EU Commission Salaries 2026: Grids AD5–AD16, Net Pay & Allowances

Many candidates invest months in EPSO preparation without a clear picture of what awaits them on the other side. Here is a realistic overview of compensation, benefits, and career trajectory at the EU institutions.

Salary Structure

EU officials are not paid national salaries. They receive an EU salary that is exempt from national income tax (but subject to a lower EU-internal tax). Salaries are set by grade and step, with automatic step increases every 2 years.

AD5 Salary 2026

The entry grade for most EPSO generalist competitions. An AD5 step 1 official earns EUR 6,152.64 basic per month. With the 16% expatriation allowance, a single official in Brussels takes home about EUR 5,600 net/month (about EUR 6,500 with the household allowance and one child).

AD6 Salary 2026

The first promotion grade above AD5, typically reached after 2-3 years of service. An AD6 step 1 official earns EUR 6,961.29 basic per month.

AD7 Salary 2026

An AD7 step 1 official earns EUR 7,876.27 basic per month.

AD9 Salary 2026

Many mid-career specialists and policy officers hold this grade. An AD9 step 1 official earns EUR 10,082.77 basic per month.

AD12 Salary 2026

Typically a Head of Unit or senior expert grade. An AD12 step 1 official earns EUR 14,603.92 basic per month.

AD14 Salary 2026 (Director)

Reaching AD14 requires significant management experience and is a competitive, senior appointment. An AD14 step 1 Director earns EUR 18,695.13 basic per month.

AST (Assistant) Basic Monthly Salaries

• AST1 step 1: EUR 3,754.39
• AST3 step 1: EUR 4,806.17
• AST5 step 1: EUR 6,152.64 (same as AD5)

Contract Agent (CAST) Basic Monthly Salaries

• FG III: from EUR 3,475.62 (grade 8)
• FG IV: from EUR 4,449.31 (grade 13)

These are basic salaries from the official grid (Official Journal C/2025/6564, in force since 1 July 2025), before the 16% expatriation allowance and family allowances, which are added, and pension, health insurance and EU tax, which are deducted. Net pay depends on personal circumstances (household status, dependants); the AD5 figures above show a typical case. Salaries are adjusted every year.

Allowances and Benefits

Expatriation Allowance

If you are not a national of the country where you work (most staff in Brussels), you receive an expatriation allowance of 16% of your basic salary plus family allowances (with a guaranteed minimum amount). This alone adds EUR 800-2,000 per month for most grades.

Household Allowance

If you have a dependent spouse or partner: approximately EUR 241/month plus 2% of basic salary (July 2025 rate, updated annually).

Dependent Child Allowance

Approximately EUR 527/month per child (July 2025 rate, updated annually), plus education allowances that can cover international school fees.

Other Benefits

• Annual travel allowance: Based on distance from your country of origin
• Installation allowance: One-time payment when you start (up to 2 months' basic salary)
• Pension: Generous defined-benefit pension after minimum 10 years of service
• Health insurance: Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme covering you and dependants at approximately 80-85%
• European School access: For children of EU staff (free)

Career Progression

Promotions

Promotions are merit-based and happen on average every 2-3 years in the early career (average seniority for AD5 to AD6 promotion is approximately 2.8 years), slowing at higher grades. Most AD5 entrants can expect to reach AD9-AD12 over a 20-30 year career. Reaching AD14 (Director) or AD15-16 (Director-General) is competitive and requires management experience.

Mobility

EU officials are encouraged to change positions every 4-5 years. You can move between Directorates-General within the Commission, between institutions (e.g., from the Commission to the Council), or to EU agencies and delegations worldwide.

Work-Life Balance

The EU institutions offer:

• Flexitime: Core hours are approximately 9:30-12:00 and 15:00-16:30 (reduced to 16:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays). Outside core hours, you manage your own schedule.
• Teleworking: Most positions allow up to 3 days per week remote work (minimum 2 days in the office).
• Leave: Minimum 24 days annual leave (plus additional days based on age and grade), plus EU-specific holidays (Europe Day, institutional holidays).
• Parental leave: Up to 6 months per child.

The Brussels Factor

Most EU positions are based in Brussels, with some in Luxembourg, Strasbourg, or at the 40+ EU agencies across Europe. Brussels has a large international community, excellent transport links, and a lower cost of living than London, Paris, or Munich. Many EU staff find the quality of life exceptionally high.

Is It Worth the Preparation Effort?

Consider the numbers. An AD5 official starting at age 30, progressing through the grades over a 35+ year career, will earn well in excess of EUR 3 million in net salary, plus a pension accrued at 1.8% per year of service (after minimum 10 years). This does not include allowances.

The EPSO preparation investment, typically 2-3 months of focused study, has one of the highest returns on investment of any career move available to EU citizens.

Getting there starts with the EPSO pre-selection tests. Try the free EPSO practice tests for all five sections, or take a free EPSO test online to see where you stand today.