The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your German U1 Form From Abroad in 2025
Quick Summary:
- The U1 form is essential to claim unemployment benefits in your new EU country.
- Issued by the Agentur für Arbeit in Germany.
- Required if you worked in Germany and are now moving to another EU country.
- You must apply manually — it won’t be sent automatically.
- This guide walks you through everything — or skip the stress with our Done-For-You service.
💡 What Is the U1 Form?
The U1 form (formerly E301) certifies your insurance periods under German unemployment insurance. It’s used by the unemployment agency in your new country (e.g., Spain, France, Italy) to determine if you qualify for benefits.
Full German name: "Bescheinigung über die in einem anderen Mitgliedstaat zurückgelegten Versicherungszeiten"
🚨 Why Is This Form So Critical?
Without it, your new country might refuse or delay your unemployment benefits.
The U1 ensures your German work history counts toward benefits in your new home. It’s a legal link between your employment records in Germany and your eligibility elsewhere in the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
👤 Who Needs the U1 Form?
Anyone who:
- Worked in Germany and is now unemployed
- Is moving to another EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- Wants to transfer their rights to unemployment benefits
📝 The Step-by-Step Application Process (The “DIY” Method)
Step 1: Gather Your Key Documents & Numbers
- Rentenversicherungsnummer (German pension number)
- Copy of your passport or ID
- Your German employment contract or termination letter
- Your address abroad
Step 2: Download the Official Form
You’ll need the "Antrag auf Ausstellung der Bescheinigung U1" form. Some offices require a Vollmacht if someone applies for you.
Step 3: Understand Your Employer’s Critical Role
Your last German employer must complete the Arbeitgeberbescheinigung — and this is often the #1 cause of delays.
Step 4: Submit to the Correct Office
Send all documents to the Agentur für Arbeit responsible for your employer’s location.
😫 The Challenge: Why Doing This Alone Is Hard
- German bureaucracy is difficult to navigate abroad
- Many offices won’t respond to emails
- Delays are common due to missing or slow employer responses
🚀 The Smarter Alternative: Our Done-For-You U1 Service
- We handle all German forms and communications
- Coordinate with your old employer
- Submit everything to the correct office
- Keep you updated on progress
- Send you your U1 digitally and physically
“I wasted a month trying to do this myself. They got it done in 6 weeks. Worth every penny!”
— Sarah K., now living in Barcelona
📩 What Happens After You Receive the U1?
Take it to your unemployment office abroad (SEPE, Pôle emploi, UWV, etc). They calculate your benefits based on the German periods listed in your U1.
❓ FAQ: Your Questions Answered
- What's the difference between a U1 and a U2 form?
- The U1 certifies insurance periods for unemployment. The U2 allows you to receive unemployment benefits abroad while job hunting.
- What happens to my German pension when I leave?
- Your contributions remain with Deutsche Rentenversicherung. You can claim them upon retirement.
- Can I fill out the form in English?
- No — the form must be in German. This is one of the reasons many expats choose our service.
- Can I apply even if I’m already abroad?
- Yes. Just ensure your documents are clearly scanned and you have your employer’s cooperation.
- How long does it take to receive the U1?
- 6–10 weeks on average. Most delays are due to employers not completing the certificate promptly.
- Do you offer refunds?
- Yes. If your case cannot be completed due to missing documents or employer issues, we refund your fee in full.
✅ Ready to Stop Stressing?
Skip the paperwork. Skip the emails. Let our experts do the heavy lifting — all for just €99.