waiting for A1 became a real test of patience for Andrzej. Every morning he woke up and instinctively reached for his laptop to check the status. Days went by, and in the PUE ZUS system the same laconic message still showed: \u201capplication under review.\u201d Karl was calling almost every day. Sometimes all Andrzej had left was humor and sarcasm to explain it to Karl somehow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 \u201cAndrzej, are you coming or not? My boss is angry.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Karl, Poland is not for impatient people \u2013 Andrzej would reply half jokingly, half seriously. \u2013 \u201cHere everything must swoje odczeka\u0107 \u2013 how to say \u2013 wait its due time. Paperwork first, work later.\u201d (Karl, Poland is not a country for impatient people. Here everything has to swoje odczeka\u0107\u2014how do you say it\u2014wait for its time. First paperwork, then work.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karl would only sigh in resignation: \u201cDas ist Wahnsinn\u2026 That is madness.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej felt like the hero of a thriller trapped in a bureaucratic quagmire\u2014the tension rose every day without any action. He recalled scenes from Vincent V. Severski\u2019s spy novels, where agents waited for the signal to act, hidden, helpless against the passage of time. He, too, was waiting for a signal from headquarters\u2014only instead of a secret order from an agency, he was waiting for an ordinary administrative \u201cYes, we are issuing the A1 certificate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When two weeks had passed and there was still no decision, Andrzej began to worry for real. The contract was supposed to start any day now. Dark scenarios swarmed in his head: \u201cMaybe ZUS will come up with something again? Maybe these documents won\u2019t be enough for them?\u201d He imagined an anonymous official examining his application under a magnifying glass, looking for a hole in everything. Every ring of the phone sent a shiver through him\u2014he was afraid it was Karl calling with news that the contract had been canceled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, one Wednesday morning, when Andrzej logged into his ZUS profile almost mechanically, a new entry appeared before his eyes: \u201cA1 certificate \u2013 issued.\u201d For a moment he couldn\u2019t believe it, reading the words twice. It sounded like\u2026 success! He opened the details and saw a digitally signed PDF file\u2014his A1 certificate. It had been issued for a period of 12 months, with the note that it concerned work in Poland and Germany at the same time. In the remarks field there was even a reminder about the need to meet the requirement of 25% of income from Poland. But Andrzej was simply overjoyed now\u2014like a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He grabbed his phone and called everyone: first Ms. Ewa\u2014to thank her and share the good news\u2014and then Karl right after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 \u201cI have it! I got the A1 certificate! I\u2019m coming next week!\u201d \u2013 he was almost shouting into the phone, standing in the middle of the sidewalk in front of his apartment. Passers-by looked at him in amazement, as if they were seeing a madman. But he was simply celebrating a battle won against bureaucracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karl exhaled with relief on the other end: \u201cGut, gut! Finally! We start on Monday, ok? But why so late, what happened?\u201d \u2013 he pressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej smiled to himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 It\u2019s a long story\u2014I\u2019ll tell you over a beer. I\u2019ll just say that Polish administration is an adventure almost as extreme as climbing scaffolding \u2013 he joked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 \u201cHehe, I can imagine. Burokratie ist \u00fcberall schlimm, aber chyba Poland wins,\u201d Karl laughed, mixing languages. \u2013 \u201cSee you Monday. Gratuliere, Herr Andrzej!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 6 \u2013 Epilogue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A few days later, Mr. Andrzej was already on his way to Munich. In his suitcase, next to his hard hat and documents, he had a printed A1 certificate\u2014his precious \u201cinsurance passport,\u201d as Ms. Ewa called it. Thanks to this document, in the event of an inspection on a construction site in Germany he would show that he pays contributions in Poland and does not have to be insured in the German system. He would also avoid paying contributions and taxes twice. On the way, he stopped by the Precyzja office one more time for final guidance. Ewa congratulated him on his perseverance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 We did it, Mr. Andrzej. I\u2019m truly happy. Please remember about that 25% of income in Poland\u2014we have to account for it. I\u2019ll keep an eye on it on an ongoing basis so that you also issue invoices here. You have to pick up jobs in Poland and remember that this is where your tax residency is. Otherwise, with the next A1 application, they may ask whether you met the conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrzej nodded with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Sure. I\u2019ll remember. If anything, I can always paint your second garage \u2013 he joked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They both laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they said goodbye, Ewa shook his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Good luck on the contract. Please be careful\u2026 and with German beer too\u2014apparently it\u2019s stronger than our ZUS! \u2013 she winked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 After what I\u2019ve been through with Polish bureaucracy, nothing scares me anymore \u2013 Andrzej replied proudly. \u2013 Thank you for everything. Without you, I would have gotten stuck in this labyrinth of regulations for good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Andrzej drove away from the office, he felt a surge of satisfaction. Here he was\u2014Andrzej, a freshly minted entrepreneur\u2014had beaten the system like the hero of a thriller. This story had action, tension, plot twists, and even humor straight out of a bitter comedy. He didn\u2019t have to chase anyone or decipher secret codes\u2014it was enough to make it through CEIDG, ZUS, NIP, REGON, US-1, US-2\u2026 The whole alphabet of Polish bureaucracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside the bus window, the last Polish towns before the border flickered past. Andrzej looked at them with tenderness and irony at the same time. \u201cPoland is a beautiful country,\u201d he thought, \u201cthough sometimes more sensational than many a thriller. Especially when you\u2019re trying to get something done at an office.\u201d He smiled to himself, ready for new challenges. This adventure taught him one thing: when dealing with bureaucracy, it\u2019s worth having allies like Ms. Ewa, a sense of humor, and plan A, B, and even C. Thanks to that, even the longest procedure ends someday\u2014and then you can move forward, toward the next chapters of your own story.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\n Dbamy o to, aby nasze artyku\u0142y by\u0142y praktyczne i oparte na realnym do\u015bwiadczeniu.
\n Pami\u0119taj jednak, \u017ce podatki i ksi\u0119gowo\u015b\u0107, zw\u0142aszcza w przypadku
\n jednoosobowej dzia\u0142alno\u015bci gospodarczej z dochodami zagranicznymi i za\u015bwiadczeniem A1<\/a>
\n z ZUS, wymagaj\u0105 indywidualnej analizy. To, co dzia\u0142a w jednym przypadku, w innym mo\u017ce wygl\u0105da\u0107 zupe\u0142nie inaczej.
\n Je\u015bli chcesz mie\u0107 pewno\u015b\u0107, \u017ce Twoja sytuacja jest rozliczona prawid\u0142owo,
\n skontaktuj si\u0119 z nami<\/a> \u2013 Biuro Rachunkowe Precyzja ch\u0119tnie Ci w tym pomo\u017ce.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Czas konieczny do za\u0142o\u017cenia dzia\u0142alno\u015bci gospodarczej i uzyskania za\u015bwiadczenia A1 zazwyczaj wynosi do dw\u00f3ch miesi\u0119cy. Chyba, \u017ce pope\u0142ni si\u0119 jaki\u015b b\u0142\u0105d po drodze. Wtedy mo\u017ce to trwa\u0107 znacznie d\u0142u\u017cej.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1180,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1179","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-praca-za-granica","category-zaswiadczenie-a1"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1179","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1179"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1179\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4044,"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1179\/revisions\/4044"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1180"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1179"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1179"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biuroprecyzja.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1179"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}