Digitization of the posting procedure: What companies need to know from 2026 onwards

A significant change in social security law will come into effect on January 1, 2026: The digital posting procedure for employees posted to countries with social security agreements will become mandatory. For small and medium-sized enterprises, this means new processes, new technical requirements – and the opportunity for greater efficiency.

What exactly will change?

• Digital application for posting certificates: In future, applications for the certificate (comparable to the A1 certificate for EU/EEA countries) must be submitted electronically via a system-tested payroll accounting program or the social security reporting portal.
• Scope: The regulation affects all countries with social security agreements (e.g., USA, Canada, China, Turkey).
• Mandatory start: Digital applications will be mandatory from January 1, 2026. Paper procedures will be eliminated, with a few exceptions at the German Federal Pension Insurance Fund.

Why this change?

The digitization of the application procedure for postings is intended to:

• Shorten processing times (usually three working days),
• avoid double insurance,
• reduce bureaucracy, and simplify the provision of evidence.

The electronic posting certificate is considered the original and must be handed over to the employee before departure.

What do companies need to do now?

• Perform a system check
  • Check whether your payroll accounting software supports the new “SVA posting application” data record.
• Use the SV reporting portal
  • If you do not have suitable software, register on the SV reporting portal.
• Adapt processes
  • Ensure that the certificate is available in good time before the start of the trip.
• Inform employees
  • Inform your teams about the new procedures and deadlines.

Our tip for small and medium-sized businesses

The switch to the digital posting procedure is not only a legal obligation, but also an opportunity: those who create the technical requirements early on will benefit from faster processes and less administrative effort. We are happy to support you in integrating the digital posting procedure into your HR and payroll processes or even specifically with the application process.