AD5-AD16 Permanent Official

AD Competitions (Administrators)

Policy analysis, legal drafting, project management. The highest-grade permanent positions across EU institutions. University degree required, no experience for AD5 entry.

Overview

Administrator (AD) competitions recruit the policy officers, legal experts, economists, and managers who shape EU legislation and implement European programmes. AD is the highest functional category for permanent officials, spanning grades AD5 to AD16.

AD5 is the standard entry grade for university graduates with no professional experience. AD7 requires 6 years of relevant experience and is used for specialist profiles (auditors, IT, lawyers). Senior roles (AD9-AD12) are filled through internal promotion or specialist competitions.

For AD5 2026 (EPSO/AD/427/26), 174,922 candidates applied for 1,490 reserve list places — a 0.85% success rate. The competition is entirely online with remote proctoring.

Entry Requirements

EU citizenship with full civic rights
University degree (minimum 3 years) completed by application deadline
No professional experience required for AD5
AD7: minimum 6 years relevant professional experience
Language 1: C1 level in any of the 24 official EU languages
Language 2: B2 level in a second EU language
No age limit

Selection Tests

Verbal reasoning: 20 questions / 35 minutes (35% of final score)
Numerical reasoning: 10 questions / 20 minutes (pass/fail gate)
Abstract reasoning: 10 questions / 10 minutes (pass/fail gate)
EU Knowledge MCQ: 30 questions / 40 minutes (25% of final score)
Digital Skills MCQ (25% of final score)
EUFTE Written Test: 40 minutes for top candidates (15% of final score)

Typical Roles

Policy analysis and legislative drafting at the European Commission
Legal affairs at the Court of Justice of the European Union
Budget and audit at the European Court of Auditors
Parliamentary research at the European Parliament
Diplomatic coordination at the European External Action Service
Economic analysis at the European Central Bank
Programme management across EU agencies

Salary & Benefits

AD5 Step 1: EUR 4,917-5,100/month gross. Plus 16% expatriation allowance for non-nationals, family allowances, 80% healthcare coverage, and EU pension. Exempt from national income tax — subject to reduced EU community tax instead.

Try the simulator Competition Programs

Other competition tracks

AST Competitions (Assistants) AST/SC Competitions (Secretaries & Clerks) CAST Permanent (Contract Agents)

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