The place of origin refers to the specific location or country where an employee of an EU institution or agency is considered to have their permanent or habitual residence prior to their employment. This is typically defined at the time of recruitment and is used for various administrative and logistical purposes.

Identifying the place of origin is crucial for determining certain entitlements and allowances for EU employees. It helps to establish the employee’s eligibility for the expatriation allowance, travel expenses compensation, and other benefits that are designed to support employees who are working away from their home country.

It is possible to change one’s place of origin, but it requires providing sufficient proof that a place of origin change has indeed occurred, and is not being done to, for example, claim a larger annual travel grant for contract agents, assistants and administrators, or a larger monthly allowance for Seconded National Experts.

Understanding the place of origin is essential for both prospective and current EU employees, as it directly influences their entitlements and overall employment conditions.