Mandatory COVID-19 certificate in the workplace from 15 January 2022

From 15 January 2022, only employees who have been vaccinated, recovered or tested will be allowed to enter the workplace – a 3G model. The requirement will apply until 28 February 2022. 

In order to enter the workplace employees must present a Covid-Check certificate that either shows:

• a vaccination certificate;
• a COVID-19 recovery certificate;
• a negative COVID-19 test result (either a PCR test no more than 48 hours old or a certified rapid antigen test no more than 24 hours old); or
• a medical exemption and a negative COVID-19 test result (either a PCR test no more than 48 hours old, a certified rapid antigen test no more than 24 hours old, or a test taken on site).

If an employee refuses to show a valid certificate they will not be allowed to enter the workplace. The employee can also not be sanctioned or dismissed for their refusal.

Employers are allowed to retain a list of employees and their certificates until 28 February 2022, if the employee consents.

If an employee fails to comply they will be fined EUR 500 to EUR 1,000, and employers will be fined up to EUR 4,000 for failing to monitor employees.

Additionally, the government is discussing making vaccinations mandatory and are currently looking at expert opinions.