The EU institutions employ staff under different types of contracts, depending on the nature of the role and level of responsibility. The main distinction is between permanent staff and non-permanent staff.
Permanent staff
Permanent staff work for the EU institutions on a permanent basis, building long-term careers in public service. In the EU, they are called ‘officials’ and are recruited after having passed external or internal selection competitions.
Non-permanent staff
Non-permanent staff work for the EU institutions on fixed-term contracts, either to provide support in specific areas or to bring in specialist expertise. The 2 main types of non-permanent staff are described below.
Temporary staff
Temporary staff take on specialist roles and may have responsibilities similar to permanent staff. This type of contract may be right for you if you are:
- experienced in a specialised field
- a policy or subject expert
- looking for a senior or longer-term role in the EU institutions
Temporary staff apply for specific positions directly and go through an internal selection process, which is clearly explained before the interview.
Contract staff
This contract type may suit you if you are:
- an early-career professional
- looking to gain experience in the EU institutions
- interested in a more flexible or shorter-term role
Contract staff are recruited through a selection process that includes tests and interviews.
Seconded national experts
If you work in a public administration in an EU country, you can apply for a temporary placement (secondment) at an EU institution. This arrangement allows for an exchange of skills, knowledge and experience.
Each EU institution, body or agency manages its own application and recruitment process for seconded national experts (SNE). For information about current opportunities, contact your country's permanent representation to the EU.
Comparison table
Use the table below to compare the main EU contract types and understand the main differences between them.
| Permanent staff | Temporary staff | Contract staff | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract length | Indefinite | Fixed-term | Fixed-term |
| Selection process | External or internal competitions | Role-specific selection procedures | Selection from the EU’s contract staff database, with tests and interview |
| Grade and function | AD, AST, AST/SC | AD, AST, AST/SC | FG I , FG II, FG III, FG IV |
| Who it’s for | People looking for a permanent EU career | Specialised professionals with relevant experience | Early-career professionals or specialists looking to gain EU experience |
| Path to permanent roles | This is already a permanent role | Through external or internal competitions | Through external or internal competitions |